Rotatable Luer Connector Assembly That Resists Pullout Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IV connectors are prone to disconnection due to improper securement or excessive forces, which can be hazardous, especially when handling hazardous drugs.
Innovation Solution
A non-disconnecting rotatable connector design featuring a housing with a luer assembly and a sleeve, where the sleeve is coupled to a locking ring to prevent axial movement and decoupling, ensuring the connector remains secured even under pullout forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional IV connector is used, then the connector can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the connector is prone to disconnection under excessive forces or improper securement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a nested structure where the locking ring is positioned within the housing, and the collar engages with both the housing and locking ring. The luer assembly is nested within the housing, creating multiple layers of protection. This nesting allows the components to work together in a compact arrangement that provides secure locking without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector features a preliminary locking mechanism where the locking ring is pre-positioned within the housing, and the collar is designed to automatically engage with the locking ring upon assembly. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the connection is secured before any external forces are applied, preventing disconnection under stress.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector allows rotation, then the connector can be positioned at different orientations, but the connector may rotate excessively or disconnect
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic rotatable position and back to a locked position. The collar can rotate with the housing when the locking ring is engaged, allowing for positioning adjustments. Once positioned, the collar can be rotated back to engage the locking ring, creating a dynamic system that adapts to different orientations while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring acts as an intermediary between the collar and the housing. It allows the collar to rotate with the housing during positioning while preventing excessive rotation or disconnection. The locking ring mediates the interaction between the rotating collar and stationary housing, enabling controlled movement while maintaining connection security.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connector uses a simple coupling mechanism, then the assembly is easy to manufacture, but the coupling may disconnect under pullout forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: the housing, the locking ring, the collar, and the luer assembly. Each segment has a specific function - the locking ring provides axial retention, the collar provides rotational control and additional locking, and the luer assembly provides the fluid connection. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes while collectively providing strong resistance to pullout forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector applies local quality by concentrating locking features at specific locations - the locking ring engages with the collar at a particular axial position, and the collar engages with the housing at another position. This localized engagement provides high strength at critical points without requiring the entire connector structure to be overly complex or difficult to manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector including a housing having a first end and second end opposite the first end, the housing having an interior space, a luer assembly disposed within the interior space of the housing, the luer assembly having a locking ring and the luer assembly configured to couple to a coupling device to secure the coupling device to the connector, and a sleeve at least partially disposed around the luer assembly and disposed within the interior space, the sleeve configured to couple to the locking ring to prevent axial movement of the sleeve relative to the luer assembly and the housing. The housing being rotatable to the luer assembly and the sleeve when the sleeve is coupled to the locking ring to prevent decoupling of the luer assembly from the coupling device when the luer assembly is coupled to the coupling device.