Multi-Portion Luer Connector Geometry for Lower Engagement Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Luer connectors in medical device systems lack standardized tolerance, leading to variable insertion depth and increased engagement force due to manufacturing deviations, making it difficult for users with diminished physical capacity to achieve secure connections.
Innovation Solution
A medium connector with a multi-portion engagement surface featuring a first surface portion for interference fit and a second surface portion for clearance fit, with a selected ratio to regulate engagement force, including features like snap-fit mechanisms and recesses to facilitate secure connections without excessive force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the insertion depth of Luer connectors is increased to ensure secure connection, then connection reliability is improved, but the engagement force rapidly increases making it difficult for users with diminished physical capacity to achieve connection
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement surface is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion with a first taper angle and a second portion with a second taper angle. This segmentation allows each portion to contribute differently to the connection - the first portion provides interference fit for sealing while the second portion provides clearance fit for guidance, thereby achieving reliable connection at lower engagement forces
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the engagement surface are given different geometric properties - the first surface portion has a steeper taper angle for interference fit and sealing, while the second surface portion has a shallower taper angle for clearance fit and alignment. This local differentiation optimizes both connection reliability and ease of engagement
2Ease of manufacture
If manufacturing tolerances are relaxed to reduce production costs, then ease of manufacture is improved, but insertion depth becomes variable affecting connection consistency
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the engagement surface into two portions with different taper angles, the design compensates for manufacturing variations. The clearance fit portion provides tolerance accommodation while the interference fit portion ensures consistent sealing, maintaining connection reliability even with relaxed manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the engagement surface by using two different taper angles instead of a single uniform taper. This parameter modification allows the connector to accommodate manufacturing variations while maintaining consistent insertion depth and connection quality
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
Regulates engagement force between connectors, ensuring secure connections with a consistent insertion depth, even for users with limited strength, by maintaining a constant contact area and utilizing elastic deformation for additional insertion, thus enhancing usability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing elastic deformation for additional insertion
Implementation Method 2
A friction fit is achieved between complimentary tapers of the connector components
Data Source
AI summary
A medium connector including a passage configured to allow for the flow of medium, and a multi-portion engagement surface positioned about the passage. The multi-portion engagement surface includes a first surface portion, and a second surface portion. The first surface portion is configured to provide an interference fit with a corresponding sealing surface of a mating connector. The second surface portion is configured to provide a clearance fit with the corresponding sealing surface of the mating connector. The ratio of the first surface portion and the second surface portion is selected to regulate an engagement force between the medium connector and the mating connector.