Transparent Medical Connector With Backflow-Resistant Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical connectors face challenges in maintaining sterility during repeated sterilization, preventing backflow, and ensuring clear visibility of fluid flow, which can lead to contamination and inefficiencies in fluid administration.
Innovation Solution
A self-sealing, transparent medical connector with a backflow resistance module and a two-way valve that includes a variable volume chamber and check valve to prevent backflow, along with a fluid diverter to direct fluid into the chamber, ensuring sterility and clear optical viewing of fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a transparent connector is used to allow visual monitoring of fluid flow, then visibility of fluid flow is improved, but maintaining sterility during repeated sterilization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple components including a transparent housing, a separate valve assembly, and a backflow resistance module. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall sterility through modular sterilization processes
Solution Approach 2:
A diaphragm serves as an intermediary barrier that separates the fluid pathway from the external environment while allowing visual monitoring. The diaphragm maintains sterility by preventing direct exposure of internal components during sterilization while still enabling optical viewing of fluid flow characteristics
2Reliability
If a self-sealing connector is used to maintain sterility, then sterility maintenance is improved, but prevention of backflow becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates multiple functions into a unified design: the self-sealing mechanism, backflow resistance module with check valve, and visual monitoring capabilities are merged into a single connector assembly. This allows the connector to simultaneously maintain sterility through self-sealing while preventing backflow through the integrated check valve mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs a self-sealing diaphragm that automatically seals the fluid pathway when disconnection occurs, maintaining sterility without requiring external intervention. The backflow resistance module also operates automatically, using pressure differential to open or close the check valve as needed
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a backflow resistance module with variable volume chamber is used to prevent backflow, then backflow prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backflow resistance module utilizes pneumatic principles through a variable volume chamber that responds to pressure differential. When backflow pressure exceeds forward flow pressure, the chamber volume changes to activate the check valve, providing automatic backflow prevention through fluid pressure mechanisms rather than complex mechanical systems
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 maintains sterility during repeated sterilization, prevents backflow, and allows for clear visualization of fluid flow, reducing the risk of contamination and improving the efficiency of fluid administration.
Implementation Method 1
the connector includes a body member having a transparent wall with smooth inner and outer surfaces to provide a relatively distortion free optical view of the fluid level and fluid flow transferred through the connector
Implementation Method 2
a check valve configured to resist backflow
Implementation Method 3
a variable volume chamber configured to change in volume in response to a backflow-inducing event
Data Source
AI summary
A medical connector for use in a fluid pathway includes a substantially transparent housing having a proximal end with a proximal opening and a distal end with a distal opening, and a cavity extending therebetween. The connector provides a substantially visible fluid flow path extending through a substantial portion of the connector.