Locking Luer Connector Collar to Prevent Fluid Line Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical connectors for fluid lines in dialysis machines are prone to unintended disconnections due to human error or mechanical stress, leading to safety risks and sterility issues, and are complex and costly to produce.
Innovation Solution
A non-removable connection system featuring a Luer-type connector design with a collar and locking projections that securely engage through a specific rotation mechanism, preventing disengagement and simplifying production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional Luer-type connectors are used to connect fluid lines, then the connection can be made and disconnected, but unintended disconnections occur due to human error or mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a first connector with a coupling portion and a second connector with a receptacle, where the coupling portion can be inserted into the receptacle to form a fluid-tight connection. This segmentation allows for a simple insertion operation while the locking mechanism prevents unintended disconnection
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling portion is pre-configured with a specific geometry that complements the receptacle shape. When inserted, the coupling portion automatically engages with the receptacle walls, creating a secure connection before any locking action occurs. This preliminary engagement ensures that the connection is established correctly on the first attempt
2Reliability
If connectors with multiple undercuts and recesses are designed to prevent disconnection, then connection security improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from the coupling portion itself and implemented through a separate locking mechanism that engages with the receptacle. This allows the coupling portion to have a simple, easily manufacturable geometry while the locking mechanism provides the anti-disconnection capability through a distinct structural feature
Solution Approach 2:
A locking element acts as an intermediary between the coupling portion and the receptacle. This locking element engages with both components to prevent disconnection, allowing the coupling portion and receptacle to maintain simple geometries while still achieving secure connection through the mediating locking mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Non-removable connection system (100) for a medical apparatus comprising a first connector (1) comprising a fluid coupling portion (2), a second connector (11) comprising a respective fluid coupling portion (12) connectable, in a fluid tight manner, to the fluid coupling portion (2) of the first connector (1), so that a fluid is able to internally flow between the first and the second connector (1, 11), wherein the second connector (11) further comprises a hooking portion (13) and at least one locking projection (14). The non-removable connection system (100) also comprises a collar (20) coupled to the first connector (1) and comprising a respective hooking portion (23) engageable to the hooking portion (13) of the second connector (11) through an engagement rotation along an engagement direction (ER), wherein in a engaged configuration the hooking portion (23) of the collar (20) and the hooking portion (13) of the second connector (11) prevent axial removal of the collar (20) from the second connector (11). The collar (20) further comprises respective locking projections (24) engageable to the locking projections (14) of the second connector (11) through the engagement rotation, wherein in a coupled configuration the locking projections (24) of the collar (20) and the locking projections (14) of the second connector (11) prevent a disengagement rotation of the collar (20) with respect to the second connector (11).