Locking Connector Coupling With Pullout-Force Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional couplers used in medical treatments are prone to improper securement and dislodgement due to forces exceeding their design limits, leading to unintended decoupling and disruption of fluid administration, and often require cumbersome clamps that can cause harm or injury.
Innovation Solution
A coupler assembly with a first connector and a second connector that securely engage via engaging members and securing members, allowing for a fluid pathway until a predetermined threshold force is exceeded, after which the connectors decouple to prevent further fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional couplers are used to connect tubing or catheters, then fluid administration can be maintained, but the couplers are prone to dislodgement and unintended decoupling when subject to forces greater than their design limits
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler assembly employs dynamic engaging members that can transition between engaged and disengaged states based on applied force. The engaging members are configured to engage with securing members on the second connector when insertion force is applied, and automatically disengage when excessive pullout force is applied, providing adaptive response to different force conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler assembly is divided into separate functional components: a first connector with engaging members, a second connector with securing members on arms, and a body portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve secure connection that can fail safely under excessive force
2Reliability
If conventional couplers are designed to remain securely connected, then fluid administration is maintained, but they require cumbersome clamps to prevent dislodgement, which can cause harm or injury
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler assembly is self-securing through the engaging members and securing members mechanism. Once the second connector is inserted into the first connector, the engaging members automatically engage with the securing members to secure the connection without requiring external clamps or additional securing devices
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for external clamps by integrating the securing function directly into the coupler assembly structure. The engaging members and securing members work together to provide the securing function that would otherwise require separate clamp devices
3Reliability
If the coupler uses engaging members and securing members to secure connectors, then accidental dislodgement is reduced, but the coupler must allow controlled decoupling in response to disconnection events
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler assembly utilizes changes in the physical state of the engaging members under different force conditions. Under normal operating forces, the engaging members remain engaged with the securing members to maintain secure connection. When excessive pullout force is applied, the engaging members change state and disengage from the securing members, allowing controlled decoupling
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 coupler assembly provides secure retention of connectors while allowing controlled decoupling in response to disconnection events, reducing accidental dislodgement and potential harm, and eliminating the need for bulky clamps.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one arm being biased radially inward and configured to deflect radially outward
Implementation Method 2
a second connector with a radially biased arm that secures the connection
Implementation Method 3
allowing fluid flow until a predetermined threshold force is applied, at which the connection decouples
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler having a first connector including a first end having an inlet and a second end opposite the first end having an opening. The first connector including at least one engaging member disposed between the first end and the second end. The coupler having a second connector including a body extending from an outlet portion. The body configured to be at least partially inserted into the opening to couple the second connector to the first connector. The outlet portion including at least one arm having a securing member configured to engage with the engaging member to secure the first connector to the second connector. When the second connector is coupled to the first connector, the outlet portion is exposed. The first connector is configured to decouple from the second connector in response to a pullout force exceeding a predetermined threshold force.