Fluid Connector With Locking Rotation Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical connectors face risks of accidental disconnection during fluid transfer, particularly with toxic substances, and existing non-disconnectable designs can induce undesirable twists in medical lines.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a locking and rotation-enabling element that becomes activated upon connection of fluid containers, allowing irreversible free rotation and preventing accidental disconnection, while also enabling reversible disconnection in some embodiments, using protrusions and cavities or snap fit mechanisms for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the male luer-lock element is freely screwable into and unscrewable from the female luer-lock element, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is worsened due to risk of accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state through the activation of the locking element. The locking element can be manually activated to change the connection state from locked to unlocked, allowing controlled disconnection while preventing accidental disconnection during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the male and female connector components. It mediates the connection state by engaging with the protrusion and cavity to prevent disconnection, and can be activated to release this engagement when intentionally required.
2Reliability
If the connector is arranged to be non-disconnectable once connected, then the reliability is improved by preventing accidental disconnection, but the ease of operation is worsened due to inability to disconnect when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design allows dynamic transition between locked and unlocked states. The locking element provides a mechanism to change the connection state from permanently locked to intentionally unlocked, enabling both accident prevention and controlled disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element can be manually activated by the user to release the connection when needed. The system provides self-service capability where the user can intentionally disconnect the connector by activating the locking mechanism, combining security with user control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a second fluid container is secured to the connector to enable fluid transfer, then the functionality is improved, but the connector may induce an undesirable twist in the medical line
Solution Approach 1:
The connector allows rotational movement between the first and second components to accommodate different positioning requirements. This dynamic rotation capability enables the medical line to be routed without undesirable twists while maintaining secure fluid transfer connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector changes the orientation parameter by allowing rotation between components. This enables adjustment of the connection angle and positioning to optimize fluid line routing and eliminate twists during fluid transfer operations.
4Reliability
If the locking mechanism is made secure and reliable, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the locking element itself, the protrusion, and the cavity. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-activating through the connection process itself. The engagement of the protrusion with the cavity automatically secures the connection, eliminating the need for additional complex locking steps or mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Connector (10) for enabling fluid transfer between a first fluid container (28) and a second fluid container, which connector (10) comprises a first component (12) that is arranged to be connected to a first fluid container (28) and a second component (14) that is arranged to be connected to a second fluid container. The first component (12) is arranged to be non-rotatably connected to said second component (14) before a second fluid container is connected to said second component (14) and/or before a first fluid container (28) is connected to the first component (12). The connector (10) comprises a locking and rotation-enabling element (16) that is arranged to be activated once a second fluid container has been connected to said second component (14), and/or once a first fluid container (28) has been connected to the first component (12), which locking and rotation-enabling element (16) enables the first component (12) and the second component (14) to rotate freely with respect to one another.