Modular Medical Connector With Nested Cylindrical Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical connectors are complex to produce and require multiple designs for different tube diameters and additional features, leading to increased costs and management complexity.
Innovation Solution
A connector design comprising a first and second member that can be easily coupled and decoupled, with a flow channel extending along a central axis, featuring engagement and abutment portions for secure fitting without gaps, allowing for versatile production and easy adaptation to various tube sizes and features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-color injection molding method is used to integrate different material members, then connectivity to tubes is improved, but production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate members (first member and second member) that are produced independently and then coupled together. This segmentation allows each member to be manufactured using simple, standard processes while maintaining the versatility of different material combinations for optimal tube connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connector designs are created for different tube diameters and features, then adaptability is improved, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the connector into a standardized first member and interchangeable second members, the system allows adaptability to different tube diameters and features through member replacement rather than redesigning entire connectors, thus reducing management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first member is designed as a universal component that can be coupled with various second members to accommodate different tube diameters and configurations, enabling one base design to serve multiple applications.
3Reliability
If engagement portions are designed for secure fitting, then sealability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement portions utilize a nested fitting structure where the inner cylindrical portion fits within the outer cylindrical portion, creating a self-aligning, self-centering connection that achieves secure sealing without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement portions incorporate curved and tapered surfaces that guide the members into proper alignment during assembly, distributing contact forces and reducing sensitivity to manufacturing variations, thereby achieving reliable sealing with moderate precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A first member (10) and a second member (20) are coupled to each other in a coupling portion (100). The first member includes, on the opposite side to the coupling portion, a main portion (51) that is connectable to a counterpart connector. The main portion and the second member are in communication with each other via a flow channel (102). One of the first member and the second member includes an outer cylindrical portion (30), and the other of the first member and the second member includes an inner cylindrical portion (40). In the coupling portion, the inner cylindrical portion is fitted in the outer cylindrical portion. The outer cylindrical portion includes a first engagement portion (31) and an abutment portion (35). The inner cylindrical portion includes a second engagement portion (41) that engages the first engagement portion, and a leading end (45) that is a front end of the inner cylindrical portion in a direction in which the inner cylindrical portion is fitted into the outer cylindrical portion. As a result of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion engaging each other, the leading end of the inner cylindrical portion abuts against the abutment portion of the outer cylindrical portion along a central axis (101).