Syringe Connector Nested Cylinder Engagement Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing syringe connectors with lengthy arms are prone to unintentional disconnection and breakage when handled or collided with other instruments, due to their exposed and protruding design.

Innovation Solution

A fluid connector design featuring a cylindrical section with a male luer taper and a connection member comprising an inner cylinder member and an outer cylinder member, where the inner cylinder member has slits for elastic deformation and engagement pieces that are restricted from diameter expansion, preventing unintentional disconnection and breakage by engaging with an annular recess, and the outer cylinder member is securely attached to the inner cylinder member, restricting movement and rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the connection member uses lengthy arms that are uncovered and protruding, then the connection member can be easily attached and detached, but the connection member is prone to unintentional disconnection and breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment and detachmentVSAvoidresistance to unintentional disconnection and breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member adopts a nested structure where the inner cylinder member is inserted into the outer cylinder member. The inner cylinder member contains the engagement plate with engagement pieces that fit into the annular recess of the cylindrical section. This nesting arrangement protects the engagement pieces from external impacts while maintaining secure connection, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The inner cylinder member is designed with elastic deformation capability, allowing the engagement pieces to flexibly engage with and disengage from the annular recess. This elastic flexibility enables reliable connection that resists unintentional disconnection while maintaining ease of intentional attachment and detachment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If the engagement pieces are made displaceable in diameter expansion directions, then the connection member is easy to attach, but the engagement pieces are vulnerable to breakage from radial forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidresistance to breakage from radial forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The outer cylinder member serves as a protective shell that encloses the inner cylinder member and the engagement pieces. When the connection member is assembled, the outer cylinder member restricts radial displacement of the engagement pieces, protecting them from breakage while allowing elastic deformation during attachment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The inner cylinder member's elastic deformation property allows the engagement pieces to flexibly engage with the annular recess during attachment, while the outer cylinder member provides structural support to prevent excessive radial forces from causing breakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If the connection member uses a simple cylindrical structure, then the manufacturing is simple, but the connection member cannot prevent rotation during screw-fastening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of structureVSAvoidprevention of rotation during connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement plate features an asymmetric engagement structure where the engagement pieces fit into a non-circular annular recess. This asymmetric design prevents rotation of the inner cylinder member relative to the outer cylinder member during screw-fastening operations, while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of standard cylindrical components with modified engagement features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 connector prevents unintentional disconnection and breakage by securely engaging the connection member with the cylindrical section, ensuring reliable attachment and detachment, and reducing the risk of damage from handling or collisions.

Implementation Method 1

the plurality of engagement pieces are displaceable in diameter expansion directions as a result of elastic deformation of the inner cylinder member when a radial force is applied to the engagement plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10149940B2Connector for fluid, and syringe

Publication Date: 2018.12.11 NIPRO CORP

AI summary

A connector which is detachably connected to a cylindrical section is prevented from unintentionally disconnecting and breaking. The connector has inner and outer cylinder members. The inner cylinder member has an engagement plate protruding from the inner peripheral surface of an inner cylinder body and engaging with a recess formed in the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical section, and also has slits arranged radially and extending from the engagement plate to a part of the inner cylinder body. The engagement between the recess and the engagement plate restricts the axial movement of the inner cylinder member relative to the cylindrical section. When the outer cylinder member is mounted on the inner cylinder member, the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder member is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member, and the displacement of the engagement plate in the diameter expansion direction is restricted.