Closeable Male Luer Connector with Automatic Valve and Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Male luer connectors in medical fluid transfer systems lack automatic closing mechanisms, leading to fluid leakage and unsanitary conditions, especially during priming procedures, and do not prevent decoupling from female connectors, posing risks in busy medical environments.
Innovation Solution
A closeable male luer connector design featuring a tubular valve member with a resilient member that automatically closes when disengaged and opens when engaged with a female connector, incorporating a locking arrangement to prevent decoupling, ensuring fluid containment and maintaining sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If male luer connectors are left open for rapid manipulation in busy medical environments, then ease of operation is improved, but fluid leakage and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The male luer connector automatically closes its valve when disengaged from a female connector, eliminating the need for manual cap application. The resilient member automatically returns the valve to the closed position, providing self-service closure that prevents fluid leakage and contamination without requiring additional manual steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is pre-positioned in the closed state by the resilient member before engagement occurs. This preliminary closed state ensures that the connector is sealed and ready for rapid deployment, while automatically opening only when needed during engagement with a female connector.
2Reliability
If additional closure mechanisms like caps are added to male connectors, then fluid containment is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The closing function is merged into the male luer connector itself through an integrated valve mechanism. The valve is built into the connector body and controlled by the engagement/disengagement action, eliminating the need for separate caps or closure components while maintaining reliable fluid containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve automatically performs the closing function through the mechanical action of engagement and disengagement. The resilient member provides automatic return to closed position, making the system self-regulating without requiring additional components or manual intervention.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If male connectors include automatic closing mechanisms, then fluid leakage prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed as a dynamic component that automatically transitions between open and closed states based on engagement conditions. The resilient member provides the mechanical force to return the valve to closed position, creating a simple dynamic system that prevents fluid leakage without complex control mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If the female portion allows easy decoupling for rapid manipulation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability worsens due to accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is pre-positioned in an unlocked state that allows easy engagement. Once engaged, the mechanical interaction between the male and female portions automatically activates the locking feature, providing preliminary action for secure connection that prevents accidental disconnection while maintaining ease of intentional manipulation.
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 solution effectively minimizes fluid leakage and maintains a sterile environment by automatically controlling fluid flow and preventing decoupling, enhancing the safety and efficiency of medical fluid transfer procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a tubular valve member (16) with a resilient member (18) that automatically closes when disengaged and opens when engaged with a female connector
Data Source
AI summary
A luer connector including a rigid housing having a first end and a second end. The housing further including a rigid tubular male portion at the first end, a rigid tubular female portion at the second end, and a longitudinal opening therethrough. The male portion is configured to be engageable with a female connector. The female portion is configured to be engageable with a male connector and to prevent the disengagement of the male connector from the female portion. In some embodiments, the female portion is configured to maintain a fixed rotational position when the male connector is being threaded therewith, but to rotate with the male connector once the male connector has become fully engaged with the female portion so as to prevent the male connector from becoming unthreaded from the female portion.