Swivel Luer Fitting With Curved Flow Path to Reduce Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional luer fittings used in phacoemulsification procedures are prone to clogging due to rapid flow transitions, leading to blockages, and are difficult to grip, making unclogging and disengagement cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The design of improved luer fittings with ergonomic surfaces and ergonomic surfaces and a swivel feature that allows independent rotation of segments, along with a smooth flow path and secure connection mechanism to reduce clogging and enhance user comfort and ease of engagement/disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional luer fittings are used, then connection is achieved, but clogging occurs due to rapid flow transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing a curved transition section in the flow path instead of abrupt angular transitions. The curved geometry smooths fluid flow and eliminates dead zones where emulsified particles could accumulate, directly addressing the clogging problem caused by rapid flow transitions in conventional luers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the flow path, specifically the transition angle and curvature radius. By optimizing these parameters, the flow velocity distribution is improved, preventing particle deposition and maintaining reliable flow through the luer fitting.
2Ease of operation
If conventional luer fittings are used, then connection is achieved, but gripping difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric gripping features (protrusions or knurled surfaces) on the external diameter surface of the luer. This asymmetric geometry provides enhanced friction and mechanical interlocking with user fingers, making gripping and manipulation significantly easier compared to the symmetric, smooth surface of conventional luers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the surface geometry by adding discrete gripping features (protrusions or knurled sections) rather than modifying the entire surface uniformly. This segmented approach improves grip while maintaining the basic luer structure and connection functionality.
3Productivity
If conventional luer fittings are used, then connection is achieved, but disengagement becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a swivel feature that allows the luer to rotate independently relative to the connected component. This dynamic movement enables the luer to pivot during engagement and disengagement, reducing mechanical binding and making the separation process smoother and less cumbersome.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the luer into rotatable sections, allowing independent movement of the body relative to the hub. This segmentation enables the swivel motion that facilitates easier disengagement by reducing friction and mechanical interference during the separation process.
Data Source
AI summary
A luer fitting that included a body having a proximal region, a distal region, and a length therebetween. The body includes: a recessed region within a portion of the length of the body at the proximal region, the recessed region having a proximal end opening, an inner back wall and an inner circumferential sidewall; a barb extending proximally from the inner back wall; and a passage between a first opening at the distal region of the body to a second opening at a proximal end of the barb, the passage forming an inner surface and having a first inner diameter at or near the first opening at the distal region opening that is greater than a second inner diameter at or near the inner back wall of the recessed region, wherein the transition between the first inner diameter and the second inner diameter is curvilinear.