Connector Assembly With Straight Ribs for Translational De-Molding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors with threaded portions require rotational de-molding, leading to complex mold structures, increased costs, and potential damage to vulnerable parts like spikes during de-molding.

Innovation Solution

A connector assembly with a male part and female part design featuring straight ribs on the female part and inclined threaded portions on the male part, allowing for translational de-molding of the female part without rotation, reducing mold complexity and preventing spike damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If rotational de-molding is used for connectors with threaded portions, then the threaded portions can be formed on the male and female parts, but the mold structure becomes complex and the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethreaded portions formationVSAvoidmold structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded portions are segmented into discrete locations on the male part and corresponding locations on the female part, rather than requiring continuous threading. This allows the mold to form these portions through simple translational movement without complex rotational mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between forming threaded portions and maintaining simple mold structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of forming threads through rotational motion of the mold core, the invention inverts the approach by using translational motion to create the threaded portions. The mold components move linearly to form the threaded structures, eliminating the need for complex rotational de-molding mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of manufacture

If rotational de-molding is used for connectors with threaded portions, then the threaded portions can be formed, but the vulnerable spike portion may be damaged during the de-molding process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethreaded portions formationVSAvoidspike integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces rotational de-molding with translational de-molding. By moving the mold components linearly rather than rotating them, the vulnerable spike portion is not subjected to rotational stresses that could cause damage such as tearing off the tip. This resolves the contradiction between forming threaded portions and maintaining spike integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a simpler, less durable mold structure that performs translational motion instead of complex rotational mechanisms. While the mold structure is simpler, it achieves the same manufacturing function without compromising product quality, effectively replacing complex expensive mechanisms with simpler alternatives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If straight ribs are used on the female part instead of threaded portions, then translational de-molding can be used simplifying the mold structure, but the fitting mechanism must be redesigned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemold structureVSAvoidfitting mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of the threaded portions and the rib structure into a unified design. The straight ribs on the female part and the corresponding threaded portions on the male part work together as an integrated fitting mechanism, combining the simplicity of translational de-molding with the security of threaded engagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rib structure serves multiple functions: it provides the fitting surface for the threaded portions, enables translational de-molding, and creates the necessary mechanical engagement. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction between simplifying mold structure and maintaining effective fitting mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12502334B2Connector assembly and manufacturing process of the same

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 BECTON DICKINSON HLDG

AI summary

A connector assembly disclosed herein includes a male part and a female part. The female part includes a cylindrical body extending about a central axis, a fitting portion configured to be sealingly fitted to a medical injection device, and a spike. An annular gap is formed between the cylindrical body and the spike to at least partly accommodate the male part. The female part further includes at least two ribs formed on an inner surface of the cylindrical body and protruding radially inwardly. Each ribs extends straight in parallel to the central axis and has an innermost fitting surface configured to be detachably fitted to corresponding threaded portions of the male part.