Split Septum Luer Access Device with Collapsible Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luer access systems face challenges in mitigating negative pressure and penetration force while maintaining effective sealing, particularly during the insertion and withdrawal of a male luer, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential infections.
Innovation Solution
A slitted elastomeric septum design with collapsible elastic support columns that compress upon luer insertion to reduce penetration force and expand upon withdrawal to mitigate negative pressure, combined with a duckbill-type sealing mechanism to ensure high sealing forces against the luer wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the septum is compressed by elastic supports to provide high sealing force, then sealing efficiency is improved, but penetration force increases making insertion difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic support columns are designed to be collapsible, transitioning from a compressed state providing high sealing force to a collapsed state during luer insertion. This dynamic transformation allows the septum to adapt its mechanical properties: maintaining high compression against the luer wall for sealing while reducing resistance during penetration
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic supports are pre-compressed to store elastic potential energy before luer insertion. When the luer is inserted, this stored energy is released, allowing the supports to collapse and reduce penetration force. The preliminary compression ensures high sealing force is available when needed while preparing the system to accommodate insertion
2Quantity of substance
If the slit is collapsed to reduce flush volume, then fluid volume is reduced, but negative pressure increases during luer withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic support columns dynamically change the slit configuration based on luer position. During insertion, the columns collapse to minimize the open slit area and reduce flush volume. During withdrawal, the columns rebound to open the slit, creating a larger fluid chamber that prevents negative pressure formation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the fluid chamber by controlling the open area of the slit through collapsible supports. The slit transitions from a collapsed state (minimal open area) to an expanded state (larger open area), thereby adjusting the fluid volume and pressure characteristics to meet different operational requirements
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 solution effectively reduces the force required for luer insertion, minimizes negative pressure, and maintains a high sealing efficiency, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the risk of infections by optimizing the interaction between the luer and the septum.
Implementation Method 1
elastic supports which supports are collapsible on advancement of a male luer releasing at least a portion of the compression
Implementation Method 2
collapsing lateral support columns which displace open a fluid chamber distal to the male luer when the male luer is advanced within a slit between the columns
Data Source
AI summary
A neutral pressure split-septum luer access device is described for receiving a luer lock connector. The septum has a plurality of elastomeric columns projecting laterally within a chamber. Each elastomeric column is under sufficient compression so that the columns are bowed and the column strength is reduced by bowing, but the slit sealing force is high. This configuration places the lower portion of the slit in a tightly sealed configuration which is never-the-less receptive to penetration by the male luer which causes the columns to bow further and collapse precipitously with the elastomeric force of the collapsing mass of the columns being carried distally to displace and pop open the central slit distal the tip of the male luer. The septum further provides a transverse separation between the columns and a distal sealing portion so the force of the displacement force to the sealing portion is reduced.