Fluid Conduit Connector with Integrated Luer Access Port

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid conduit connectors are challenging to use for sampling fluids from narrow conduits without causing penetration, and they often require multiple parts and complex assembly, leading to reliability and comfort issues.

Innovation Solution

A connector with a luer access port made from thermoplastic elastomer, integrated into a cylindrical wall via insert molding, allowing a needle-less syringe to pass through without penetrating the conduit, using a single mold process to reduce complexity and enhance user comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hypodermic needle is inserted into narrow fluid conduit to take samples, then fluid sampling is achieved, but the needle may pass completely through the conduit causing reliability issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling reliabilityVSAvoidsampling operation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A luer connector is introduced as an intermediary device between the syringe and the fluid conduit. The luer connector provides a standardized interface with a hub that fits into the conduit's lumen, allowing controlled fluid sampling without direct needle insertion into the narrow conduit, thereby preventing complete penetration while maintaining sampling capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The direct mechanical insertion of a hypodermic needle into the narrow conduit is replaced with a luer connector system that uses a hub-and-lumen interface. This substitution provides a more reliable mechanical connection that prevents the needle from passing through the conduit while still allowing fluid access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parts and complex assembly are used in connector design, then functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector functionalityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The luer connector is designed as a single integrated component that combines the hub, lumen interface, and sealing features into one piece. This merging of multiple functional elements into a single structure reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, and lowers manufacturing complexity while maintaining all necessary connector functionalities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The luer connector is designed as a universal interface that can connect to various fluid conduits and syringes through the standardized luer hub. This multi-functional design allows a single connector type to serve multiple purposes and interface with different components, reducing the need for multiple specialized parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If adhesives are used to assemble connector parts, then structural integrity is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector structural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed as a single molded piece where the hub and lumen interface are formed as one integrated structure. This eliminates the need for separate parts that would require adhesive bonding, achieving structural integrity through the monolithic construction while simplifying manufacturing by removing the adhesiving step

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If sharp edges are present in connector design, then manufacturing is simplified, but patient comfort is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidpatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The luer connector features rounded edges and smooth contours throughout its structure, particularly at the hub interface and external surfaces. This curvilinear design eliminates sharp edges that could cause patient discomfort or injury, while the smooth surfaces are easily manufactured through standard molding techniques, maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS8764731B2Connector for fluid conduit with integrated luer access port

Publication Date: 2014.07.01 MEDLINE INDUSTRIES

AI summary

A connector (900) for fluid conduit includes a connector body (901) having a lumen (902) passing along a longitudinal axis (903), and a luer access port (800) extending distally along a transverse axis (905). The luer access port (800) is made from a thermoplastic elastomer (500) having a domed interior portion (501) and a stair-stepped perimeter (502) that is coupled to a cylindrical wall (600). The thermoplastic elastomer (500) and cylindrical wall (600) can be integrally coupled in an insert molding process.