Sterile Fluid Connector with Membrane-Sealed Plug-Socket Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dialysis machines require physical connections between disposable elements and the dialysis machine, which can introduce contaminants and complicate the process, necessitating improved connectors to ensure sterility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A connector system featuring a plug and socket design with a biased socket membrane that opens with insertion to allow fluid flow, providing a sealed connection that maintains sterility and facilitates easy alignment with corresponding medical machine components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple separate fasteners are used to attach the connector housing to the base, then the attachment strength is improved, but the device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate fasteners are merged into a single unitary snap-fit fastener that integrally attaches the connector housing to the base. This single fastener incorporates multiple attachment points and features that previously required separate fasteners, thereby reducing component count while maintaining attachment strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit fastener is designed with segmented functional zones including a first portion for initial engagement, a second portion for secondary attachment, and a third portion for sealing. This segmentation allows a single component to perform multiple attachment functions that previously required multiple separate fasteners.
2Device complexity
If a unitary snap-fit fastener is used to attach the connector housing to the base, then the device complexity is reduced, but the attachment strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-fit fastener combines multiple attachment mechanisms (snap-fit engagement, friction fit, and sealing contact) into a single integrated component. This merging ensures that attachment strength is maintained across multiple functional zones without requiring multiple separate fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing and base are formed from moldable material that provides both structural strength and flexibility for the snap-fit fastener. The material composition enables the single fastener to achieve both mechanical attachment and sealing functions with adequate strength.
3Reliability
If the connector housing is tightly sealed to the base, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the assembly and disassembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-fit fastener incorporates dynamic elements including resilient portions that can deform during assembly to enable engagement, and release features that allow controlled disengagement. This dynamic design enables tight sealing during operation while facilitating assembly and disassembly when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The moldable material is pre-configured with recesses and protrusions that guide the alignment and engagement of the snap-fit fastener during assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures proper positioning before final sealing engagement, reducing assembly difficulty while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector includes a plug and a socket. The plug defines a channel extending between a plug inlet defined by the plug and a plug outlet defined by the plug, where the plug inlet is configured to mechanically and fluidically engage a first conduit. The socket includes a socket body defining a socket well and a socket membrane. The socket is configured to mechanically and fluidically engage a second conduit, and the plug is configured to insert into the socket well to mechanically mate with the socket. The socket membrane is positioned within the socket well and is biased to a closed position in which the socket membrane blocks fluid flow through the socket well. When the plug is inserted into the socket well, the socket membrane is configured to open to enable fluid flow through the socket well.