Adaptive Coupling Device for Medical Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical access devices, such as PVC tubing and catheters, do not effectively release under complex loading conditions, leading to accidental removal or damage, and fail to prevent leaks during uncoupling, posing risks to patients with limited or unlimited mobility.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive coupling system for medical conduits that includes a body with distinct openings configured to release under specific loading conditions, featuring a fluid gate that controls unidirectional or bidirectional flow and is biased to prevent leaks, using mechanisms like spherical or hemispherical gates and internal springs to manage fluid flow and provide secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If PVC tubing is used to connect fluid reservoirs and infusion pumps to medical access devices, then the tubing has high break force (about ten kilograms or greater), but it transfers accidental forces to the medical access device, causing the device to be pulled off or broken
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into separate components: a body with a first opening for the medical access device and a second opening for the tubing. The fluid gate mechanism creates a segmented flow path that allows the tubing connection to fail independently before the medical access device, preventing force transfer to the device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid gate acts as an intermediary mechanism between the tubing and the medical access device. When the tubing is pulled, the fluid gate closes to seal the fluid path, allowing the tubing to detach without transferring pulling forces to the medical access device, thus protecting the device from damage.
2Reliability
If the coupling device releases under separation force, then accidental removal is prevented, but leaks may occur during uncoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid gate is positioned and configured to close automatically before the actual uncoupling occurs. When separation force is applied to the tubing, the fluid gate seals the fluid path in advance, preventing leaks during the uncoupling process while still allowing the connection to release when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid gate mechanism provides a protective sealing action beforehand that cushions against the harmful effect of potential leaks. By sealing the fluid path before uncoupling completes, the system prevents fluid loss and contamination that would otherwise occur during the separation process.
3Ease of operation
If a detachable coupling is provided that detaches under separation force, then accidental removal can occur, but manual separation requires a secure locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic release state based on applied forces. The internal geometry and frictional engagement allow the coupling to remain secure during normal use but automatically transition to a released state when separation forces exceed a threshold, eliminating the need for complex manual locking mechanisms.
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 adaptive coupling system safely and predictably couples and uncouples medical access devices, preventing premature uncoupling and leaks, and releases under complex loading conditions, ensuring patient safety and device integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The first opening is configured to release a first medical conduit, during use, under a first set of loading conditions. The second opening may be configured to release a second medical conduit, during use, under a second set of loading conditions.
Implementation Method 2
featuring a fluid gate that controls unidirectional or bidirectional flow and is biased to prevent leaks
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems and methods for adaptively coupling conduits such as medical tubing to a transcutaneous fixating device or other medical tubing. In some embodiments, an adaptive coupling system for coupling two medical conduits may include a body. The body may include a first opening. The first opening is positioned proximally to a subject. The body may include a second opening. The second opening is positioned distally to the subject. The body may include a fluid gate. In some embodiments, the fluid gate may be configured to control a flow of fluids through the body between the first opening and the second opening. The first opening may be configured to release a first medical conduit, during use, under a first set of loading conditions. In some embodiments, the second opening may be configured to release a second medical conduit, during use, under a second set of loading conditions.