Vascular Connector Adaptability and Strain Relief Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vascular access systems face challenges in maintaining laminar flow due to inconsistent conduit diameters and the need for temporary access devices, which can lead to complications such as thrombosis and high graft failure rates, especially in patients like diabetics, disrupting dialysis schedules and increasing hospital costs.

Innovation Solution

A multi-piece vascular access system with a connector that accommodates conduits of varying diameters, featuring a strain relief structure with an elastomeric sleeve and coil to minimize kinking, and an outside diameter measurement apparatus to ensure proper connector selection, promoting smooth laminar flow and reducing turbulence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If connectors are designed to accommodate varying conduit diameters, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple conduit sizes (e.g., 14Fr, 16Fr, 18Fr) through a single standardized connection mechanism. The connector body includes adjustable components and standardized opening sizes that allow it to interface with different conduit diameters without requiring multiple specialized connector types, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector incorporates localized adaptive features such as adjustable clamping mechanisms, variable opening sizes, and modular components that can be configured for specific conduit sizes. These local quality adjustments allow the same connector design to adapt to different conduit diameters through selective configuration rather than requiring entirely different connector designs for each size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If strain relief structure is added to minimize kinking, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow continuityVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strain relief structure includes pre-configured elastomeric sleeves and coil elements positioned at the connector-conduit interface to provide cushioning and protection against kinking before it occurs. These components are designed to flex and absorb mechanical stress, creating a buffer zone that prevents direct transmission of bending forces to the conduit, thereby maintaining flow continuity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The strain relief structure incorporates elastomeric sleeves and flexible coil components that can deform elastically to accommodate bending and stretching forces. These flexible elements maintain the structural integrity of the conduit-connector interface while allowing necessary movement, preventing kinking through their inherent flexibility and ability to absorb mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Manufacturing precision

If outside diameter measurement apparatus is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit diameter measurementVSAvoidsystem assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system includes pre-marked conduit ends with indicated outside diameter measurements and pre-labeled connectors with corresponding size specifications. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid matching of conduit sizes to appropriate connectors without requiring complex measurement devices during assembly, maintaining manufacturing precision while simplifying the assembly process through pre-configured identification systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system ensures continuous smooth lumen flow, reduces kinking and pinching, and facilitates proper connector selection based on conduit diameters, thereby minimizing thrombosis risks and improving vascular access system functionality and patient outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

A multi-piece vascular access system with a connector that accommodates conduits of varying diameters, featuring a strain relief structure with an elastomeric sleeve and coil to minimize kinking

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11383072B2Methods and systems for selection and use of connectors between conduits

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

Medical devices including vascular access kits and methods of using the kit are disclosed. In some embodiments, a conduit is measured using an outside diameter measurement apparatus to determine if the conduit is compatible with a connector such that there is a continual lumen between the conduit and the connector. In some embodiments, various outside diameter measurement devices and the methods of their use are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods of connecting a conduit, and in some embodiments a strain relief structure, to a connector are described.