Integrated Syringe Self-Capping Luer Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indwelling medical devices, such as catheters, face challenges with catheter-related infections and the complexity of locking and flushing procedures, which can lead to contamination and misplacement of components during the process of closing and reopening the luer connectors.
Innovation Solution
An integrated syringe device with a self-capping connector that can infuse a lock solution and form an air-tight closure to the indwelling medical device in a single step, using a prefilled syringe body with a plunger shaft and a cap that engages the luer connector via a latching mechanism, allowing for secure sealing without the need for separate caps or multiple steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional separate cap handling is used, then the locking process can be performed, but the risk of contamination and misplacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the syringe body and cap into a single integrated unit where the cap is permanently attached to the syringe body. This merging eliminates the need for separate cap handling, reduces the number of steps in the locking process, and minimizes the risk of contamination by maintaining a closed system throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated syringe device performs multiple functions: it serves as both the infusion device and the sealing mechanism. The cap integrated into the syringe body provides both closure of the luer connector and structural support, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing potential points of contamination.
2Productivity
If multiple steps are used for locking and flushing, then the procedure can be completed, but the time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the cap with the syringe body allows the locking and flushing procedures to be performed in a single continuous motion. The healthcare provider simply attaches the integrated syringe device to the luer connector, eliminating the need for separate cap attachment and detachment steps, thereby reducing the time required for catheter maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is pre-integrated onto the syringe body during manufacturing, so that when the device is used, the sealing component is already in place and ready for immediate attachment to the luer connector. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate cap preparation and attachment steps during the procedure.
3Reliability
If separate caps are used, then the luer connector can be sealed, but the risk of misplacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the cap with the syringe body into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates the risk of misplacement that occurs with separate caps. The cap remains permanently attached to the syringe body throughout the procedure, ensuring that the sealing function is always available and eliminating the need for healthcare providers to track and return separate cap components.
Data Source
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AI summary
An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides an integrated syringe-device which can store a volume of fluid for infusion, can connect via an air-tight connector to another device (such as a luer connector), can flush fluid through the connector into the other device, and can deliver a cap that forms an air-tight closure to the device connector.