Lever Lock Male Connector With Lock Ring Against Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lever-type lock mechanisms for medical connectors are prone to unintentional disengagement due to external forces, leading to unstable locked states and potential leakage or disconnection issues.
Innovation Solution
A male connector design featuring a lever lock-type mechanism with a movable lock ring that restricts lever pivoting when engaged, ensuring the locking claw remains engaged with the female connector even under external forces, combined with a screw lock-type connector for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional lever-type lock mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintentional disengagement under external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring is designed to be movable between a first position (allowing lever pivoting) and a second position (restricting lever pivoting). This dynamic configuration allows the system to transition from an easily operable state to a highly reliable locked state, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock ring is positioned to restrict lever pivoting before external forces can cause unintentional disengagement. By preemptively constraining the lever's movement capability in the locked state, the mechanism prevents harmful disengagement before it can occur.
2Reliability
If the lock ring restricts lever pivoting, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to reduced lever mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring's position is dynamically adjusted: in the first position, it allows free lever pivoting for easy operation; in the second position, it restricts pivoting for high reliability. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by providing both operational modes at different times in the connection cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock ring is moved to the second position in advance of potential external forces, establishing the restricted pivoting state before reliability issues could arise. This preliminary action ensures reliability is maximized when needed without permanently sacrificing ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the locking claw is made elastically pivotable, then ease of operation is improved, but stability of locked state deteriorates under external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking claw's pivoting capability is dynamically controlled: elastically pivotable when the lock ring is in the first position (easy operation), and restricted when the lock ring is in the second position (stable locked state). This resolves the contradiction between operational flexibility and locked state stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock ring preemptively restricts the locking claw's pivoting range in the locked state, preventing external forces from causing disengagement. This preliminary constraint maintains stability without permanently eliminating the elastic pivoting capability needed for operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances the stability and reliability of the locked state, reducing the likelihood of unintentional disconnection and leakage by preventing lever pivoting under external forces and ensuring secure engagement with the female connector.
Implementation Method 1
when the lock ring is at the first position, the lever is elastically pivotable such that the locking claw moves away from the male luer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Levers (30) are connected to a base end portion (13) of a male luer via a base (15). Each lever includes a locking portion (31) and an operating portion (35). A locking claw (32) protrudes from each locking portion toward the male luer. A lock ring (8) is provided opposing inner surfaces of the operating portions. The lock ring is movable between a first position at which the lock ring is located close to the base and a second position at which the lock ring is located away from the base. When the lock ring is at the first position, the levers are pivotable such that the locking claws move away from the male luer. When the lock ring is at the second position, the lock ring restricts the levers from pivoting such that the locking claws move away from the male luer.