Rotatable Luer-Lock Connector for Haemodialysis Lines

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pressure pods for haemodialysis medical lines face challenges in achieving a rotatable and airtight connection to the medical line, which is crucial to prevent twisting and obstructed blood flow, as existing connectors lack the necessary flexibility and rotational capability.

Innovation Solution

The female luer-lock connector of the pressure pod features an outer tubular body made of rigid thermoplastic material and an inner tubular body made of soft thermoplastic material, allowing for rotational movement while maintaining axial locking, ensuring airtight and flexible connection through an annular cavity and collar stop, and includes a removable male luer protection cap.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid connector is used to ensure airtight connection, then connection reliability is improved, but rotational capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidrotational capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two distinct segments: an outer rigid tubular body for airtight sealing and an inner soft tubular body for rotational flexibility. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector combines two materials with different mechanical properties: rigid thermoplastic material for the outer body and soft thermoplastic material for the inner body. This composite structure enables simultaneous achievement of airtight connection and rotational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If a soft connector is used to enable rotation, then adaptability is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational capabilityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two distinct segments: an outer rigid tubular body for airtight sealing and an inner soft tubular body for rotational flexibility. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector combines two materials with different mechanical properties: rigid thermoplastic material for the outer body and soft thermoplastic material for the inner body. This composite structure enables simultaneous achievement of airtight connection and rotational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If a rotatable connection is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but risk of twisting and flow obstruction worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational capabilityVSAvoidtwisting and flow obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the connector have different mechanical properties: the outer rigid body prevents twisting and maintains structural integrity, while the inner soft body allows rotation. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between rotational capability and prevention of harmful twisting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This configuration enables a secure, rotatable, and airtight connection to the haemodialysis line, preventing twisting and ensuring unobstructed blood flow while facilitating easy assembly and maintaining hermetic sealing.

Implementation Method 1

an intermediate flexible membrane (6) mutually hermetically separating the gas chamber (7) and the liquid chamber (8)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexible membrane separation: Semipermeable Membrane

Implementation Method 2

an inner tubular body (14) made of relatively soft thermoplastic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3439713B1Pressure pod for haemodialysis medical lines

Publication Date: 2021.10.13 IND BORLA SPA

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

Pressure pod (1) for haemodialysis medical lines comprising a hollow body (2, 3) with an intermediate flexible membrane (6) which delimits a gas chamber (7) and a liquid chamber (8) with inlet and outlet tubular fittings (10, 11) for connection to the haemodialysis medical line. A female luer-lock connector (12) comprising an outer tubular body (13) made of relatively rigid thermoplastic material and an inner tubular body (14) made of relatively soft thermoplastic material on which the outer tubular body (13) is axially blocked rotatably, is associated to at least one tubular fitting (11). The tubular fitting (11) is engaged within an annular cavity (22) formed between the inner and outer tubular bodies (13, 14) of the female connector (12).