Vented Luer Cone Connector Air Emboli Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vented connectors for male Luer fittings are often complex, requiring multiple parts and assembly, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased risk of contamination and air emboli during fluid administration.
Innovation Solution
A vented connector design featuring an axial portion with an air inlet and bifurcating portion, integrated in one piece, with specific filter elements to allow air flow while preventing fluid outflow and vice versa, ensuring sterile air delivery and preventing air emboli, and incorporating a male Luer lock for secure sealing with a syringe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing vented connectors are used, then air venting function is provided, but the connector structure becomes complex with multiple parts requiring assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air inlet, fluid outlet, and filter elements into a single integrated connector body. The air inlet and fluid outlet are formed as separate openings in the same housing structure, eliminating the need for separate air vent components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining air emboli prevention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, creates sealed fluid pathways, incorporates air intake capability, and houses filter elements. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining reliable air venting and contamination prevention.
2Productivity
If existing vented connectors with multiple parts are used, then air venting is achieved, but assembly process becomes time-consuming and increases contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all functional elements (air inlet, fluid outlet, filters, sealing surfaces) into a single molded connector body, the patent eliminates multiple assembly steps. This reduces assembly time and eliminates potential contamination sources that would arise from joining multiple separate parts together.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a disposable single-use device that can be sterilized and discarded after one use. This eliminates the need for complex reusable assemblies requiring multiple components, and ensures that each connector is sterile from manufacturing without requiring assembly of pre-sterilized parts.
3Reliability
If filters are added to prevent contamination, then sterile air delivery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter elements are integrated directly into the connector housing structure, with filters positioned at the air inlet and fluid outlet pathways. This integration eliminates the need for separate filter housings or assembly steps, reducing device complexity while ensuring sterile air delivery and fluid transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing simultaneously serves as the structural body, fluid pathway, air venting mechanism, and filter housing. This multi-functionality allows filters to be incorporated without adding separate components, maintaining simple device architecture while achieving reliable contamination prevention.
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 simplifies the assembly process, reduces contamination risks, and effectively manages air and fluid flow, preventing air emboli while maintaining a sterile environment during medical fluid administration.
Implementation Method 1
with specific filter elements to allow air flow while preventing fluid outflow
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a male Luer lock for secure sealing with a syringe
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system (100) is disclosed for administration of a medical fluid, which comprises a receptacle (106), having at least one of its outlets/inlets furnished with a male Luer tip fitting; a vented connector (10), attached to the male Luer tip fitting, and a casing for the receptacle. The casing comprises two complementary subunits (102, 104) having eyelet tab portions (103, 105). The connector comprises an axial portion (12) and a bifurcating portion (14). The axial portion further comprises an interior post (16) and an exterior housing (20), the post forming a continuum with an air inlet (18). An the air inlet is furnished with a filter or a membrane element of a first type, selectively allowing a flow of air to pass therethrough while preventing an outflow of fluids therefrom. The casing, encompassing the receptacle, is hung from the eyelet tab portions to assume an upright position, whereby a continuous administration of the content of the receptacle is achieved by maintaining an inflow of air thereto.