Self-Closing Bag Coupling for Hygienic Waste Tube Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag connector systems for medical appliances fail to provide a hygienic and easy-to-use solution for connecting medical grade tubing to external fluid collection bags, particularly in minimizing fluid contamination when disconnected.
Innovation Solution
The proposed bag connector system features a self-closing seal mechanism, such as a flapper connected to a leaf spring or a sliding cover with a spring element, integrated within the coupling elements to maintain a coupled state and prevent fluid leakage, utilizing a twist lock-in mechanism, cantilever snap-fit, or duckbill valve to ensure minimal contamination upon uncoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bag connector system is designed to be easy to use and manipulatable, then ease of operation is improved, but fluid contamination on outer surfaces worsens when disconnected
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 closing action eliminates the need for manual intervention to prevent contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector system performs self-protection through the self-closing seal mechanism that automatically activates when coupling elements are separated, without requiring user action to prevent fluid leakage or contamination.
2Reliability
If a self-closing seal mechanism is added to prevent fluid contamination, then fluid leakage prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-closing seal mechanism is integrated within the coupling elements themselves, merging the sealing function with the existing connector structure. This combination prevents fluid leakage while minimizing additional complexity by using the same housing and components for both coupling and sealing functions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If coupling elements are designed to maintain coupled state automatically, then connection stability is improved, but ease of disconnection worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements incorporate dynamic locking mechanisms that automatically maintain the coupled state through spring-loaded or cam-based locking features, while still allowing straightforward disconnection through simple manual actuation that releases the lock.
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 system effectively contains waste within the tubing by automatically closing the drainage path when disconnected, minimizing fluid exposure on the outer surfaces and ensuring hygienic handling of medical waste.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element pushes the sliding cover of the first coupling element into position to close off the drainage path
Implementation Method 2
the duckbill valve may also remain closed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c
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.