Sealing Connector Design for Reducing Turbulence in Medical Fluid Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard Luer connectors in medical fluid paths cause turbulence, shear stress, and fluid loss due to gaps and sharp transitions, which can damage cells and lead to biohazardous material retention during cellular therapy procedures.
Innovation Solution
A sealing connector design featuring a cylindrical distal extension and a proximal cylindrical body with a central bore, a coupling platform, and a sealing member, which minimizes gaps and sharp transitions by using a transition fitting and a gland to create a seamless fluid path, reducing turbulence and shear stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard Luer connectors are used with tapered sections, then universal compatibility is achieved, but turbulence and shear stress are created causing cell damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional tapered connection approach by using a cylindrical male extension that fits into a cylindrical female cavity, eliminating the tapered surfaces that create turbulence. This reverse geometry maintains compatibility while removing the harmful fluid dynamic effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cylindrical (curved) surfaces throughout the connection interface instead of tapered surfaces, creating smooth transitions in the fluid path. The cylindrical geometry eliminates sharp transitions and angular changes that generate turbulence and shear stress on cells.
2Device complexity
If tapered sections are used in connectors, then connection geometry is simplified, but fluid loss in gaps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the gap space that exists between tapered surfaces in conventional connectors. By using interlocking cylindrical surfaces where the male extension fits precisely into the female cavity, the design removes the void space where fluid would otherwise be trapped and lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The male cylindrical extension is nested within the female cylindrical cavity, creating a tight fit that eliminates gaps. This nested configuration ensures that fluid flows continuously through the connection interface without becoming trapped in void spaces.
3Ease of manufacture
If sharp transitions are created in fluid path, then manufacturing is easier, but turbulence and cell damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sharp transitions with smooth cylindrical surfaces throughout the fluid path. The cylindrical geometry of both the male extension and female cavity provides continuous curved surfaces that guide fluid flow smoothly, eliminating abrupt changes in direction or cross-section that would generate turbulence.
4Ease of operation
If gaps are left in connector interfaces, then assembly is easier, but biohazardous material retention occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gap space between connector surfaces that would otherwise trap and retain biohazardous materials. The interlocking cylindrical design ensures complete surface contact, eliminating voids where cellular material could be retained and creating a cleaner, safer connection interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Sealing connectors for use in connecting tubing to tubing, tubing to needles or other implements, syringe to tubing, or syringe to needles or other implements that provide reduced turbulence and sharp transitions are described herein.