Universal Disinfection Cap for Male and Female Needleless Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disinfection caps for vascular access devices are limited to specific types of connectors, requiring multiple devices for different connector types, which complicates the disinfection process and increases the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections due to inconsistent disinfection practices.
Innovation Solution
A universal cap design that includes a housing with integrated threads and protrusions capable of interlocking with both male and female needleless connectors, featuring a split-thread protrusion and absorbent material with a disinfectant, allowing for secure fit and disinfection of multiple connector types in a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate disinfection caps are used for male and female connectors, then each connector type can be disinfected with a dedicated device, but the number of devices increases and the disinfection process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The disinfection cap is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate both male and female connectors through a single device. The cap includes an internal threading structure that allows it to screw onto both connector types, eliminating the need for separate disinfection devices for each connector type while maintaining effective disinfection capability.
2Reliability
If multiple disinfection cap designs are maintained for different connector types, then each design can be optimized for its specific connector, but the risk of infection increases due to inconsistent disinfection practices
Solution Approach 1:
By providing a single universal disinfection cap design that works with both male and female connectors, the invention ensures consistent disinfection practices across all connector types. This eliminates variations in disinfection methodology that could lead to inconsistent results and reduced infection protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies homogeneous disinfection methodology to all connector types by using the same cap design, absorbent material, and disinfectant application process regardless of whether the connector is male or female, ensuring uniform infection protection standards.
3Productivity
If a universal cap design is created to accommodate both male and female connectors, then the number of devices is reduced and the process is streamlined, but the cap structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cap incorporates internal threading and an opening structure that enables it to interface with both male and female connectors through a single standardized interface. This universal design allows one cap structure to perform multiple functions, reducing the total number of devices needed while maintaining streamlined disinfection operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A cap is described for connection to a medical connector, the cap includes a housing having a top wall and sidewall forming a first cavity, and a removable or integrally formed protrusion. The protrusion includes an inner thread on an inner surface, the inner thread being sufficient to interlock with a mating feature of a female needleless connector. The inner surface of the protrusion defines a second cavity. The protrusion includes an outer thread on an outer surface, the outer thread being sufficient to interlock with a mating feature of a male needleless connector. The second cavity configured to define a chamber to contain an absorbent material and disinfectant or antimicrobial agent. The cap may also include a peel seal and/or septum to prevent the disinfectant or the antimicrobial agent from exiting the second cavity. An exterior sidewall surface of the housing may include a plurality of grip members.