Breathing Conduit Connectors With Quick-Release Alignment Features
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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 the delivery of gas therapy to patients and pose safety risks, especially in emergency situations, 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 and ensuring patient safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional connectors are used for breathing circuits, then connection security and sealing are maintained, but detachment and replacement of components become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic locking mechanism with a resilient locking finger that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The locking finger is biased by a spring to engage with a cam surface during insertion, automatically securing the connection. For detachment, a simple actuation movement releases the cam surface, allowing quick release without complex tools or procedures, thus resolving the contradiction between secure connection and easy detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a locking mechanism segment, a sealing segment, and a connection segment. This segmentation allows the locking function to be independently actuated from the sealing and gas flow functions. The locking finger and cam surface form a separate detachment mechanism that can be operated independently, enabling quick release while maintaining secure connection during normal use.
2Manufacturing precision
If alignment features are added to facilitate correct connection, then connection accuracy is improved, but connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates asymmetric alignment features including a keyway on one connector and a corresponding key protrusion on the mating connector. This asymmetric geometry provides unique orientation guidance, ensuring that connectors can only be assembled in the correct rotational position. The asymmetric design achieves precise alignment without requiring multiple symmetric features or complex adjustment mechanisms, thus improving alignment accuracy while minimizing added complexity.
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.