Selective Fluid Connector Geometry to Prevent Luer Misconnections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standardized fluid connectors in medical applications, such as luer connectors, often lead to misconnections due to their interchangeable nature, posing risks especially in home or intensive care settings where supervision is limited, and existing solutions either restrict use to specific applications or require complex orientation for correct connection.

Innovation Solution

A modified connector system featuring a male and female single channel fluid connector design with specific diameter and length configurations that allow interconnectability with standard luer type connectors while preventing misconnections with other modified systems, ensuring selectivity and safety without requiring significant modifications to existing systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If standardized connectors (e.g., luer connectors) are used for fluid transfer, then interchangeability and ease of connection are improved, but the risk of misconnection to wrong devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connectionVSAvoidrisk of misconnection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by providing different outer collar diameters (M1_od, M2_od) for different connector systems. Each connector system has unique dimensional characteristics that prevent misconnection while maintaining ease of use. The asymmetric dimensions ensure that only compatible connectors can be physically connected, eliminating the risk of wrong device connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters (outer diameter, inner diameter, depth length) of the connectors to create selective compatibility. By modifying these parameters differently across connector systems, the patent enables easy identification and connection of correct mates while preventing erroneous connections through physical incompatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If connectors are modified to prevent misconnection with other systems, then selectivity is improved, but compatibility with standard connectors may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveselectivityVSAvoidcompatibility with standard connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by designing connectors that serve multiple functions: they provide selective compatibility within their own system while maintaining the ability to connect to standard luer connectors. This multi-functionality ensures both selectivity for preventing misconnection and adaptability for compatibility with standard medical equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple diameter configurations are provided for different connector systems, then misconnection prevention is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemisconnection preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connector design into distinct modular components with specific dimensional parameters (outer collar, inner collar, tube). Each segment has defined dimensions that contribute to system-specific compatibility. This modular segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing standardized production of components with precise dimensional control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 modified connector system effectively reduces the risk of misconnections while maintaining compatibility with standard connectors, ensuring fluid tight connections and preventing unintended connections, thus enhancing safety in medical applications.

Implementation Method 1

The center collar with a threaded inner side and arranged concentric with the inner tube... The tube has a threaded outer side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreading: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The outer collar is received inside the space... defining a depth stop

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction fit: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11471659B2Connector system with a female connector and a male connector, and a system including a plurality of the connector systems

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 GAMBRO LUNDIA AB

AI summary

A connector system (47, 48, 49, 50) for a medical application including a male single channel fluid connector (X) designed with an outer collar (M2) arranged concentric with an inner tube (3) and extending beyond a center collar (M1), and a female single channel fluid connector (Y) is designed with an outer collar (F1) arranged concentric with a tube (13), wherein the male single channel fluid connector (X) is interconnectable with the female single channel fluid connector (Y) to thereby form a fluid tight single channel connection for passage of fluid, and to a luer type female single channel fluid connector (YS), and wherein the female single channel fluid connector (Y) is interconnectable with a luer type male single channel fluid connector (XS). Also a system including a plurality of the connector systems is disclosed.