Adaptor for Medical Container Connector with Locking Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical containers, such as syringes, face challenges in securely connecting connectors like needle hubs due to difficulty in determining proper fitting, leading to risks of leakage or connection issues, and current manufacturing processes are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
An adaptor with two outer wings and a tubular design featuring inner bulges and locking slots provides a secure connection through axial translation and limited rotation, eliminating the need for internal threads, thus simplifying the molding process and providing tactile feedback for complete connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector is screwed into an adaptor with internal threads, then a secure connection is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the internal thread structure from the adaptor, extracting the threading function from the adaptor body. Instead, the connector incorporates external threads that engage with corresponding internal threads on the distal tip of the medical container, eliminating the need for complex internal threading in the adaptor while maintaining secure connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection function is segmented between different components: the adaptor provides a simplified tubular structure with locking slots, while the connector provides external threads that engage with the distal tip. This segmentation distributes the threading function across multiple components rather than requiring complex internal threading within the adaptor alone.
2Reliability
If a connector is screwed into an adaptor, then a secure connection is achieved, but it is difficult for the user to know when proper fitting is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual feedback elements through transparent or translucent portions of the adaptor body that allow the user to see the connection status. Additionally, tactile feedback is provided through locking slots that engage with corresponding features on the connector, providing a distinct sensation when proper fitting is achieved, enabling the user to confirm correct assembly without uncertainty.
3Reliability
If sufficient torque is applied to screw the connector properly, then a secure connection is achieved, but over-screwing may alter the connection between the adaptor and the longitudinal tip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a positioning feature on the distal tip that pre-positions the connector before final connection. This positioning mechanism ensures that the connector is correctly aligned and secured at the proper depth, preventing over-screwing and subsequent adaptor rotation or tilting while maintaining secure connection when appropriate torque is applied.
Data Source
AI summary
This adaptor (1) comprises a tubular lateral wall (2) extending around a longitudinal axis (A), the tubular lateral wall (2) defining an opened proximal end (22) for receiving the distal tip (102) and an opposite opened distal end (23) for receiving the connector. An inner ring (3) located at the proximal end (22) secures the adaptor (1) to the distal tip (102) of the medical container (100). Two inner bulges (4) inwardly protruding from the tubular lateral wall (2) define a unique inner cavity (40) for guiding translation of the connector inside the adaptor (1) along the longitudinal axis (A). A distal end (23) of the inner bulge (4) defines an index opening (42) for orienting the connector with regard to the adaptor (1) in a first angular position in which the connector is allowed to enter the inner cavity (40). The inner bulge (4) includes a first blocking surface (44) for blocking rotation of the connector in a first direction during insertion of the connector in the inner cavity (40). The adaptor further comprises two locking slots (6) located proximally to the inner cavity (40) and distally to the inner ring (3) for allowing the connector in an inserted position to rotate around the longitudinal axis (A) in a second direction opposite said first direction, such that outer wings (204) of the connector engage the locking slots (6). The locking slots (6) include a mechanical stop (62) for stopping rotation of the connector in a second angular position in which a proximal abutment surface (60) of the locking slots (6) prevents the connector from moving back in the distal direction.