Concentric Insufflation Fitting for High-Flow Luer Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices face limitations in fluid flow rates due to standard Luer-type fittings, which restrict insufflation gas flow, necessitating the development of fittings that can accommodate both high and low flow rates to maintain optimal insufflation pressure and volume during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an annular low-flow and high-flow fitting system that allows for higher fluid flow rates by incorporating concentric fittings with adjustable sealing surfaces, enabling compatibility with standard Luer-type fittings while overcoming flow restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard Luer-type fittings are used, then compatibility with existing medical equipment is maintained, but fluid flow rate is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested fitting structure where an inner Luer-type fitting is contained within an outer annular fitting. The inner fitting maintains compatibility with standard Luer connectors, while the outer fitting provides an additional flow path that bypasses the flow restrictions of the Luer fitting, thereby achieving both compatibility and high flow rate capability
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting is divided into functional segments: an inner Luer-type fitting portion for compatibility and an outer annular fitting portion for high-flow capability. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specialized function independently, with the outer portion providing an alternative flow path that overrides the flow restrictions of the inner portion
2Device complexity
If single fitting design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to accommodate different flow rates is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-portion fitting structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the inner Luer-type fitting provides compatibility with standard equipment and low-flow control capability, while the outer annular fitting provides high-flow capability. This multi-functionality allows a single fitting assembly to accommodate both low-flow and high-flow insufflation requirements
3Productivity
If higher flow rates are achieved, then sufficient gas delivery is ensured, but maintaining optimal pressure becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting design allows dynamic flow rate adjustment by enabling the operator to select between the inner Luer fitting path (lower flow) and the outer annular fitting path (higher flow). This dynamic capability allows the system to deliver sufficient gas volumes while maintaining optimal pressure by selecting the appropriate flow path based on procedural needs
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes a device body and an insufflation fitting coupled to and extending from the device body. The insufflation fitting includes an annular low-flow fitting and an annular high-flow fitting. The annular low-flow fitting includes a radially outward surface generally reverse of a first inner sealing surface. The inner sealing surface defines a flow passageway for insufflation gas. The annular high-flow fitting includes a second inner sealing surface extending around and radially offset from the radially outward surface of the low-flow fitting.