Hinged Luer Lock Connector for Fast Error-Proof Fluid Line Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid line connectors, such as those using luer lock systems, face challenges with non-standard connections, where incorrect connections can occur due to the complexity of aligning and securing the male and female connectors, leading to increased connection time and risk of jamming, especially in time-critical medical applications.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece fluid line connector with a cap coupled to the main body via a living hinge, featuring a through-hole and guide portions that align with the male luer lock fitting, ensuring correct alignment and preventing non-corresponding connectors from engaging, while a snap-fit connection secures the cap in place, reducing the risk of misalignment and jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate barrier is fastened to the male connector to prevent incorrect connections, then connection safety is improved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is integrated into the male connector as a single molded piece, eliminating the separate fastening step. The barrier and male connector form one unified component that prevents incorrect connections without requiring additional assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The male connector is divided into functional sections: the barrier portion with slots forlug alignment, the threading portion for securing, and the body portion. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function while being manufactured as one piece.
2Reliability
If a separate barrier is fastened to the male connector, then connection safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier and male connector are merged into a single integrated component. This reduces the total part count from two separate pieces (barrier + male connector) to one unified part, simplifying the overall device while maintaining connection safety features.
3Ease of operation
If the barrier can rotate relative to the male connector, then assembly flexibility is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier includes asymmetric slot features that correspond to the symmetric lug arrangement on the female connector. This asymmetric design ensures proper alignment during assembly while preventing rotation, as the slots only accommodate lugs in the correct rotational position.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the connector requires rotation during connection, then adaptability is improved, but connection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier slots are pre-aligned with the male connector threading in the correct rotational position. This preliminary alignment ensures that when the female connector is inserted, the lugs automatically engage the threading without requiring additional rotation operations by the user.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3A~4B
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A one-piece fluid line connector for connecting a fluid feed line to a fluid container, comprising a main body having a male luer lock fitting, and a cap coupled to the main body by a living hinge. The living hinge is configured such that the cap is moveable to an aligned position in which the cap is aligned with a central axis of the male luer lock fitting of the main body. The cap includes a through-hole configured such that, in the aligned position, the shape of the through-hole permits a correspondingly-shaped female luer lock fitting to pass therethrough and engage the male luer lock fitting.