High-flow luer lock connector with reduced wall thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional luer lock connectors restrict insufflation gas flow rates during laparoscopic procedures due to their design, which limits the infusion rate of insufflation gas to less than desired levels, often below 20 liters per minute, due to the tapering and wall thickness of the connectors, leading to reduced flow speed and pressure buildup.
Innovation Solution
The design of high-flow luer lock connectors, which reduce or eliminate the extended lumen and decrease the wall thickness of the lumen, maintaining a wider cross-sectional area for gas flow, allowing for higher flow rates by conforming to ISO standards while ensuring a secure, leak-free connection through modified thread engagement and o-ring sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional luer lock connectors are used with standard tapering and wall thickness, then secure leak-free connection is achieved, but insufflation gas flow rate is restricted to below 20 liters per minute
Solution Approach 1:
The connector applies different wall thicknesses at different locations: thinner walls in the lumen region to maximize flow area, and thicker walls at the connection interface to maintain structural integrity and sealing capability. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between flow rate and connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the connector, specifically reducing the taper angle and optimizing wall thickness distribution. These parameter modifications allow the connector to achieve both high flow rates (exceeding 26 liters per minute) and secure connections simultaneously.
2Productivity
If extended lumen with standard tapering is used, then ISO standard compliance is achieved, but cross-sectional area for gas flow is reduced causing pressure buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the lumen geometry parameters, specifically reducing the taper angle and optimizing wall thickness, to maintain a larger cross-sectional area throughout the connector. This reduces flow resistance and prevents pressure buildup while still complying with ISO standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional tapered cylindrical lumen to a more optimized geometry that maintains cross-sectional area. This dimensional optimization allows gas to flow through with minimal resistance, achieving high flow rates without significant pressure buildup.
3Productivity
If thicker wall lumen is used for structural integrity, then connector strength is improved, but flow area is reduced limiting insufflation gas flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses thinner walls in the flow path region to maximize cross-sectional area for gas flow, while maintaining adequate wall thickness at connection interfaces for structural integrity. This localized quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between flow rate and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the wall thickness parameter along the length of the connector, creating a gradient or stepped structure where walls are thinner in the lumen and thicker at connection points. This parameter variation allows simultaneous achievement of high flow rates and structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A high-flow luer lock connector is disclosed. A high-flow luer lock connector comprises a connector body defining an interior region, a lumen, and an extended passageway. The interior region is bounded by a cylindrical side wall and a base wall. The lumen is defined at the base wall of the interior region and extends no more than 0.274 of an inch into the interior region. The extended passageway comprises a first and second end and passes through the connector body and the lumen. The extended passageway is in communication with the interior region to allow insufflation gas to flow through the interior region and extended passageway.