Cam-Actuated Catch Assembly for Secure Tube Coupling Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems for medical tubing lack a secure and easy-to-use mechanism for reversible connection and disconnection, which is crucial for fluidic communication and safety in biomedical applications.
Innovation Solution
A connector system comprising a female coupler, a male coupler, and a catch assembly with a catch-biasing member and follower responsive to a cam, allowing for secure engagement and easy disengagement through a cam-operated mechanism, ensuring reliable fluid flow paths and easy disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple coupling mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The catch assembly transitions from a static connection to a dynamic one, where the catch can move between engaged and disengaged states. The biased catch automatically engages with the catch-receiving element to secure the connection, but can be easily disengaged by applying force to the release element, which moves the catch to a disengaged position.
Solution Approach 2:
The release element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's manual input and the catch assembly. By moving the release element, the user indirectly controls the position of the catch, enabling easy disengagement without directly manipulating the catch itself.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is used, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the catch for securing, the catch-receiving element for engagement, and the release element for disengagement. This segmentation allows each component to have a specialized function, making the overall system both secure and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The biased catch provides automatic engagement for secure connection, but the system allows easy disengagement through the release element that can move the catch from its engaged position. The dynamic nature of the catch assembly enables it to transition between secure locking and easy release states.
3Reliability
If a complex mechanism with multiple components is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The catch assembly integrates multiple functions into a single coordinated mechanism. The biased catch and release element work together as a unified assembly that provides both secure engagement and easy disengagement, reducing the need for separate complex locking and unlocking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch assembly serves multiple functions: it automatically engages to secure the connection, maintains the locked state through biasing, and allows easy disengagement through the release element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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
The system provides a secure and reliable connection while allowing for easy intentional disconnection, ensuring consistent fluid flow and safety in biomedical applications by using a catch assembly with a catch-biasing member and follower responsive to a cam, enhancing usability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a catch-biasing member which biases the catch
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a connector system for releasably connecting together tubes, for example medical tubing, and methods of making and using such a connector system, whereby the connector system includes a female coupler having a first passageway; a male coupler having a second passageway; and a catch assembly comprising a catch movably coupled to the female coupler, a catch-biasing member which biases the catch, and a follower responsive to a cam, whereby the catch is responsive to the follower and correspondingly, the cam.