Dome Valve Sealing Edges Biasing for Airway Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current closed suction catheter systems and airway access adapters face challenges in effectively cleaning the suction catheter and other instruments, as existing flush port configurations either limit the use of the flush port for other instruments or complicate the removal and replacement of the suction catheter, and conventional valve configurations provide less-than-optimal long-term sealing.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an airway access adapter assembly with a manifold and a valve assembly that includes a flush port and a valve device with a slit and dome-like shape, allowing for selective opening and improved sealing, enabling the suction catheter to be cleaned in place and facilitating the use of other instruments while maintaining a sealed connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flush port is provided with the airway access adapter for in-place cleaning of the suction catheter, then the suction catheter can be cleaned without removal, but the flush port may block the access port or complicate the adapter structure
Solution Approach 1:
The flush port is positioned within the valve assembly structure, nested inside the dome-like valve body. The flush port passes through the valve assembly and aligns with the access port, allowing flushing without adding external complexity to the adapter structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: the dome-like valve body for sealing, the flush port channel for cleaning, and the access port for instrument insertion. This segmentation allows independent operation of each function without interference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the suction catheter is made removable from the airway access adapter, then the adapter can be used with other instruments, but the sealed connection may be compromised or the adapter structure must be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The access port is designed with universal compatibility to accept multiple instrument types including suction catheters, bronchoscopes, and other airway instruments. The valve assembly provides a standardized interface that maintains sealed connections across different instrument applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly incorporates a flexible membrane that dynamically opens to accommodate instrument insertion and removal, then automatically returns to its sealed position. This dynamic behavior maintains the seal integrity regardless of instrument presence or type.
3Reliability
If a conventional valve configuration is used in the airway access adapter, then the structure is simple, but the sealing performance degrades over time with repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is designed with a dome-like curved structure that distributes sealing forces evenly across the membrane surface. This curved geometry prevents stress concentration and deformation that would occur with flat or angular valve designs, maintaining seal integrity over repeated cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve incorporates a flexible membrane that conforms to the dome-like valve body surface, creating a reliable seal through elastic deformation rather than rigid contact. This flexible sealing mechanism resists degradation from repeated opening and closing cycles.
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
This configuration allows for effective cleaning of the suction catheter without compromising the sealed connection, enabling the use of other instruments and providing a consistent, long-term seal, thus enhancing the usability and effectiveness of the airway access adapter system.
Implementation Method 1
a force imparted by the segment of increased height flexing the base and biasing the opposing sealing edges into engagement
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter assembly including a manifold and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a seat and a valve body having a circular base and a wall. The wall extends from a trailing side of the base to form a dome-like shape terminating at an end at which a slit is formed, with the wall defining opposing sealing edges at the slit. The seat has an upper circumferential surface and a lower circumferential surface. The upper surface engages a leading side of the base, whereas the lower surface engages a trailing side. At least one of the upper and lower surfaces forms a segment of increased height. Upon final assembly, the valve body is disposed across a passageway of the manifold, with the slit providing a selectively openable path. A force imparted by the segment of increased height flexes the base and biases the sealing edges into engagement.