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 the flow of insufflation gas, necessitating the need for improved fittings that can accommodate both high and low flow rates while maintaining sealing integrity.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with an insufflation fitting comprising an annular high-flow and low-flow fitting portions, allowing for higher flow rates by incorporating a concentric design that adapts to standard Luer-type fittings, ensuring sealing engagement and enhanced fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard Luer-type fittings are used, then sealing integrity is maintained, but fluid flow rate is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested fitting structure where a high-flow fitting is positioned concentrically within a low-flow fitting. The high-flow fitting has a larger internal diameter to accommodate higher fluid flow rates, while the low-flow fitting maintains compatibility with standard Luer connectors. This nested arrangement allows the system to support both high and low flow requirements simultaneously without requiring multiple separate fittings, thus improving productivity while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting is divided into distinct functional segments: a high-flow portion with larger diameter for high-volume gas delivery, and a low-flow portion with smaller diameter for precision control and compatibility with standard connectors. Each segment is optimized for its specific function, allowing the system to achieve high flow rates when needed while maintaining sealing integrity through the low-flow segment's connection to standard Luer fittings.
2Productivity
If high-flow fittings are used, then fluid flow rate increases, but compatibility with standard connectors decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal fitting structure that serves multiple functions: the outer low-flow fitting portion maintains compatibility with standard Luer connectors for broad adaptability, while the inner high-flow fitting portion enables high-volume gas delivery when needed. This multi-functional design allows the same fitting assembly to adapt to both standard connectors and high-flow requirements, achieving versatility across different operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
By nesting the high-flow fitting within the low-flow fitting, the patent enables the system to maintain compatibility with standard connectors through the outer fitting while providing an inner pathway for high-flow gas delivery. The nested structure allows standard connectors to attach to the outer fitting while the inner high-flow fitting remains available for high-volume insufflation when required.
3Productivity
If multiple fitting types are used, then flow rate requirements are met, but sealing integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fitting functions into a single integrated structure where the high-flow and low-flow fittings are concentrically combined. This unified design ensures that sealing surfaces are properly aligned and mated within the same assembly, maintaining sealing integrity while accommodating different flow rate requirements. The merged structure eliminates potential leakage points that could arise from separate fittings connected in series.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested concentric arrangement of high-flow and low-flow fittings ensures that sealing surfaces are properly aligned and contained within the same structural envelope. The inner high-flow fitting is sealed within the outer low-flow fitting, creating multiple sealing interfaces that work together to maintain integrity while supporting both high and low flow operations simultaneously.
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 high-flow fitting portion and an annular low-flow fitting portion extending away from the device body from the annular high-flow fitting portion. The annular high-flow fitting portion includes a first inner surface and a radially outward sealing surface generally reverse from the first inner surface. The annular low-flow fitting portion includes an inner sealing surface and a first radially outward surface generally reverse from the inner sealing surface. The first inner surface of the annular high-flow fitting portion and the inner sealing surface of the annular low-flow fitting portion define an insufflation gas flow passageway through the insufflation fitting.