Safety Luer Connector Geometry to Prevent Line Misconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard luer connections in medical devices pose a high risk of misconnection, particularly between intravenous and epidural lines, leading to serious complications due to their similarity and the impracticality of current precautionary measures in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A connection device featuring a male connector with a projection of specific length that can only be fully inserted into a corresponding female connector, which includes a blocking member to prevent incorrect male connectors from being inserted, ensuring a secure and fluid-tight seal without requiring additional precautions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard luer connectors are used for both intravenous and epidural lines, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to high risk of misconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the safety luer connector with a unique projection structure on the male connector and a corresponding recess structure on the female connector. The projection extends along the longitudinal axis with a specific length that must match the recess depth, creating an asymmetric geometry that only allows correct alignment between matching connectors. This asymmetric design prevents misconnection between different line types while maintaining ease of operation through simple push-to-connect functionality.
2Reliability
If precautionary measures such as double-checking or labeling are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the connector itself to perform the safety function that previously required external precautions. The unique projection-recess geometry automatically prevents misconnection without requiring nurses or doctors to perform double-checks or apply labels. The connector self-verifies compatibility through its physical structure, eliminating the need for additional safety steps and reducing both device complexity and time consumption while maintaining high reliability.
3Reliability
If a blocking member is added to the female connector to prevent incorrect insertion, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the blocking function directly into the projection structure of the male connector rather than adding a separate blocking member to the female connector. The projection itself serves as the safety mechanism by requiring precise alignment with the recess, combining the connection and safety functions into a single structural feature. This reduces device complexity compared to adding separate blocking elements while maintaining reliable prevention of misconnection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connection device has a male connector and a female connector. The female connector will only accommodate the dedicated male connector, thereby prohibiting a misconnection with the wrong male connector. In certain embodiments, a member prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector, from being inserted into the female connector. In certain other embodiments, a post prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector including a slot, from being inserted into the female connector. In still certain other embodiments, a series of prongs in the male connector and corresponding grooves in the female connector ensure the proper connection. Once the male connector is inserted and secured within the female connector, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the male connector and the female connector.