Universal Disinfecting Cap With Cantilevered Prongs for Threaded Fittings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current disinfecting caps for vascular access devices are limited to specific types of connectors, lacking a universal design that can accommodate both male and female connectors, and often lack features for proper mechanical fit and alignment, leading to inconsistent disinfection practices and increased risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections.
Innovation Solution
A universal cap design featuring a cylindrically shaped housing with a removable insert and cantilevered prongs, incorporating inner and outer threads to secure to both male and female connectors, along with a centering feature and ledges for secure engagement, and an absorbent material for disinfectant distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate disinfecting caps are designed for male and female connectors, then proper mechanical fit and alignment are achieved for each connector type, but device complexity increases and versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate both male and female connectors through a single device. The cylindrical housing with internal threading and the protrusion with external threading allow the same cap to engage with different connector types, eliminating the need for separate caps for male and female connectors while maintaining proper mechanical fit and alignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a universal cap design is implemented, then versatility and ease of operation improve, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cap employs asymmetric threading configurations where the internal threading in the housing and the external threading on the protrusion are designed with different geometries. This asymmetry allows the same cap to properly engage with both male and female connectors by presenting different threading surfaces to each connector type, achieving universal compatibility while maintaining precise thread engagement through specialized geometric design.
3Ease of operation
If cantilevered prongs with ledges are added, then ease of operation and user feedback improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap incorporates cantilevered prongs with ledges that automatically engage with the connector during the capping process. The ledges provide mechanical stops that self-align the cap with the connector and provide tactile feedback to the user when proper engagement is achieved, eliminating the need for additional alignment features or complex adjustment mechanisms.
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 cap provides consistent and effective disinfection of both male and female connectors by ensuring full engagement and complete disinfectant release, reducing the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections and streamlining the disinfecting process.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent material for disinfectant distribution
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
A cap for disinfecting a needleless connector is described herein. The cap includes a housing having a cavity and an insert disposed within. The insert includes one or more cantilevered prongs disposed on a distal wall of the insert. The one or more cantilevered prongs are configured to bend upon insertion of the needleless connector. On an outer sidewall of the one or more cantilevered prongs are one or more ledges extending at essentially a right angle to the one or more cantilevered prongs, the one or more ledges being configured to push against the sidewall of the housing to resist further bending of the one or more cantilevered prongs upon advancement of the needleless connector.