Breathing Tube Connector with Nested Jacket for Dual Respirator Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breathing tube connecting devices are not cost-effective and do not allow for seamless connection between neonatal and adult respirators, which have different connection structures and diameters, posing challenges in adapting a neonatal breathing tube for use with both types of respirators.
Innovation Solution
A breathing tube connecting device comprising a base body with a neonatal diameter breathing gas through duct and a jacket body designed for adult respirators, which can be meshed in a positive-locking manner, incorporating a transponder for data storage and wireless communication, allowing the device to connect to both neonatal and adult respirators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a breathing tube connecting device is designed with a specific diameter for neonatal use (11 mm), then it can connect to neonatal respirators, but it cannot connect to adult respirators that require different diameters (15 mm or 22 mm)
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into two separate components: a base body with a first connection (11 mm diameter for neonatal respirators) and a jacket body with a second connection (15 mm or 22 mm diameter for adult respirators). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling versatility through combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The base body is inserted into the jacket body in a nested arrangement, where the base body with the neonatal connection fits inside the jacket body with the adult connection. This nesting structure enables a single device to provide both neonatal and adult respiratory connections without requiring separate devices.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate breathing tube connecting devices are produced for neonatal and adult respirators, then each device can be optimized for its specific use, but production costs increase and inventory complexity rises
Solution Approach 1:
The combined connecting device serves multiple functions: it can connect to both neonatal respirators (via the base body connection) and adult respirators (via the jacket body connection). This multi-functionality eliminates the need to produce and stock separate devices for different patient populations, reducing manufacturing costs and inventory complexity while maintaining full compatibility with both respirator types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a breathing tube connecting device uses a female connection for neonatal respirators, then it can connect to neonatal male connections, but it cannot connect to adult respirators that use different connection types
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into two distinct types: a female connection on the base body for neonatal respirators and a male connection on the jacket body for adult respirators. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to different connection types required by different respirator systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The device structure is made dynamic and adjustable through the removable jacket body. The jacket body can be attached or detached depending on whether adult or neonatal respiratory support is needed, allowing the connection type to change based on clinical requirements without requiring a completely different device.
Data Source
AI summary
A breathing tube connecting device is provided for connecting a breathing tube to at least two respirators. The breathing tube connecting device includes a base body with a breathing gas through duct embodied in the base body, a jacket body, which can be meshed with the base body in a positive-locking manner and thus encloses at least a part of the base body in a coaxial manner, and a transponder. The transponder is provided between the base body and the jacket body. The breathing gas through duct and the jacket body are embodied at least partly as a coupling section for a selective connection of the breathing tube to one of the at least two respirators.