Threaded connector port cleaning system, method, and apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for cleaning threaded connector ports in medical tubing systems are inefficient and may not effectively remove debris and fluids, potentially leading to contamination and increased risk of flushing debris back into the feeding tube during cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus comprising a sealing connector, alignment peg, and outer foam sleeve, which engages the female threads of the connector port, and a disposable foam platform that, when rotated, cleans the threads and exterior surface, trapping debris and preventing its return to the feeding tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current cleaning systems are used on threaded connector ports, then cleaning can be performed, but debris and fluids are not effectively removed and may be flushed back into the feeding tube
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes debris and fluids from the threaded connector port using a cleaning apparatus with a foam-tipped rod. The foam material absorbs and traps debris, extracting it from the connector port and preventing it from being flushed back into the feeding tube during the cleaning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam-tipped rod acts as an intermediary between the cleaning agent and the threaded connector port. The foam material serves as a mediator that captures debris and fluids, preventing direct contact between the cleaning fluid and the feeding tube interior, thus avoiding debris flushing back into the tube.
2Reliability
If threaded connector ports are cleaned periodically, then sanitation standards can be maintained, but the cleaning process may introduce contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus uses a disposable foam-tipped rod that is discarded after a single use. This eliminates the risk of cross-contamination between cleaning cycles and ensures that sanitation standards are maintained without introducing contamination risks from reusable cleaning tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention discards the foam-tipped rod after single use, eliminating the need to clean and sterilize reusable cleaning tools. This discarding approach prevents contamination risks associated with improper cleaning tool maintenance while ensuring sanitation standards are met.
3Ease of operation
If a simple cleaning method is used, then the process is easy to perform, but it cannot effectively clean the threads and exterior surface
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus combines multiple cleaning functions in a single device: the foam-tipped rod can clean both the threaded interior surfaces and the exterior surface of the connector port. This multi-functional design maintains ease of operation while improving thread cleaning quality without requiring multiple separate cleaning tools or procedures.
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 effectively cleans the threaded connector ports, ensuring sanitation standards are met and preventing debris from being flushed back into the medical tubing system, thereby improving hygiene and reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
trapping debris and preventing its return to the feeding tube
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for cleaning and sealing threaded connector ports are disclosed. An exemplary cleaning system includes a basin and cleaning apparatus including a sealing connector, an alignment peg, and an outer foam sleeve having a tubular portion. The sealing connector includes a body portion having a gripping portion, an internal thread cleaning portion, and a longitudinal axis. Another cleaning apparatus also includes a cap cleaning end having a cap cavity and an inner foam pad. Another system includes a threaded connector port and a cleaning apparatus including an alignment peg, a disposable foam platform, and a handle body, which includes a grip portion and a pair of cleaning arms. The cleaning arms and foam pads are adapted to engage the female threads of a threaded connector port. A sealing apparatus includes a disposable liner having locator flaps and a placement tool having a handle and locator fingers.