Luer Connector Mating Indicator for Reliable Leak-Free Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to ensure proper mating of Luer male and female connectors in medical and laboratory settings to prevent leaks and ensure accurate connections, particularly for applications requiring high precision like gas measurement.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a connector-mating indicator (CMI) into the Luer connectors, which includes electrical terminals and a connection indicator that activates when the male and female connectors are properly mated, providing visual, auditory, or tactile feedback, and allowing communication with external systems for data exchange related to tube identification, usage, and other relevant information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector-mating indicator with electrical terminals is incorporated into the Luer connector, then connection reliability and feedback capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical terminals are integrated within the existing Luer connector structure, with the male electrical terminal embedded in the male connector and the female electrical terminal embedded in the female connector. The terminals are nested within the connector bodies rather than being external additions, thus improving connection reliability while minimizing increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The Luer connector is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it maintains its primary function of fluid connection while simultaneously providing electrical contact capability through the integrated terminals. This multi-functionality allows a single device to ensure both mechanical connection reliability and electrical signal transmission without requiring separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical terminals are integrated into the Luer connector, then data exchange capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical terminals are pre-positioned and integrated into the connector molds during the manufacturing process. The male and female terminals are formed as integral parts of the male and female connectors respectively, allowing data exchange capability to be built-in during initial manufacturing rather than requiring complex post-assembly operations.
3Ease of operation
If a connection indicator is added to provide feedback, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the connection indicator (such as an LED or other visual signal) provides immediate information about the mating status. When the male and female connectors are properly mated, the electrical continuity between terminals activates the indicator, giving operators clear feedback on connection status without adding complex control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector connection indicator is mounted in a Luer male connector, or in a Luer female connector, to indicate proper mating of the two Luer connectors. The connection indicator may be or include a light source, a sound producing device (e.g., buzzer), a switch, a tactile connection indicator or an electronic chip. The electronic chip may be interposed between two conductive elements that are mounted in the Luer female connector. When the two Luer connectors are properly engaged, the electronic chip is powered via two electrical terminals. While the electronic chip is powered up it communicates with an external system via two electrical terminals. The external system interprets the communication with the electronic chip as an indication to proper engagement of the two Luer connectors. Some of the connection indicators may be mounted on a circuit board that is embedded in a void in the Luer male connector.