Keyed Luer Connector Geometry for IV and Epidural Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Luer connection systems in medical devices are prone to misconnections, particularly between intravenous and epidural lines, which can lead to serious complications due to the similarity in connectors, posing a risk in emergency situations where additional precautions are impractical for medical personnel.
Innovation Solution
A safety Luer connection device featuring a male connector with a projection of specific length and a female connector with a perpendicular member, ensuring only the correct male connector can be fully inserted, along with additional designs incorporating slots, posts, prongs, and standoffs to prevent incorrect connections, and secure fluid-tight seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard luer connectors are used for both intravenous fluid and epidural infusions, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to high risk of misconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by giving the epidural male connector a longer projection (L1) compared to the intravenous male connector, and positioning the blocking member at a specific distance (L2) from the proximal end of the female connector. This asymmetric dimensional design ensures that only the correctly sized epidural male connector can be fully inserted into the female connector, while intravenous connectors are physically blocked by the blocking member, thereby preventing misconnection while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If colored tape or color-coded markers are placed on connectors to prevent misconnection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the safety function from external additives (colored tape or markers) and integrates it directly into the connector structure itself through the blocking member and projection length differential. This eliminates the need for separate labeling components, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving reliability through an intrinsic mechanical safety feature.
3Reliability
If double-checking connections is required before connecting luers, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service safety by designing the connector system to automatically prevent misconnection through its mechanical structure. The blocking member physically stops incorrect connectors from being fully inserted, making the safety check inherent in the connection act itself rather than requiring separate verification steps. This eliminates time loss while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If a blocking member is added to the female connector to prevent misconnection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding the blocking member only at the specific location where misconnection prevention is needed (at distance L2 from the proximal end), rather than redesigning the entire connector. The projection length differential (L1) on the male connector provides the selective compatibility. This localized modification minimizes added complexity while achieving reliable misconnection prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection device has a male connector and a female connector. The female connector will only accommodate the dedicated male connector, thereby prohibiting a misconnection with the wrong male connector. In certain embodiments, a member prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector, from being inserted into the female connector. In certain other embodiments, a post prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector including a slot, from being inserted into the female connector. In still certain other embodiments, a series of prongs in the male connector and corresponding grooves in the female connector ensure the proper connection. Once the male connector is inserted and secured within the female connector, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the male connector and the female connector.