One-Piece Luer Lock Connector With Hinged Keyed Cap
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid line connectors, particularly those with luer lock systems, face challenges in efficiently connecting corresponding fluid lines while preventing non-corresponding connections, leading to increased time consumption and risk of jamming due to separate and complex assembly components.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece fluid line connector featuring a main body with a male luer lock fitting and a cap coupled by a living hinge, where the cap is aligned with the central axis to form a through-hole that allows correspondingly-shaped female luer lock fittings to engage securely, incorporating guide portions for helical movement and rotational restraint, and a snap-fit connection for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate barrier is fastened to the male connector to prevent non-corresponding connections, then connection safety is improved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is integrated into the male connector as a single molded piece, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps. The barrier and male connector form one unified component that prevents non-corresponding connections while reducing assembly time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The male connector is divided into functional sections: the barrier portion with slots for lug alignment, the threading portion for secure attachment, and the engagement portion for fluid connection. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function independently while being manufactured as one piece.
2Reliability
If a separate barrier is fastened to the male connector, then connection prevention capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier features (slots, threading, engagement surfaces) are combined into a single integrated male connector component. This merging reduces the total number of parts from two (separate barrier and male connector) to one, simplifying the overall device while maintaining connection prevention capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the barrier can rotate relative to the male connector, then alignment flexibility is improved, but connection time and jamming risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slots in the barrier are positioned at specific asymmetric angles relative to the threading features. This asymmetric configuration ensures that only the correctly oriented female connector can engage the threading, providing alignment guidance while preventing rotation to incorrect positions, thereby reducing connection time and jamming risk.
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
This design reduces the time required for connection, minimizes the risk of jamming, and ensures correct fluid line connections by preventing non-corresponding fittings from engaging, enhancing efficiency and reliability in high-pressure applications.
Implementation Method 1
a cap coupled to the main body by a living hinge; wherein the living hinge is configured such that the cap is moveable to an aligned position
Implementation Method 2
incorporating guide portions for helical movement and rotational restraint, and a snap-fit connection for stability
Data Source
AI summary
A one-piece fluid line connector for connecting a fluid feed line to a fluid container includes a main body having a male luer lock fitting, and a cap coupled to the main body by a living hinge. The living hinge is configured such that the cap is moveable to an aligned position in which the cap is aligned with a central axis of the male luer lock fitting of the main body. The cap includes a through-hole configured such that, in the aligned position, the shape of the through-hole permits a correspondingly-shaped female luer lock fitting to pass therethrough and engage the male luer lock fitting.