Medical Coupling with Selectable Locking and Breakaway Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical small-bore tubing connectors lack the ability to selectively switch between threaded and friction fit configurations, posing challenges such as tubing misconnections, difficulty for users with limited dexterity, and increased risk of accidental disconnection, while still maintaining compatibility with ISO 80369 standards.
Innovation Solution
The development of selectably locking couplers and connectors that incorporate alternating threaded and unthreaded sections, allowing users to switch between threadably locked and breakaway connections without disassembly, ensuring compatibility with ISO 80369 standards and providing visual indicators for connection status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded locking configuration is used, then connection security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a rotatable collar that can be selectively positioned in either a locked position (engaging threads) or an unlocked position (disengaged from threads). This dynamic mechanism allows the connector to switch between a secure threaded connection and an easily removable friction fit connection, resolving the contradiction between connection security and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a breakaway connection is used, then ease of operation is improved, but connection security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The same rotatable collar mechanism provides both breakaway capability (when disengaged from threads) and locking capability (when engaged with threads). This dynamic design allows users to select the appropriate connection type based on operational needs, improving ease of operation while maintaining connection security when required.
3Reliability
If dedicated connectors for each bodily system are used, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a universal body structure that can accommodate different connector types through the rotatable collar mechanism. The collar can be rotated to present different threading configurations or friction fit surfaces, allowing a single connector body to serve multiple functions and reduce the need for multiple dedicated connector types while maintaining patient safety.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and user-friendly fluid transfer by preventing misconnections, reducing the risk of tubing pull-outs, and allowing seamless switching between locking and breakaway configurations, enhancing patient safety and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The body can include an interior surface which contains opposing threaded sections alternating with unthreaded sections... When the coupler is coupled with both the standard female connector and the standard male connector in a first position in which the opposing threaded sections mate with the lugs of the standard female connector, the coupler forms a threadably locking connection.
Implementation Method 2
The male end includes a nozzle having a tapered end... The male end couples with and is dimensionally compatible with a standard female connector... When the coupler is coupled with both the standard female connector and the standard male connector in a second position, the lugs of the standard female connector align with and slot into the unthreaded sections to form a breakaway connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A male or female orientated medical tubing or syringe connector that can be selectably locked in a threaded configuration or a breakaway configuration. The male connector includes opposing threaded sections and opposing non-threaded sections. The opposing threaded sections allow for the male connector's fully or partially threaded female counterpart to be screwed into place on attachment and unscrewed on detachment. The opposing unthreaded sections of the male connector allow for its partially threaded female counterpart to be engaged via a friction fit connection that does not require a screwing action. The male connector's opposing unthreaded sections also allows for its partially threaded female counterpart to be disengaged via a pulling force in the opposite direction of the male connector, which does not require an unscrewing action. This “breakaway” functionality helps to prevent patient harm if the patient's tubing becomes snagged.