Spring-Activated Perforating Connector for Controlled Fluid-Bag Puncture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perforating connectors for medical fluid containers face issues with inconsistent application of force, material stiffness, and design weaknesses, leading to difficulties in aseptic access and puncturing of fluid bags.
Innovation Solution
A perforating connector assembly featuring a valve, perforator/spike with an o-ring, shell, lever, and actuator/slider mechanism, utilizing a compression spring to ensure consistent and controlled puncturing of medical fluid bags, preventing premature activation, and providing a defined end-of-travel position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a perforating connector is used to access medical fluid containers, then fluid access is enabled, but inconsistent force application and material stiffness cause unreliable puncturing
Solution Approach 1:
The connector performs the puncturing action automatically through spring force without requiring the user to manually apply force to pierce the container, making the system self-actuating and eliminating variability in user force application
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-compressed during assembly to store mechanical energy, which is then released to automatically drive the piercing element through the container seal, performing the puncturing action before fluid flow is needed
2Ease of operation
If manual force is applied to puncture the container, then access is achieved, but premature activation and inconsistent force lead to activation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical action of pushing or pulling to activate puncturing is replaced with an automatic spring-driven mechanism that eliminates the need for user force application and prevents premature activation
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, manually-actuated mechanism to a dynamic spring-driven system that automatically responds to container engagement, providing controlled and consistent activation timing
3Length of moving object
If the perforator is extended to reach the container seal, then puncturing capability is achieved, but the risk of premature activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-compressed and the piercing element is held in a retracted or protected position during assembly and storage, counteracting any tendency toward premature activation while maintaining the capability to reach and puncture the container seal when activated
4Device complexity
If a simple connector design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but material stiffness and design weaknesses cause activation failures
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components including the piercing element, spring mechanism, and housing, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes materials with appropriate mechanical properties, including spring steel for the elastic element and rigid materials for the housing and piercing element, creating a composite structure that balances flexibility and strength
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 assembly ensures reliable and aseptic access to medical fluids by using a spring-activated mechanism that maintains the perforator/spike within the bag, reducing the risk of premature activation and requiring minimal user force, thus enhancing the efficiency and reliability of fluid access.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a compression spring to ensure consistent and controlled puncturing of medical fluid bags
Data Source
AI summary
A perforating connector assembly is disclosed. The perforating connector assembly includes a valve for sealing to a medical fluid container and a perforating connector comprising a perforator sealingly accepted by the valve. The perforator includes a spiked end and a lever comprising a tab. The perforating connector also comprises a shell extending around the perforator sealingly accepted by the valve. The shell includes at least a post-activation opening. The perforating connector further comprises a spring decompressed during post-activation to translate the perforator so that the medical fluid container is pierced open by the spiked end and the tab becomes located within the post-activation opening of the shell, thereby preventing the perforator from being translated further.