Infusion Bag Connector With Rotating Spike and Vial Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors for attaching vials to infusion bags are cumbersome and require multiple steps for establishing and closing fluid connections, posing safety risks and inefficiencies in medical fluid transfer.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a rotatable spike that pierces the vial septum, allowing a single rotational movement to open and close the fluid connection, with a locking mechanism to secure the vial and ensure a reliable seal, facilitating easy and safe fluid transfer between the vial and infusion bag.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a connector requires multiple steps for establishing and closing fluid connections, then the connection process is thorough and secure, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of piercing the septum, establishing fluid connection, and closing the connection into a single rotatable spike mechanism. The spike performs multiple operations (piercing, opening, closing) through one integrated component that rotates to transition between states, eliminating the need for separate steps for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spike is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically transition between different positions (pierced/closed and retracted/open states). This dynamic movement enables the connector to switch between connected and disconnected states through simple rotation, improving ease of operation while maintaining secure connections when engaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a connector allows easy insertion and removal of the vial, then the operation is simple and efficient, but the risk of accidental disconnection or damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevial insertion and removalVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spike is pre-positioned to automatically pierce the vial septum upon insertion, and the rotatable mechanism is pre-configured to allow controlled opening and closing. This preliminary setup ensures that proper connection steps are built into the design, allowing easy removal while preventing accidental disconnection since the spike must be intentionally rotated to open the connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the spike is designed to rotate for opening and closing the fluid connection, then the operation is simplified to a single movement, but the mechanical complexity of the spike increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection controlVSAvoidspike structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable spike serves multiple functions: it pierces the septum, controls the fluid connection (opening and closing), and potentially engages with threading mechanisms. By designing the spike to perform all these functions through rotation, the patent reduces the need for separate components for each function, actually simplifying the overall device while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3747421B1Medical packaging in the form of an infusion bag

Publication Date: 2026.02.18 FRESENIUS KABI DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a packaging designed as an infusion bag, which includes a connector for a vial, wherein the connector comprises a spike for piercing the septum of the vial to provide a fluid connection to the inner volume of the infusion bag. The spike is rotatable. By rotating the vial, the spike is rotated and the fluid connection from the vial to the inner volume of the infusion bag is opened.