Medical Luer Connector Torque Limiting for Dust-Protected Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connecting structures for medical use with torque limiting mechanisms are not adequately protected from dust, and the elastic coefficient of the elastic leaf is low, making it difficult to set the predetermined torque for idle turning effectively.
Innovation Solution
A connecting structure with a torque limiting mechanism that includes engageable teeth and elastically deformable portions with a higher elastic coefficient, where the elastically deformable portion is defined on two sides by a slit and an end edge, and a loosening prevention mechanism with ratchet teeth and elastic leaves, ensuring the torque limiting mechanism is protected from dust and allowing for higher predetermined torque settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the torque limiting mechanism is exposed to allow operation cylinder to turn idly when torque exceeds predetermined value, then the idle turning function is achieved, but the mechanism is not protected from dust
Solution Approach 1:
The operation cylinder is nested within the threadedly engageable cylinder, with the operation cylinder rotatably mounted on the outer periphery of the threadedly engageable cylinder. This nesting arrangement allows the torque limiting mechanism to function while being protected from dust by the enclosing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic leaf with engageable claw provides a flexible connection that allows idle turning while maintaining structural integrity and protection. The elastic deformation capability allows the mechanism to accommodate torque variations while remaining enclosed.
2Device complexity
If the elastic leaf is defined on three sides by two slits and an end edge, then the structure is simple, but the elastic coefficient is relatively low preventing adequate torque setting
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic leaf is positioned at a specific location on the threadedly engageable cylinder, defined by one slit and one end edge rather than two slits. This local configuration optimizes the elastic coefficient while maintaining overall structural simplicity, enabling adequate torque settings for the torque limiting mechanism.
3Reliability
If the threadedly engageable cylinder is turned excessively to tighten the connection, then the sealing properties are improved, but excessive force is applied to the male luer portion and female luer portion
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiting mechanism is pre-configured with engageable teeth and elastic leaf with engageable claw that will disengage when predetermined torque is exceeded. This preliminary setup prevents excessive tightening before it can cause damage to the luer portions, while still allowing sufficient tightening to achieve proper sealing.
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 solution effectively protects the torque limiting mechanism from dust and allows for adequate setting of the predetermined torque, preventing excessive tightening and maintaining sealing properties while preventing fluid leakage.
Implementation Method 1
The engageable claws are formed in the elastic leaves. When the rotary torque exceeds a predetermined torque, the operation cylinder is allowed to be turned idly with respect to the threadedly engageable cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a loosening prevention mechanism with ratchet teeth and elastic leaves, ensuring the torque limiting mechanism is protected from dust and allowing for higher predetermined torque settings
Implementation Method 3
The male connector includes a male luer portion having a tapered outer periphery. The female connector includes a female luer portion having a tapered inner periphery
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting structure for medical use includes a male assembly 1 and a female connector 2. The male assembly 1 includes a male connector 10 and a threadedly engageable cylinder 20. A male luer portion 11 of the male connector 10 and a female luer portion 2a of the female connector 2 are joined by turning the threadedly engageable cylinder 20 in a tightening direction in a state where a female screw 21a of the threadedly engageable cylinder 20 and an engageable protrusion 2c of the female connector 2 are threadedly engaged with each other. A torque limiting mechanism 50 is disposed between an operation cylinder 30 mounted on an outer periphery of the threadedly engageable cylinder 20 and the threadedly engageable cylinder 20. Engageable teeth 51 are formed in an inner periphery of one end portion of the operation cylinder 30 over an entire periphery. A slit 54 is formed in one end portion of the threadedly engageable cylinder 20. The slit is composed only of a straight portion extending from an end of the threadedly engageable cylinder in an axial direction. An area adjacent to the slit 54 is provided as an elastically deformable portion 52. A first engageable claw 53 engageable with the engageable teeth 51 is formed in the elastically deformable portion 52.