Luer Connector Locking Collar Prevents Inadvertent Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional male luer connectors in medical procedures, such as hemodialysis, are prone to inadvertent disconnection due to rotational forces applied to the fluid line tubing, leading to potential fatal complications if the connection fails during treatment.
Innovation Solution
A male luer connector design featuring a locking collar with internal threads that deform upon engagement with the female connector, providing enhanced security through material selection and structural features like elongated through holes, allowing the collar to be more compliant and maintain a secure connection despite dimensional variations, while preventing accidental disconnection even when the fluid lines are counter-rotated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional male luer connector is used, then the connection can be made easily, but the connection is prone to inadvertent disconnection due to rotational forces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking collar is designed to rotate about the longitudinal axis, transforming from a static component to a dynamic one that can actively engage and disengage from the female connector. This rotational capability allows the connector to maintain security while still permitting controlled operation for connection and disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking collar acts as an intermediary element between the male connector body and the female connector. It mediates the connection by providing a mechanical locking mechanism that prevents inadvertent disconnection while allowing the primary luer connection to function normally.
2Reliability
If the locking collar is made rigid, then the connection security is improved, but the collar cannot accommodate dimensional variations in the female connector
Solution Approach 1:
The material properties of the locking collar are changed to provide flexibility. By selecting a material with appropriate elastic properties, the collar can deform to accommodate dimensional variations in the female connector while still maintaining secure engagement through its threading mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking collar is designed as a flexible component that can elastically deform during engagement. This flexibility allows it to adapt to slight variations in the female connector dimensions while maintaining the mechanical interlock provided by the internal threads.
3Reliability
If the locking collar internal threads have a greater thread angle, then the engagement is more secure, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thread angle parameter is increased to provide more secure engagement. The greater angle creates a more aggressive threading profile that engages more material of the female connector, enhancing security. The flexible material compensates for the increased manufacturing tolerance requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A male luer connector includes a body having a first end configured to be connected to a fluid line, a second end opposed to the first end, and a body longitudinal axis. The second end is configured to be inserted into and form a luer slip connection with a female luer connector. The male luer connector also includes a locking collar that is connected to the body in a manner such that the locking collar rotates about the longitudinal axis. In some cases, the body second end does not protrude beyond a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis and that includes an end face of the locking collar, and/or when male and female connectors are engaged, the locking collar engages an outer surface of the female fluid line connector and is deformed by the engagement.