Concentric Insufflation Connection for High-Flow Sealed Luer Use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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
The development of a medical device with an annular low-flow and high-flow fitting configuration, where the high-flow fitting is radially offset from the low-flow fitting, allowing for higher fluid flow rates without compromising sealing, and incorporating a concentric design to accommodate standard Luer-type fittings for compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard Luer-type fittings are used, then compatibility with existing medical devices is maintained, but fluid flow rate is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested fitting structure where an inner Luer-type fitting is positioned within an outer annular fitting. The inner fitting maintains compatibility with standard Luer connectors for low-flow applications, while the outer fitting provides an additional high-flow pathway. This nesting arrangement allows the device to accommodate both standard fittings and achieve higher fluid flow rates simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting is divided into two distinct segments: an inner Luer-type fitting for low-flow compatibility and an outer annular fitting for high-flow capability. Each segment serves a specific function, allowing the system to selectively utilize either low-flow or high-flow pathways depending on surgical requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between compatibility and productivity.
2Productivity
If high-flow fittings are used, then fluid flow rate is increased, but sealing integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different sealing qualities to different regions of the fitting structure. The inner Luer fitting provides a first sealing interface optimized for low-flow applications, while the outer annular fitting provides a second sealing interface for high-flow applications. Each sealing surface is locally optimized for its specific flow regime, ensuring reliable sealing integrity regardless of whether low-flow or high-flow mode is activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimensional sealing approach to a multi-dimensional sealing architecture. By adding the outer annular sealing surface concentric to the inner Luer sealing surface, the system creates multiple sealing zones that can be independently engaged. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous maintenance of sealing integrity while increasing flow capacity through the outer pathway.
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 low-flow fitting and an annular high-flow fitting. The annular low-flow fitting includes a radially outward surface generally reverse of a first inner sealing surface. The inner sealing surface defines a flow passageway for insufflation gas. The annular high-flow fitting includes a second inner sealing surface extending around and radially offset from the radially outward surface of the low-flow fitting.