Medical Device Connector with Curved Locking Edge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical device connectors with neck elements and guiding tracks that use a turning motion for connection or disconnection can accidentally disconnect, posing a risk of leakage and contamination during medicament transfer, especially when using piercing devices.
Innovation Solution
A medical device connector with a first connection site featuring a guiding track and a locking edge that extends in a smooth curvature between two levels, allowing for easy and secure connection or disconnection, using a locking edge with a radius of 1-10 mm to cooperate with a lock protrusion on a second medical device, reducing the risk of accidental disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a turning motion is used for connection or disconnection, then the connection can be established, but the medical device may accidentally disconnect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional turning motion mechanism by using a linear pushing motion instead. The lock protrusion on the second medical device is pushed linearly along the guiding track to engage with the locking edge, eliminating the rotational component that causes accidental disconnection while maintaining secure connection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking edge is designed with a curved surface having a specific radius of curvature (1-10 mm) that matches the lock protrusion. This curved geometry guides the lock protrusion smoothly along the guiding track during linear insertion, ensuring proper engagement and preventing accidental disconnection through geometric constraint rather than friction-based turning resistance
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental disconnection, then connection stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: a guiding track with defined geometry and a corresponding lock protrusion. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function (guiding and locking) independently through simple geometric shapes rather than complex integrated mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding track and lock protrusion form a self-locking mechanism where the curved surface of the locking edge automatically guides the lock protrusion into the correct position and provides mechanical interlocking without requiring additional springs, cam mechanisms, or actuating components. The geometry itself provides the locking function
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a first medical device (1, 100) configured to permit connection to a second medical device (3). The medical device (1, 100, 200) comprises a guiding track (12) for receiving a lock protrusion (4). The guiding track (12) comprises a surface (16) having a lock edge (15) extending between a first and a second level (H1, H2). The lock edge (15) extends in a smooth curvature between the first and the second level (H1, H2), the curvature of which is a function of at least of radius (Ra). The medical device (1, 100) may comprise a neck element (11) with at least one guiding track (12) for receiving a lock protrusion (4) of a second medical device (3) or optionally the medical device may comprise a sleeve member (202) which comprises the guiding track (12). The present invention provide for a connection site which enables a smooth lock but especially a smooth unlock motion of the second medical device being connected.