Valved Connector Instant Opening Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for medical lines, particularly in hemodialysis, exhibit gradual opening and closing of the flow path due to the design of the male luer lock valved fitting, which can cause inconvenience in patient applications.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes an inner tubular element that makes substantial contact with an elastic hollow element's transverse end wall, allowing instant full opening of the pre-cut before unscrewing the ring nut and immediate full reclosure upon its completion, enabling an ON/OFF switch-like operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inner tubular element is positioned away from the transversal end wall of the hollow element, then the pre-cut opens gradually during operation, but this gradual opening causes serious inconveniences for the patient in hemodialysis applications
Solution Approach 1:
The inner tubular element is pre-positioned in substantial contact with the transversal end wall of the hollow element before operation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the connector is engaged, the pre-cut opens instantly and fully rather than gradually, eliminating the safety risk associated with gradual opening in hemodialysis applications.
2Reliability
If the inner tubular element is in substantial contact with the transversal end wall of the hollow element, then the pre-cut opens instantly and fully, but this requires precise positioning and contact between components
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow element is designed with a localized softer or more compliant region at its transversal end wall that contacts the inner tubular element. This local quality change allows the end wall to deform slightly under contact, ensuring reliable substantial contact between the components without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances across the entire assembly.
3Productivity
If the inner tubular element is displaced towards the advanced position compressing the hollow element, then the pre-cut opens to establish flow, but the hollow element's elastic material must be sufficiently compliant
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow element is constructed from elastic material with specifically selected mechanical parameters - sufficiently compliant to allow the inner tubular element to displace and compress it for instant pre-cut opening, yet strong enough to maintain structural integrity and proper sealing function during operation. The elastic modulus and wall thickness are optimized to balance these competing 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
This design ensures a prompt and complete opening of the flow path before screwing and immediate reclosure after unscrewing, providing a reliable and efficient ON/OFF switching mechanism for medical line connectors.
Implementation Method 1
a hollow element made of elastic material interposed between the outer body and the inner tubular element and having a transversal end wall formed with a pre-cut
Implementation Method 2
the inner luer cone of the female luer lock fitting is suitable to be engaged by friction with the outer luer cone of the inner tubular element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Valved connector for medical lines, particularly hemodialysis lines, comprising a male luer lock valved fitting (1), a female luer lock fitting (2) that can be engaged with the male luer lock fitting (1), and a rotatable ring nut (4) carried by the male luer lock fitting (1) and that can be screwed with the female luer lock fitting (2). The arrangement is such that already before the rotatable ring nut (4) begins the screwing on the female luer lock fitting (2), the male luer lock valved fitting (1) is fully opened, and as soon as the ring nut (4) ceases the unscrewing from the female luer lock fitting (2), the male luer lock valved fitting (1) fully closes instantly.