Liquids Sampling Device with Luer Lock Nesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for removing liquids from storage containers in the medical field, particularly in dental technology, face issues such as liquid spillage, contamination, complex operation, and difficulty in one-handed use, leading to increased risk of leakage and contamination, as well as challenging cleaning and maintenance due to complex designs with multiple parts.

Innovation Solution

A device with a body that connects to the storage container's opening, featuring a lateral syringe connection and a conical suction line that prevents spillage and contamination, allowing for one-handed operation and easy cleaning, with a detachable design and ventilation features to manage pressure differences and ensure secure connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex station with multiple parts and valves is used for liquid removal, then the liquid removal function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and cleaning becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid removal functionVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a body component for connection to the storage container, a lid with rim for sealing, a suction line for liquid transport, and a connection interface for syringes. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently and simplifies cleaning by isolating liquid-contact areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the essential liquid removal function from complex station arrangements and concentrates it into a minimal device structure. By removing unnecessary valves, reservoirs, and intermediate components, the design achieves liquid removal through a direct suction line connection, eliminating cleaning difficulties associated with complex stations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If the bottle is turned upside down for dispensing, then liquid flow is improved, but liquid spillage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid flowVSAvoidliquid spillage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device maintains the storage container in its original upright position while creating an equipotential flow path through the suction line. The suction mechanism draws liquid upward against gravity through the conical structure, eliminating the need to tilt or invert the container and preventing spillage from exposed openings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Reliability

If a Luer lock connector is used for syringe connection, then secure connection is achieved, but the connector is exposed and vulnerable to contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The Luer lock connector is nested within the lid structure, with the connection interface positioned inside the lid's internal cavity. This nesting protects the connector from external contamination while maintaining secure syringe attachment, as the connector remains enclosed during storage and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The lid acts as an intermediary protective barrier between the external environment and the Luer lock connector. The lid's rim and internal structure create a sealed interface that allows secure connection while preventing direct exposure to contaminants, effectively mediating between connection security and contamination prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If multiple valves and operating elements are used, then liquid control is improved, but one-handed operation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid controlVSAvoidone-handed operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the liquid control function from multiple valves and operating elements, consolidating it into a single suction mechanism. The suction line with conical structure provides direct liquid removal control through one action, eliminating the need to manipulate multiple separate valves while maintaining reliable liquid control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

5Ease of repair

If the device has a detachable design for easy cleaning, then maintenance becomes simpler, but connection stability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning easeVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into detachable components including the body, lid, and suction line, allowing each part to be separated for cleaning. The segmentation includes connection interfaces designed for easy detachment while maintaining stable connections during operation, enabling simple maintenance without compromising connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 device enables efficient, one-handed liquid removal with reduced risk of spillage and contamination, facilitates easy cleaning, and adheres to hygiene standards, improving operational simplicity and durability while minimizing leakage and maintenance challenges.

Implementation Method 1

a suction line (16) leading vertically into the reservoir (38) at its lower end opens into the connection (13) at its upper end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3265045B1Sampling device for liquids
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 COLTENE WHALEDENT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3265045B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3265045B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3265045B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for extracting a liquid from a storage container, comprising a body (11) which is designed such that it can be connected to an opening of the storage container, a cover (12) with an edge applied to the upper end of the body (11), a connection (13) which is arranged laterally adjacent to the edge of the cover (12) for connecting the device to an end and a suction line (16) leading into the storage container at a right angle on the lower end, said suction line leading into the connection (13) on the upper end thereof.