Tamper-Proof Luer-Lock Connector for Spill-Proof Fluid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transfer systems face issues with accidental disconnection of connectors, leading to potential spills and uncontrollable air pressure fluctuations, which can cause malfunctions or accidents, especially in hazardous fluid transfers.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-proof luer lock connector with a rotatable luer lock connection port and a coupling/decoupling mechanism that restricts rotation in specific directions to prevent unintentional disconnection, using a cylindrical outer body that covers the connection port and includes a mechanism to allow controlled coupling and decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the luer lock connection port is made accessible by fingertips, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The luer lock connection port is nested within the outer body, creating a layered structure where the port is accessible only through a controlled opening. This nesting allows the port to be protected from accidental access while remaining operable through the designated interface, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer body acts as an intermediary element between the user's fingers and the luer lock connection port. It provides a controlled interface through the opening that allows intentional coupling while blocking accidental access, thus maintaining both ease of operation and connection reliability.
2Reliability
If the connection port is fully covered by the outer body, then reliability is improved by preventing accidental access, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outer body is designed with non-uniform properties: it is mostly closed to protect the connection port, but includes a localized opening that provides controlled access. This local quality change allows the majority of the body to maintain reliability while a small portion enables ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer body is segmented into a protective covering portion and an access opening portion. This segmentation allows different regions to serve different functions: the covering portion maintains reliability by preventing accidental access, while the opening portion enables ease of operation for intentional coupling.
3Ease of operation
If the luer lock connection port is made rotatable in both directions, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential misconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The luer lock connection port is designed with asymmetric threading characteristics where the external port has right-hand threads and the internal port has left-hand threads. This asymmetry creates a mechanical interlock that prevents rotation in the uncoupling direction while allowing rotation in the coupling direction, thus improving both ease of operation and connection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional luer lock design by making the internal port non-rotatable while the external port remains rotatable. This inversion ensures that only the external port can rotate during coupling, preventing misconnection while maintaining ease of operation through the external rotation mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments are directed to a connector for connection with a fluid transfer device, including an outer body having a longitudinal axis; and a luer lock connection port positioned within the outer body and configured to be coupled with an external port of said fluid transfer device. The luer lock connection port can be rotatable about the longitudinal axis at least in one of a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwise direction at least prior to initiation of coupling thereof with the external port. The outer body can be structured, and the luer lock connection port is positioned therewithin, such that to prevent an operator to access, through the outer body, directly by fingertips an exterior of the luer lock connection port after the luer lock connection port has been coupled with the external port.