Segmented Tab Luer Taper Interface for Leak-Proof Fluid Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid handling component connections, such as luer lock fittings, are complex and costly to manufacture, difficult to clean, and require rotation or collapsing molds, making them labor-intensive and less suitable for medical or laboratory settings where quick and leak-proof connections are essential.
Innovation Solution
The development of taper interface connections with a male and female component design featuring tabs with thread portions that allow for leak-proof fluid communication without the need for a 360° collar, enabling easier manufacturing, quicker coupling and decoupling, and improved cleanliness, using moldable materials that can be injection molded without complex equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional luer lock fittings with 360° collar and threaded connections are used, then reliable leak-proof connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into discrete tab elements with thread portions rather than a continuous 360° collar, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining functional integrity of the leak-proof seal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential threading function from the complex 360° collar structure and implements it in simplified tab elements, removing unnecessary structural complexity while preserving the leak-proof connection capability
2Reliability
If conventional luer lock fittings with threaded collars are used, then secure connection is achieved, but cleaning difficulty increases due to complex geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The collar structure is segmented into discrete tabs, creating open geometry that eliminates enclosed spaces where contaminants could accumulate, making the connection interface much easier to clean while maintaining secure connection through the tab threading mechanism
3Reliability
If conventional luer lock fittings requiring rotation for engagement are used, then secure locking is achieved, but coupling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring rotational motion for engagement as in conventional fittings, the patent inverts the engagement mechanism to use linear insertion with tabs that automatically engage their thread portions, significantly reducing coupling time while maintaining secure locking
4Reliability
If conventional luer lock fittings with 360° collar are used, then reliable connection is achieved, but manufacturing cost and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous collar is segmented into discrete tabs that can be manufactured using simpler injection molding techniques without requiring complex rotating or collapsing molds, reducing manufacturing cost and production complexity while maintaining reliable connection through the tab threading mechanism
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
The taper interface connections provide a cost-effective, leak-proof, and easy-to-clean solution for fluid handling components, facilitating smaller production runs and more compact devices, while being quicker to couple and decouple compared to conventional lock fittings.
Implementation Method 1
Luer slip fittings simply conform to luer taper dimensions and are pressed together and held by friction (they have no threads)
Implementation Method 2
Luer lock fittings are securely joined by means of external threads on the female fitting which screw into internal threads in a sleeve on the male fitting
Data Source
AI summary
This document provides fluid handling components. For example, this document relates to taper interface connections such as, but not limited to, luer taper interface connections used to couple fluid handling components in a medical or laboratory setting. In some embodiments, the threaded connection on the male portion of the taper interface is comprised of one or two opposing tabs, rather than a 360° collar like conventional luer lock fittings. As such, the taper interface components provided herein are readily manufacturable with a lower cost than conventional fittings that have a collar. In some embodiments, the taper interface components provided herein are configured for coupling by way of a quick connection technique.