Negative-Pressure Connector Seal for Low-Force Fluid Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing targeted temperature management (TTM) systems face challenges in achieving reliable fluid seals between connectors while minimizing the forces applied by clinicians during connection and disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A sealing member with a tubular design and annular wall configuration is used to create a fluid seal between connectors. This sealing member is compressed by atmospheric pressure when the lumen pressure is negative, generating a contact force sufficient to establish a reliable fluid seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional sealing mechanism is used between connectors, then the fluid seal may be reliable, but high forces are required by clinicians for connection and disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member utilizes the negative pressure already present in the TTM system lumen to automatically compress itself against the connector surfaces, creating a self-actuating seal mechanism that eliminates the need for additional manual compression forces from the clinician
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic pressure differentials by allowing atmospheric pressure to act on the exterior of the sealing member while negative pressure within the lumen creates a pressure differential that drives the sealing member against the connectors, establishing a reliable fluid seal
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the system operates under negative pressure to prevent water leakage, then water leakage is prevented, but the sealing member requires compression to maintain the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member automatically utilizes the negative pressure environment to generate its own sealing force, converting the operational pressure condition into a self-actuating mechanism that maintains the seal without requiring external force application
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the negative pressure condition, which could potentially cause the sealing member to collapse or lose contact, into a beneficial force by allowing atmospheric pressure to compress the sealing member against the connectors, thereby enhancing seal reliability
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 enhances the reliability of fluid seals between connectors in TTM systems, reduces the forces required by clinicians for connection and disconnection, and prevents water leakage by allowing air to enter the system in case of a leak.
Implementation Method 1
When a pressure within the lumen is negative, atmospheric acting inward on the annular wall compresses the sealing member to define a contact force between the second annular portion and the second connector sufficient to define a fluid seal between the sealing member and the second connector
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing member for providing a seal between fluid connectors includes a tubular member defining a lumen extending between a first end and a second end. The tubular member may receive a first connector via the first end and a second connector via the second end, and includes an annular wall extending between a first annular portion adjacent the first end and a second annular portion adjacent the second end. The first annular portion may engage the first connector, and the second annular portion may engage the second connector. When a pressure within the lumen is negative, atmospheric acting inward on the annular wall compresses the sealing member to define a contact force between the second annular portion and the second connector sufficient to define a fluid seal between the sealing member and the second connector.