Multi-Portion Luer Connector Geometry for Controlled Insertion 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 the engagement force between connectors, 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 achieve a defined insertion depth, then connection reliability is improved, but the insertion force rapidly increases to levels greater than what users with diminished physical capacity can achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement surface is divided into multiple portions with different taper angles. The first portion has a steeper taper angle for initial engagement, while the second portion has a shallower taper angle for the majority of the insertion depth, distributing the engagement force more evenly and reducing peak insertion force while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the engagement surface have different geometric properties (taper angles) optimized for different functions. The first portion provides initial guidance and engagement, while the second portion provides the primary sealing and connection, allowing each region to be optimized for its specific purpose.
2Ease of manufacture
If manufacturing tolerances are relaxed to reduce production costs, then ease of manufacture is improved, but insertion depth variability increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the engagement surface into portions with different taper angles, the design compensates for manufacturing variations. The multi-portion geometry provides a more robust connection that is less sensitive to tolerance deviations, allowing relaxed manufacturing tolerances while maintaining consistent insertion depth.
3Reliability
If the contact area between connectors is increased to improve connection integrity, then reliability is improved, but the engagement force increases making connections difficult for users with limited strength
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement surface uses different taper angles in different portions to optimize the distribution of contact pressure. The shallower taper angle in the second portion increases contact area and distributes force over a larger area, reducing peak engagement force while maintaining connection integrity.
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 the engagement force between connectors, ensuring secure connections can be made within a manageable force range, accommodating users with limited strength and maintaining consistent contact area for reliable fluid transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The first surface portion is configured to provide an interference fit with a corresponding sealing surface of a mating connector
Implementation Method 2
The second surface portion is configured to provide a clearance fit with the corresponding sealing surface of the mating connector
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.