Self-Closing Bag Coupling for Clean Waste-Fluid Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag connector systems for medical appliances fail to effectively prevent fluid contamination on the outer surfaces of coupling elements during uncoupling, which is critical for maintaining hygiene in medical applications involving waste fluids.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a self-closing seal mechanism, such as a flapper connected to a leaf spring or a spring-loaded valve, within the coupling elements to prevent fluid flow when disconnected, along with locking mechanisms like twist locks or snap-fits to maintain the coupled state, ensuring minimal fluid contamination on the outer surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bag connector system is designed to allow easy connection and disconnection of coupling elements, then ease of operation is improved, but fluid contamination on outer surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-closing seal is pre-positioned to automatically close upon disconnection of the coupling elements, preventing fluid contamination before it can occur. This preliminary protective action eliminates the need for manual sealing operations while maintaining hygiene during routine connector handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted as a separate self-closing mechanism independent of the coupling/decoupling operation. This allows the seal to function autonomously during connection and disconnection without interfering with ease of operation, while effectively preventing fluid contamination on outer surfaces.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a self-closing seal mechanism is added to prevent fluid contamination, then hygiene is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed as a self-closing mechanism that automatically activates upon disconnection without requiring external control systems, complex actuation mechanisms, or additional power sources. This self-service approach prevents fluid contamination while maintaining simplicity in the overall device design.
Solution Approach 2:
A simple intermediary mechanism (such as a spring-loaded or elastic seal) mediates between the coupling elements to provide automatic sealing. This intermediary component adds minimal complexity while effectively preventing fluid contamination during connection and disconnection operations.
3Reliability
If locking mechanisms are added to maintain coupled state, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses simple, inexpensive components such as snap-fit features or elastic retention elements that provide reliable coupling without complex mechanisms. These simple locking features engage automatically during connection and can be easily released, maintaining both reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is segmented into simple discrete features (such as snap-fit protrusions or retention lugs) rather than a complex integrated mechanism. This segmentation allows reliable coupling maintenance through simple geometric interlocking that does not impede ease of operation.
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 effectively contains waste fluids within the tubing and storage containers, minimizing exposure and contamination on the outer surfaces of the coupling elements, thus enhancing hygiene and usability in medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element, and the valve; wherein the spring element is configured to close the valve when the first coupling element and the second coupling element are disconnected
Implementation Method 2
The second coupling element further comprises a duckbill valve
Data Source
AI summary
A bag connector system includes a first coupling element, with a self-closing seal and a housing having a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port, and a second coupling element, with a housing having a fluid inlet end and a fluid outlet end. The fluid inlet end is configured to displace the self-closing seal when inserted into the fluid outlet port of the first coupling element. A bag connector system optionally includes a locking mechanism to maintain the first coupling element and second coupling element in a coupled state. Uncoupling of the first and second coupling elements results in minimal fluid contamination on the outer surfaces of the coupling elements. The bag connector systems provided herein are included in medical appliances for waste management.