Bi-lumen Breathing Circuit Connector With Interference Fit Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bi-lumen anaesthesia breathing tubes with irregular cross-sectional shapes are incompatible with standard circular connectors, leading to issues with condensate retention and increased risk of bacteria growth, which can cause ventilator-associated pneumonia, and require extended lengths that existing solutions cannot accommodate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A bi-lumen breathing circuit assembly with lengthwise extending inner and connector septa, featuring concavities for sealing and separate inflow and outflow passages, allowing for extension of conduit lengths and integration with accessories like water collection cups, using an interference fit and various connector shapes to minimize flow resistance and enhance sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bi-lumen breathing tubes with irregular cross-sectional shapes are used, then patient comfort is improved by adding moisture, but compatibility with standard circular connectors is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a adapter connector as an intermediary device between the bi-lumen breathing tube and standard circular connectors. This adapter features an irregular cross-section that matches the breathing tube shape and a circular cross-section that interfaces with standard connectors, thereby resolving the compatibility issue while preserving patient comfort benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric cross-sectional designs in the breathing tubes and corresponding connectors. The bi-lumen tubes maintain their irregular cross-sections for patient comfort, while the connectors feature matching asymmetric geometries that enable compatible connections, breaking the conventional circular symmetry requirement
2Ease of manufacture
If bi-lumen breathing tubes are provided in standard lengths, then manufacturing is simplified, but flexibility in clinical scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the breathing circuit into modular segments including standard-length tubes and separate extension components. This segmentation allows the basic tube to be manufactured in standard lengths for simplicity, while extensions can be added as needed to accommodate various clinical scenarios, thereby achieving both manufacturing efficiency and clinical flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic configuration system where breathing circuit components can be dynamically assembled in different lengths and configurations. Standard-length tubes serve as the base unit, and extensions or adapters can be dynamically added or removed to match specific patient needs, transforming a static standard-length design into a flexible modular system
3Ease of operation
If condensate is retained within the circuit for a long time, then moisture addition to gases is maintained, but bacteria growth risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates condensate collection cups that periodically remove and extract condensate from the breathing circuit. This extraction mechanism prevents long-term condensate retention while maintaining the beneficial moisture addition effect during the collection period, thereby reducing bacteria growth risk without compromising patient comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a system that discards accumulated condensate through collection cups while recovering the moisture addition function. The condensate is periodically removed and disposed of, preventing bacterial proliferation, while the system maintains the ability to add moisture to gases during operational cycles
4Reliability
If separate inflow and outflow passages are provided, then condensate collection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inflow and outflow passage functions into an integrated connector structure. The separate passages are merged within a single connector body that interfaces with both the breathing tube and the condensate collection cup, achieving effective condensate collection while minimizing the increase in device complexity through unified design
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
Enables reliable and flexible extension of bi-lumen breathing circuits, reducing condensate retention and bacteria growth risks by ensuring a secure connection and separate passage for condensate collection, thereby improving patient safety and convenience in clinical scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
an interference fit is defined between the respective septa
Implementation Method 2
a lengthwise extending connector septum for segregating inspiratory and expiratory connector passages
Implementation Method 3
a lengthwise extending inner septum for segregating inspiratory and expiratory lumens
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2a
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates a bi-lumen (double-lumen) breathing circuit assembly for use in medical anaesthesia. The assembly comprises first and second breathing circuit conduit lengths (1, 11) each comprising: (i) a lengthwise extending inner septum (12) for segregating inspiratory and expiratory lumens (110); and (ii) lumen opening pairs at their respective opposite distal ends (21). The assembly further comprises a connector (2) comprising: (iii) a lengthwise extending connector septum (24) for segregating inspiratory and expiratory connector passages (50, 60); and (iv) a pair of connector openings at its respective opposite distal ends. A concavity (70) is provided at each distal end of the connecting septum for receiving an inner septum (12) of each breathing circuit conduit length (1, 11) in a secure, airtight manner. This ensures a contiguous passage between connected lengths of breathing circuit conduits (1, 11) via a range of different connectors or adapters (2) having different shapes and functions.