Adapter for Medical Luer Connector Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The incompatibility between ISO 594 and ISO 18250 Luer connectors in medical fluid flow systems, particularly in apheresis procedures, leads to connectivity issues and supply chain disruptions, as most disposable apheresis sets currently use ISO 594 connectors, which are not compatible with the new ISO 18250 standard, resulting in potential faulty connections and increased costs due to the need for duplicative items with different connector configurations.
Innovation Solution
An adapter is designed to connect medical fluid flow components with ISO 594 and ISO 18250 Luer connectors, featuring a fluid flow conduit with compatible male and female Luer connectors at each end, allowing for seamless integration of components with different configurations, and a cap option to block fluid flow when necessary, thereby facilitating the transition to the new standard without immediate overhauls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ISO 594 connectors are used in existing medical fluid flow systems, then compatibility with current disposable apheresis sets is maintained, but incompatibility with the new ISO 18250 standard arises
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component that bridges ISO 594 and ISO 18250 connector standards. It includes a first connector configured to engage with ISO 594 connectors and a second connector configured to engage with ISO 18250 connectors, thereby enabling compatibility between the two standards without requiring immediate system-wide replacement of all components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If duplicate inventory of both ISO 594 and ISO 18250 connectors is maintained, then compatibility with both standards is ensured, but inventory complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter provides multi-functionality by being capable of connecting to both ISO 594 and ISO 18250 connectors. This universal design allows a single adapter type to work with multiple connector standards, eliminating the need to maintain separate inventory for each standard and simplifying supply chain management during the transition period.
3Reliability
If immediate replacement of all ISO 594 connectors with ISO 18250 connectors is performed, then compliance with the new standard is achieved, but system disruption and replacement costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter enables preliminary adoption of the ISO 18250 standard by allowing new components with ISO 18250 connectors to be integrated into existing systems that still use ISO 594 connectors. This gradual transition approach allows organizations to begin complying with the new standard before the mandatory implementation date without requiring immediate replacement of all existing components.
4Reliability
If ISO 18250 connectors are used in new components, then future-proof compliance is achieved, but incompatibility with existing ISO 594 disposable sets arises
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as a mediator that allows new components equipped with ISO 18250 connectors to interface with existing ISO 594 disposable sets. The first connector of the adapter engages with the ISO 594 disposable set while the second connector engages with the ISO 18250 connector on the new component, enabling forward compatibility while maintaining backward compatibility with existing systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
An adapter for making a fluid connection between first and second medical fluid flow components, where the first component includes a first male or female Luer connector of a first configuration, and the component includes a second male female Luer connector of a second configuration, that is not compatible with the first configuration, includes a fluid flow conduit with a first adapter connector at a first end of the conduit and a second adapter connector at a second end of the conduit. The conduit includes a fluid flow lumen extending between the first and second ends. The first adapter connector is a male or female Luer having a first configuration that is compatible with the first medical fluid flow component connector. The second adapter connector is a male or female Luer having a second configuration that is compatible with the second medical fluid flow component connector.