Luer Cone Connection System with Snap Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Luer lock connection system in medical fluid line systems is unreliable due to spontaneous loosening from manufacturing tolerances or improper tightening, and can be difficult to loosen manually, compromising patient safety.
Innovation Solution
A releasable latching connection between a latching element on the connecting body and a complementary counter-latching element on the connection unit, designed to prevent unintentional loosening and allow easy release, with a modified external thread and counter-locking element arrangement that enables secure and standard-compliant Luer lock connections without obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Luer Lock screw connection is used to secure the Luer cone connection, then the connection is tightened and secured, but the connection may spontaneously loosen due to manufacturing tolerances or become overtightened and require additional tools to loosen
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system divides the securing function into two independent mechanisms: a locking element with locking cam for preventing unintentional loosening, and a separate external thread for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each mechanism to optimize its specific function without the trade-offs of a combined screw connection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a screw connection that requires tightening to secure (where loosening is the reverse action), the invention uses a locking cam mechanism where a small rotational movement in one direction locks the connection, and a small rotational movement in the opposite direction releases it. This inversion makes both locking and unlocking equally easy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the external thread is designed for standard Luer Lock attachment, then compatibility with standard attachments is ensured, but the thread geometry may interfere with the locking element and counter-locking element arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The external thread is designed with locally modified geometry at specific positions where the locking element and counter-locking element are arranged. The thread maintains its standard Luer Lock profile in most areas for compatibility, but has localized modifications (such as flattened portions or gaps) to accommodate the locking mechanism, thus achieving both compatibility and functional requirements.
3Reliability
If the locking element is designed to prevent unintentional loosening, then connection security is improved, but the mechanism may become more complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is integrated into the connecting body as a single molded or machined component rather than being a separate assembly. The locking cam profile is formed directly on the locking element, combining multiple functions (locking, sealing, and alignment) into a single element, which simplifies manufacturing while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
2.1 A connection system comprising such a connection system, a connection unit with a connecting body having a distally arranged Luer outer cone and a through-channel extending coaxially to the Luer outer cone, and a connection unit with a connection body having a proximally arranged Luer inner cone that is detachably fluid-tight connected to the Luer outer cone of the connection unit, an external thread arranged coaxially to the Luer inner cone and proximally, which is suitable for connection to an internal thread of a Luer-Lock fitting, and a lumen extending coaxially to the Luer inner cone and detachably fluid-conducting to the through-channel by means of the connection of the Luer cones, as well as a connection unit and a connection unit, each designed according to the foregoing embodiments, are known. 2.2 According to the invention, a releasable snap connection is provided between at least one snap element arranged on the connecting body and at least one complementary counter-snap element arranged on the connecting body, wherein the snap connection is designed such that unintentional loosening of the Luer cone connection is prevented, and wherein the counter-snap element and the external thread are designed and arranged such that the connecting unit – in a state separated from the connecting unit – can be connected by means of a screw connection between the external thread and the internal thread of the Luer-lock attachment. 2.3 Use in medical fluid line components.