Thermoplastic Adaptor Segmented Mounting for Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection assemblies for drug delivery devices, particularly those using a Luer type connector, face issues with inconsistent immobilization of the adaptor with respect to the syringe tip, leading to difficulties in needle or duct connection and maintaining this connection during use and sterilization processes.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly featuring a thermoplastic mounting portion with complementary shapes, including a first and second portion with different distances from the longitudinal axis, allowing radial legs to compress and creep around these areas when heated, ensuring a secure and stable attachment by increasing the surface contact and resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional adaptor with radial legs is used to connect to the tip, then the connection assembly can be assembled, but the immobilization of the adaptor with respect to the tip is inconsistent, leading to difficulties in needle or duct connection and maintaining connection during use and sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting area is segmented into at least two portions (first and second portions) with different outer diameters, creating distinct engagement zones. The radial legs of the adaptor engage with these segmented portions, allowing differential compression and more reliable immobilization. This segmentation enables the connection assembly to maintain consistent positioning during assembly and sterilization processes.
2Strength
If the adaptor is made of metal, then the connection strength may be sufficient, but the immobilization consistency remains poor and connection difficulty persists
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter of the adaptor from metal to elastomeric material. This material parameter change enables the adaptor to deform elastically during assembly, allowing the radial legs to compress around the mounting area portions and maintain consistent immobilization. The elastomeric property provides inherent compliance that ensures reliable connection without the inconsistencies observed with rigid metal adaptors.
3Ease of manufacture
If friction forces and shoulder engagement are used to immobilize the adaptor, then assembly is simple, but the immobilization is not perfectly assured and connection stability is compromised during sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a composite structure combining an elastomeric adaptor material with a rigid tip structure. The elastomeric material provides deformability for reliable engagement, while the rigid tip provides structural support. This composite approach maintains assembly simplicity while significantly improving connection stability during sterilization and use, overcoming the limitations of simple friction-based immobilization.
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 provides a three-fold increase in connection resistance, ensuring reliable immobilization of the adaptor with respect to the tip, both axially and rotationally, and maintains this stability through sterilization processes, facilitating secure connections in all use scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining this temperature for a sufficient duration to allow the creeping of the thermoplastic material of said mounting portion around or into said first portion and said second portion
Implementation Method 2
allowing said connection assembly to cool to a temperature in which said thermoplastic material has returned to a non plastic state
Data Source
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AI summary
This connection assembly includes a tip defining a longitudinal axis and including a mounting area for mounting an adaptor thereon, and the adaptor including a mounting portion of thermoplastic material, forming a radial surface, which define a mounting opening for mounting the adaptor onto the tip. The mounting area includes at least one first portion having an outer surface which is located at a first distance from the longitudinal axis (A) and at least one second portion, adjacent to the first portion, having an outer surface which is located at a second distance from the longitudinal axis, the second distance being different from the first distance, the radial surface being located after assembly of the adaptor over the first portion and the second portion; The mounting opening and the at least one first portion and second portion are so dimensioned such that the radial surface of the mounting portion is in close contact with the outer surfaces of both the first portion and the second portion.