Luer Connector Safety Device with Nested Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luer-type connectors in medical treatment devices face challenges in maintaining a secure connection without relying on frictional engagement, which can lead to accidental decoupling, especially in critical applications like extracorporeal blood treatment systems.
Innovation Solution
A connector protection device that employs non-frictional engagement mechanisms, such as threaded barrels and locking components, to prevent disconnection by either preventing rotation or separation of the connectors, ensuring a secure connection without altering the familiar design or usability of luer-type connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded collars are added to luer connectors to increase connection reliability, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the locking mechanism within the existing luer connector structure. The locking element is nested inside the connector body, with its locking surface positioned to engage with the barrel's external surface. This nesting approach adds the locking function without significantly increasing the overall connector dimensions or structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into distinct functional elements: the barrel, the connector body, and the locking element. Each component has a specific function - the barrel provides the connection interface, the connector body provides structural support, and the locking element provides the security function. This segmentation allows for independent optimization of each component while maintaining overall simplicity.
2Reliability
If non-frictional engagement mechanisms are used to prevent accidental decoupling, then the reliability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be movable between a retracted position (allowing connection) and an engaged position (preventing disconnection). The spring mechanism provides automatic movement of the locking element into the engaged position after connection, eliminating the need for manual locking operations while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded locking element automatically engages with the barrel's external surface upon connection, providing self-locking functionality. The system serves itself by automatically transitioning from an unlocked to a locked state without requiring user intervention, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices can use various features to prevent the disconnection of connectors used in medical treatments. For example, a disconnection prevention member can have ends which hold luer connectors such that a male luer connector is prevented from separating from a female luer connector. The member can thus prevent disconnection of luer connectors that are incompletely mated.