Luer-Lock Syringe Closure With Breakaway Tamper-Evident Seal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing syringes with Luer-Lock connections lack an easy-to-attach and reliable tamper-evident seal that is also easy to open, compromising security and usability.

Innovation Solution

A tamper-evident seal with an external thread engaging with the Luer-lock connector's internal thread, featuring a predetermined breaking point for easy removal, and an elastic sealing element that ensures a secure seal, facilitated by a plastic structure with positive-locking connections and axial displacement during rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a tamper-evident seal is provided for the Luer-lock connector, then security against tampering is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against tamperingVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tamper-evident seal is divided into two functional sections: a first annular section with external threading that engages with the Luer-lock connector, and a second annular section that seals against the syringe barrel. These sections are connected by a predetermined breaking point, allowing the seal to be opened after use. This segmentation provides both security and ease of opening without requiring complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a predetermined breaking point is included for easy opening, then ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the seal may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of openingVSAvoidseal integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The predetermined breaking point is pre-formed between the first and second annular sections during manufacturing. This breaking point remains intact during storage and transport, maintaining seal integrity. When opening is required, the user simply applies rotational force, which cleanly breaks the predetermined point without compromising the sealing function. The breaking point is designed to fail in a controlled manner that preserves evidence of opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the tamper-evident seal uses threaded engagement with the Luer-lock connector, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidthreaded structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first annular section of the tamper-evident seal incorporates external threading that engages with the standard Luer-lock connector's internal threading. This allows the seal to utilize the existing, universally accepted Luer-lock mechanism for attachment, eliminating the need for proprietary or complex fastening systems. The threaded engagement provides secure attachment and easy opening through simple rotational motion, while maintaining compatibility with standard syringe components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides a secure, easy-to-open tamper-evident seal that maintains a tight seal and indicates tampering, enhancing the reliability and usability of pre-filled syringes.

Implementation Method 1

The tamper-evident seal has an elastic sealing element that seals the opening in the Luer cone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The external thread is designed to correspond to the internal thread of the Luer-lock connector, allowing it to engage with the connector in a screw-like manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded engagement: Screw

Implementation Method 3

By breaking or releasing the predetermined breaking point, the tamper-evident seal can be opened and removed from the syringe barrel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFracture: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentEP4445928B1Syringe with tamper-evident closure
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 TRANSCOJECT
  • EP4445928B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4445928B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4445928B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a syringe with a syringe cylinder (2) which is open at a first axial end and has an end wall (4) at its opposite second axial end with a Luer-Lock connection (6, 8) formed on this end wall, and a tamper-evident seal (12, 12') which closes the Luer-Lock connection (6, 8) and is connected to the syringe cylinder (2) via at least one predetermined breaking point (36), wherein the tamper-evident seal (12, 12') has a first annular section (18, 18') which is provided with an external thread (20, 20') which engages in the internal thread (10) on the outer cylindrical section (8) of the Luer-Lock connection.