Dialyzer Connector Locking to Prevent Rotation and Leaks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The connection between dialyzers and connectors in hemodialysis systems is prone to uncoupling and leaking, which can lead to catastrophic outcomes such as embolism, highlighting the need for improved securing techniques that prevent rotation and ensure a secure engagement.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a housing featuring a cutout and interior void to accommodate the dialyzer port and connector, along with engagement portions to secure the connector in a fixed rotational position, ensuring proper alignment and preventing leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard connector is used to couple tubing to the dialyzer port, then the connection can be easily made and removed, but the connector may rotate or uncouple during treatment leading to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is pre-configured with engagement portions that automatically engage with the connector upon assembly. The first engagement portion engages the body of the connector while the second engagement portion engages the winged portions, creating preliminary mechanical constraints that prevent rotation and uncoupling before treatment begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device acts as an intermediary component between the connector and the dialyzer port. It provides additional mechanical support and stabilization to the connector-adapter assembly, preventing rotation and uncoupling without interfering with the ease of initial connection.
2Ease of operation
If the connector is allowed to rotate freely for easy assembly, then connection is simplified, but proper alignment and secure engagement cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device incorporates asymmetric features including a non-circular cutout that receives the connector body and a specifically shaped interior void that accommodates the winged portions. This asymmetric geometry provides mechanical keys that ensure proper rotational alignment when the locking device is assembled onto the connector-adapter assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement portions are pre-configured with geometric features that guide and constrain the connector into the correct rotational position during assembly. The first engagement portion's cutout and the second engagement portion's interior void work together to establish proper alignment before final securing occurs.
3Reliability
If a locking device is added to secure the connector, then rotation and leaks are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, prevents rotation through the engaged cutout and interior void, secures the connector with two engagement portions, and maintains proper alignment. This merging of functions achieves high reliability without requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to work with various connector types and dialyzer adapters while providing consistent security features. The engagement portions are configured to accommodate standard connector geometries, making the locking device a universal solution that can be applied across different dialysis system configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present teachings include techniques for securing a connection to a dialyzer or the like—e.g., securing the junction between a dialyzer port and a connector (e.g., a DIN connector) that couples the port to tubing of an extracorporeal circuit of a hemodialysis system. To this end, a locking device may engage both a DIN connector and a portion of the dialyzer, such as the cap or an adapter engaged therewith. The locking device may include an interior void sized and shaped to accommodate winged portions (or other portions) of the DIN connector to mitigate rotation thereof relative to the port to which it is engaged. Further, the locking device may be used to ensure that coupling between the DIN connector and the port is proper and secure. In this manner, a locking device can mitigate leaks, which can be catastrophic during a hemodialysis treatment or the like.