Sterile Connector Packaging for In-Pouch Fluid Line Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Connecting multiple fluid connector pieces in medical treatments introduces the risk of contamination, and certain devices like force activated separation devices (FASD) require pre-connection before use, necessitating unconnected storage to prevent performance degradation.

Innovation Solution

Packaging that includes an outer pouch with a lid and a component holder within, allowing for sterile connection of device parts by maintaining their orientation and enabling connection within the sealed pouch through a buckling or sliding mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fluid connector pieces are connected to form a complete infusion system, then the device functionality is improved, but the risk of contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging system segments the connector components into separate sterile compartments within a single pouch, allowing each component to remain individually sterile while enabling controlled connection within the same sterile environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging pouch acts as an intermediary sterile environment that allows components to be connected without direct exposure to external contamination, serving as a controlled medium between the components and the external environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If device parts are stored unconnected to prevent performance degradation, then the device reliability is improved, but the complexity of assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging system performs preliminary positioning and orientation of components within the pouch, pre-aligning them for connection while maintaining their unconnected state for reliability, thus reducing assembly complexity when the pouch is opened

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If components are connected before use, then the device functionality is improved, but the sterility maintenance becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidsterility maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the advantages of pre-connection (functional readiness) with sterile storage by allowing components to be connected within the sealed sterile pouch environment, thus maintaining sterility while achieving functional readiness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20260026909A1Packaging facilitating sterile connections

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 CAREFUSION 303 INC

AI summary

Packaging may be designed to allow for the forced connection of separate parts without breaching the sterile barrier of the packaging. A component holder housed within sterile packaging may hold device parts such that the device parts can shipped and stored separated and can be pushed together to create a sterile connection between the parts while the parts are housed within the packaging.