Breathing Conduit Connectors for Fast Release and Secure Alignment
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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 connection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A connector system with a 'quick-connect' or 'quick-release' design featuring internal and external alignment features, such as tabs, ribs, and visual aids, that facilitate rapid and correct alignment and connection of components, ensuring easy interchangeability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connectors are used in breathing circuits, then connection security and reliability are improved, but connection and detachment time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional elements: external alignment features (visual guides and physical tabs) for rapid positioning, and internal connection features (locking mechanisms and sealing elements) for secure attachment. This segmentation allows the connection process to occur in discrete, rapid steps while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
External alignment features are provided that pre-position and guide the connectors into correct alignment before the actual connection occurs. The visual guides and physical tabs perform the alignment action in advance, so that when the connectors engage, they are already properly positioned, reducing the time needed for connection while ensuring reliability.
2Reliability
If complex connection mechanisms are used, then connection security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates self-aligning external features and self-locking internal mechanisms that automatically perform the connection and sealing functions when the connectors are brought together. The system serves itself by guiding the connection process through visual and physical cues, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
External alignment features act as intermediaries between the user and the internal connection features. These external features simplify the interaction by providing visual guides and physical tabs that automatically position the connectors, mediating the connection process so that the complex internal locking and sealing mechanisms engage correctly without requiring complex user manipulation.
3Productivity
If quick-connect design is implemented, then ease of operation and productivity are improved, but connection security may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-connect design segments the connection function into external alignment features for rapid engagement and internal connection features for secure locking and sealing. This segmentation allows the connector to achieve both quick connection and high security by distributing different functions to different structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector merges multiple functions into a single integrated design: external alignment features provide both visual guidance and physical positioning, while internal features provide locking, sealing, and alignment functions simultaneously. This merging allows the quick-connect mechanism to achieve connection security that would normally require multiple separate components or steps.
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.