Conversion Adapter for Medical Connector Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical connectors that conform to ISO 80369 are not easily convertible to connectors that do not conform to the standard, limiting flexibility and efficiency in medical applications.
Innovation Solution
A conversion adapter with a female screw part and a locking unit that allows a female connector part connectable to a luer lock-type male connector conforming to ISO 80369 to be converted into a connector compatible with a male connector not conforming to ISO 80369, using a rotation control mechanism and a locking unit to secure the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a female connector part conforming to ISO 80369 is used, then connection stability and standard compliance are ensured, but adaptability to non-standard male connectors is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion adapter serves as an intermediary component between the ISO 80369-compliant female connector and non-compliant male connectors. The adapter body with external threads attaches to the standard female connector, while the locking mechanism interface accommodates various non-standard male connector types, enabling compatibility without modifying the original standard-compliant connector
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion adapter is designed to support multiple non-compliant male connector types through a universal locking mechanism. The locking unit can engage with different locking claw configurations, and the rotation control mechanism works with various connector geometries, allowing a single adapter design to serve multiple connector compatibility purposes
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conversion adapter is added to enable connector compatibility, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion adapter is segmented into distinct functional components: the adapter body with external threads for attachment to the female connector, the locking unit with engagement surfaces for securing male connectors, and the rotation control mechanism for directional control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation control mechanism is nested within the locking unit structure. The protrusions on the outer cylindrical body engage with corresponding recesses on the inner cylindrical body, creating a compact integrated mechanism that controls rotation while maintaining a space-efficient design
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is implemented to secure non-standard male connectors, then connection reliability improves, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation control mechanism provides dynamic directional control, permitting rotation in the loosening direction while restricting rotation in the tightening direction after engagement. This dynamic behavior allows easy initial connection through permitted rotation, while subsequent restricted rotation maintains secure locking without requiring continuous operational effort
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to self-lock through the rotation control mechanism. Once the male connector is inserted and rotated, the protrusions engage with the recesses, automatically preventing reverse rotation and maintaining the locked state without requiring additional locking actions or complex operational steps from the user
Data Source
AI summary
A conversion adapter is attachable to a female connector part comprising a male screw part to which a luer lock-type first male connector part conforming to ISO 80369 is connectable, and comprises: a female screw part screwable to the male screw part of the female connector part; and a locking unit configured to lock to a second male connector part not conforming to ISO 80369.