Cannula Connector Support Ears Prevent Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing medical device tubes, such as tracheostomy tubes, face issues with the secure attachment and retention of the inner cannula to the outer cannula, particularly due to twisting and radial torsion caused by ventilator hose movement, leading to disengagement of the snap connector.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an outer cannula connector with a locking flange and opposing support ears, and an inner cannula connector with locking ears, which securely engage and prevent rotation, ensuring stable attachment without altering existing designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a snap connector is used to attach the inner cannula to the outer cannula, then the attachment can be quickly removed for cleaning or obstruction removal, but the connector may disengage due to twisting or radial torsion during use
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional elements: a flange portion providing a locking surface, support ears preventing rotation, and locking tabs with resilient portions. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function while maintaining overall connector reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The support ears are positioned to preemptively prevent rotational movement before it can cause disengagement. The resilient locking tabs apply continuous counteracting force to maintain engagement, counteracting the effects of twisting or torsion before they can lead to connector failure
2Adaptability or versatility
If the inner cannula connector is allowed to rotate or twist during use, then movement from ventilator hose connection is accommodated, but the snap connector may disengage and allow withdrawal of the inner cannula
Solution Approach 1:
The support ears extend radially outward from the flange, creating a dimensional barrier that prevents rotational movement in the radial dimension. This adds a spatial constraint that maintains reliability while allowing the connector to accommodate movement in other dimensions through its resilient design
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing designs for the inner cannula and connector are maintained, then compatibility with current systems is preserved, but secure attachment and prevention of rotation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The flange design with support ears and locking tabs serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a locking mechanism for secure attachment, prevents rotation through radial support structures, and maintains compatibility with existing cannula systems. This multi-functionality achieves improved reliability without sacrificing adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device tube having opposing support ears for improved coupling of an inner cannula to an outer cannula. The medical device tube comprises an outer cannula having opposing support ears on an outer cannula connector flange attached to a proximal end of the outer cannula. The opposing support ears maintain locking ears of the inner cannula in substantially one position. The opposing support ears substantially prevent the locking ears in contact with the outer cannula connector flange from slipping therefrom by, e.g., rotation, axial displacement, torsional shear, etc.