Medical Fluid Connector Collar Locking Against Accidental Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical connectors for fluid lines in dialysis machines are prone to unintended disconnection, causing sterility issues and potential harm, and are complex and expensive to produce, with issues like fluid flow restriction and damage during connection.
Innovation Solution
A non-removable connection system featuring a first and second connector with fluid coupling portions, a collar with hooking and locking mechanisms that engage through rotation or axial displacement to prevent disengagement, ensuring a secure and fluid-tight connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded connection system is used to ensure non-removable connection, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two functional parts: a collar with external threading and a connector body with internal threading. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity. The collar can be a separate component or integrated into the fluid line, while the connector body remains compact and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function and connection function are merged into a single threading mechanism. The same threads that provide mechanical connection also provide the locking action when rotated, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If a threaded connection system is used to prevent disconnection, then connection stability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the threading function into a dedicated collar component, the main connector body can be manufactured using simpler processes. The collar with threads can be produced separately and then attached, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific manufacturing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded collar serves multiple functions: it provides the fluid-tight seal through threading, acts as a locking mechanism when rotated, and can be integrated with or separate from the fluid line. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If a complex connector architecture with multiple undercuts and recesses is used to achieve non-removable connection, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex undercut and recess features are extracted from the main connector body and replaced with a simpler threaded collar design. The collar provides the necessary locking and sealing functions through its threading mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple undercuts and recesses in the connector body.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar can be designed as a simple, inexpensive component that is easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This approach prioritizes low manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable connection through the threading mechanism, suitable for disposable or single-use applications.
4Reliability
If a threaded connection system is used to ensure fluid-tight connection, then sealing reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to potential fluid line twist
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is pre-positioned on the fluid line at a distance from the connector body. During connection, the collar is rotated into engagement with the connector body, and this rotation simultaneously achieves both the mechanical connection and the fluid-tight seal, preventing fluid line twist.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded collar acts as an intermediary component between the fluid line and the connector body. It mediates the connection process by providing a rotational engagement mechanism that aligns and secures the components without causing twist to the fluid line, while ensuring fluid-tight sealing.
Data Source
AI summary
Non-removable connection system (100) for a medical apparatus comprising a first connector (1) comprising a fluid coupling portion (2), a second connector (11) comprising a respective fluid coupling portion (12) connectable to the fluid coupling portion (2) of the first connector (1), wherein the second connector (11) comprises a hooking portion (13) and at least one locking projection (14). The non-removable connection system (100) also comprises a collar (20) coupled to the first connector (1) and comprising a respective hooking portion (23) engageable to the hooking portion (13) of the second connector (11) through an engagement rotation (ER), wherein in a engaged configuration the hooking portions (23, 13) prevent axial removal of the collar (20) from the second connector (11). The collar (20) further comprises respective locking projections (24) engageable to the locking projections (14) of the second connector (11) through the engagement rotation; in a coupled configuration the locking projections (24, 14) prevent a disengagement rotation of the collar (20) with respect to the second connector (11).