Spike Port Locking Structure for Low-Force Drug Transfer Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery systems face challenges in securely connecting medical spikes to spike ports, leading to issues such as high insertion force requirements, potential damage to spikes and ports, and accidental disconnection, which can result in drug exposure.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a spike port with a reduced friction mechanism and a spike-locking mechanism that allows easy insertion but resists extraction, using materials like Teflon and lubricants to minimize insertion force and a locking element to secure the spike inside the port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction forces are applied by the spike port on the medical spike to keep it securely connected, then the holding reliability is improved, but the insertion force required increases causing pain and potential damage to the hands of medical staff
Solution Approach 1:
The spike port is divided into two functional zones: a first portion with high friction for securing the spike, and a second portion with low friction for easy insertion. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different friction characteristics are applied to different locations within the spike port. The first portion (distal end) has high friction to prevent accidental extraction, while the second portion (proximal end) has low friction to reduce insertion force. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between secure holding and easy insertion.
2Reliability
If friction forces are increased to prevent accidental extraction of the spike, then the connection security is improved, but the extraction force required increases potentially causing damage to the spike and port
Solution Approach 1:
The spike port structure is segmented into distinct friction zones that perform different functions: one zone provides high friction for security against accidental extraction, while another zone provides low friction to minimize extraction force requirements and prevent damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The spike port exhibits spatially varying friction properties, with high friction localized at the distal end for security and low friction at the proximal end for gentle extraction, thereby protecting spike integrity while maintaining connection security.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is introduced to prevent accidental disconnection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spike port utilizes the insertion and extraction actions themselves to activate the locking mechanism. The friction differential automatically engages the lock during normal operation without requiring additional controls, sensors, or power sources, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving high reliability.
4Ease of operation
If low friction materials are used to reduce insertion force, then the ease of operation is improved, but the holding force decreases potentially allowing accidental extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The spike port is segmented into two portions with different friction characteristics: the second portion (proximal end) uses low friction materials for easy insertion, while the first portion (distal end) uses high friction materials for secure holding, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
Different friction properties are applied locally within the spike port structure. Low friction materials are localized at the insertion interface to ease operation, while high friction materials are localized at the holding interface to prevent accidental extraction, allowing both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a secure, low-friction insertion process and significantly higher resistance to extraction, preventing accidental disconnection and ensuring safe, reliable drug transfer.
Implementation Method 1
using materials like Teflon and lubricants to minimize insertion force
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments are directed to a medical device for fluidly connecting to a medical spike, including a spike port configured to receive therein the medical spike and establish fluid communication between the medical spike and the medical device. The spike-locking mechanism can be configured to resist extraction of the medical spike from the spike port.