Spinning Female Luer Adapter With Compound Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Healthcare workers face risks of contamination and accidental disconnection during fluid transfer between medical containers, leading to potential exposure to hazardous drugs and compounds, which existing closed system transfer devices (CSTDs) do not adequately prevent.
Innovation Solution
A syringe adapter with a locking mechanism that includes a first locking arrangement to restrict rotation and a second locking arrangement to prevent proximal movement, requiring a compound motion for disconnection, ensuring a secure and tamper-proof connection between the syringe and adapter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple connection mechanism is used for the adapter, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is worsened due to accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the inner member can rotate freely during connection but becomes locked in position after engagement. The biasing element provides continuous force to maintain the locked state, creating a system that transitions from mobile to fixed state automatically during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter's locking mechanism is self-actuating through the compound motion of approach and rotation. The system automatically engages the locking features without requiring additional manual intervention beyond the natural connection movements, making the safety function self-service.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental disconnection, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the connection structure itself. The locking features are integrated into the inner member and outer housing that form the basic connection, rather than being separate additional components. This combining approach adds reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates automatically through the compound motion of approach and rotation during connection. The biasing element self-activates the locking features without requiring additional actuators, motors, or manual operations, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving reliable locking.
3Reliability
If a compound motion is required for disconnection, then the reliability is improved by preventing accidental disconnection, but the ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism creates preliminary resistance to disconnection by requiring a specific compound motion sequence. This preliminary anti-action prevents accidental disconnection while still allowing intentional disconnection through the defined motion path, balancing safety with usability.
4Reliability
If the inner member is prevented from rotating in both directions, then the connection security is improved, but the adaptability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the rotational characteristics of the inner member based on the connection state. During connection, the inner member is free to rotate to accommodate alignment variations. After locking engagement, the rotational freedom is restricted to prevent disconnection, providing adaptability during operation and security after engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for connection with a fluid container includes an outer housing having a distal end, a proximal end, and a substantially cylindrical sidewall extending between the distal end and the proximal end, an inner member including a body rotatably inserted within the outer housing, a connector extending from the body configured to connect the adapter to a fluid container, and at least one grasping member extending from the inner member, the grasping member being configured for grasping by a user of the adapter, a first locking arrangement engageable with a distal end of the inner member and configured to restrict the inner member from rotating relative to the outer housing in a first direction, and a second locking arrangement engageable with a proximal end of the inner member and configured to restrict the inner member from moving in a proximal direction relative to the outer housing.