Snap Luer Connector Assembly for Syringe Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Disposable syringes in medical fluid delivery systems are costly due to complex manufacturing processes and time-consuming assembly and disassembly of threaded luer connections, leading to higher preparation and turnaround times and reduced system usage.
Innovation Solution
A cap-bladder and luer assembly with a snap luer connector that includes a central body with an elliptical connector ring and inward radially-extending flanges, allowing for quick and secure connection and disconnection of tubing elements to the syringe, reducing manufacturing costs and assembly time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard threaded luer engagements are used to connect tubing elements to syringe inlets/outlets, then fluid connection reliability is improved, but assembly and disassembly time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct components: a syringe adapter with external threading and a separate hub with internal threading. This segmentation allows the hub to be quickly snapped onto the adapter, enabling rapid connection without threading operations, while maintaining secure fluid-tight connection through the threaded interface between components.
2Reliability
If threaded luer adapters are integrally formed with the cap or syringe, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is segmented into multiple manufacturable components: a syringe adapter that can be integrally formed with the syringe or cap, and a separate hub assembly. This allows each component to be manufactured using optimal processes and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to forming a complete threaded luer adapter integrally with the syringe.
Solution Approach 2:
The syringe adapter serves as an intermediary component between the syringe and the hub. It provides the threaded interface needed for reliable connection while being a separate, easily manufacturable piece that can be attached to the syringe or cap without requiring integral formation of complex threaded structures in the main syringe body.
3Stability of the object's composition
If disposable syringes are made with integral threaded luer features, then connection stability is improved, but material costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular components with stable, simple geometries. The syringe adapter provides a stable mounting interface, while the hub provides the threading. Each component remains structurally simple and easy to manufacture, avoiding the need for complex integral threaded features in the syringe body itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub component serves multiple functions: it provides the internal threading for secure connection, houses the fluid passage, and interfaces with tubing elements. This multi-functionality consolidates several features into a single component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection stability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A connector assembly for a fluid delivery system includes a conical body defining an interior cavity and a discharge outlet, the discharge outlet defining an internal passage in fluid communication with the interior cavity; and a connector removably attached to the discharge outlet. The connector includes a central body configured to be at least partially positioned within the internal passage of the discharge outlet, and an annular connector portion connected to the central body and configured to releasably engage an exterior of the discharge outlet, the central body defining an internal channel within the central body that is in fluid communication with the interior cavity of the conical body when the connector is attached to the discharge outlet.