Breathing Conduit Connectors for Fast Aligned Component Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for breathing circuits often make it difficult and time-consuming to detach or replace components, which can disrupt gas therapy delivery and pose safety risks, especially in emergencies, due to complex or slow connection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A connector system with 'quick-connect' or 'quick-release' capabilities, featuring internal and external alignment features such as tabs, ribs, and visual aids to facilitate rapid and correct alignment and connection, allowing for easy interchangeability of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional connectors are used in breathing circuits, then connection security and reliability are maintained, but detachment and replacement of components become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate modular components: a first connector portion with internal connection features and a second connector portion with external connection features. This segmentation allows independent handling and rapid attachment/detachment of different breathing circuit components without requiring complex disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates self-aligning features including external alignment features on the first connector portion that automatically guide the second connector portion into correct positioning during attachment. The internal connection features and external connection features engage automatically when aligned, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments or complex locking procedures by the user.
2Reliability
If complex connection mechanisms are used to ensure secure connections, then connection reliability is improved, but the connection process becomes slower and more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is extracted as a separate feature set (external alignment features) distinct from the connection function (internal connection features and external connection features). This separation allows the alignment process to occur automatically during the connection process, simplifying the overall mechanism while ensuring both reliable alignment and secure connection without requiring complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The external alignment features are positioned and configured in advance on the first connector portion to pre-establish the correct orientation and positioning guide for the second connector portion. This preliminary alignment preparation ensures that when the connectors are brought together, they automatically engage in the correct configuration, guaranteeing connection reliability while maintaining simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If alignment features are added to facilitate rapid connection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric external alignment features with specific geometric configurations that provide directional guidance for the connection process. The asymmetric design ensures that the second connector portion can only be attached in the correct orientation, facilitating rapid and error-free connection while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through purposeful geometric design rather than complex mechanical systems.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to connectors to be provided into fluid communication or engagement either directly with, or via a component to be associated with, a terminal end of a breathing conduit. In at least one embodiment, the connector comprises a body having a first end and a second end, and an internal lumen for the passage of gas between the ends. The first end engageable with a terminal end of a conduit or a component to be associated therewith. The second end engageable with another connector. An internal surface of the body at the second end comprises internal connection features for connection with another connector to be received internally therein. An external surface of the body comprises one or more external alignment feature(s) for aligning the connector or another connection into an aligned orientation for connection therebetween.