Drainage Tube Coupling Unit With Integrated Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drainage tube devices require clamping to prevent fluid leakage during coupling and decoupling, which complicates handling and increases the risk of errors, while also potentially impeding air supply and pressure measurement.
Innovation Solution
A drainage tube device with a coupling unit featuring first and second coupling parts that connect leaktightly, each with valves to manage fluid flow, allowing for snap-fit connections without clamping, and a multi-lumen design with auxiliary conduits for pressure measurement near the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamp is used to close the drainage tube during coupling and decoupling, then fluid leakage is prevented, but handling becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp function is extracted and replaced by integrated valve mechanisms within the coupling unit. The first valve in the male coupling part and the second valve in the female coupling part automatically seal the drainage conduit when uncoupled, eliminating the need for external clamps and simplifying the coupling/decoupling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling unit performs self-sealing through its valve mechanisms. When the male and female coupling parts are separated, the first and second valves automatically close to prevent fluid leakage without requiring external intervention or additional clamping devices.
2Reliability
If a clamp is used to secure the drainage tube, then leakage is prevented, but the procedure takes more time
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanisms are pre-positioned within the coupling parts. The sealing surfaces and valve components are prepared in advance during manufacturing, so that when coupling occurs, the valves are already in position to immediately seal and prevent leakage without requiring additional time for clamp application.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic valve operation eliminates manual clamping steps, reducing the time required for coupling and decoupling procedures while maintaining reliable leakage prevention through the self-actuating valve mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a clamp is applied to the drainage tube, then fluid escape is prevented, but errors may occur when forgetting to open or close the clamp
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanisms automatically respond to the coupling state. When the male and female coupling parts are separated, the valves automatically close to prevent fluid leakage. When coupled, they automatically open to restore drainage flow. This eliminates human error associated with manual clamp operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve operation is directly coupled with the coupling state through mechanical feedback. The physical connection or separation of the coupling parts automatically triggers the appropriate valve position, ensuring that the drainage tube is sealed when uncoupled and open when coupled, without requiring manual intervention or memory.
4Reliability
If a clamp is used to secure the drainage tube during connection, then leakage is prevented, but the coupling unit may impede air supply and pressure measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit is divided into separate functional zones: the drainage conduit with integrated valves for fluid control, and the auxiliary conduit with its own valve for air supply and pressure measurement. This segmentation allows each function to operate independently without interference from clamping or valve operations in the other conduit.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanisms are localized to specific positions within the coupling parts, with the first valve positioned in the male coupling part and the second valve in the female coupling part. This local placement ensures that valve operation does not impede the auxiliary conduit's ability to supply air or measure pressure in the drainage conduit.
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
Enables simple and secure connection/separation of drainage tubes, prevents dripping, and allows for pressure measurement without sensors, improving handling efficiency and reducing errors.
Implementation Method 1
a first valve (41) that is arranged in the first coupling part (4), and a second valve (2), which is arranged in the second coupling part (3) and which opens and closes the drainage conduit (10)
Data Source
AI summary
A drainage tube device for removing fluids by suction from a human or animal body comprises a coupling unit with first and second coupling parts that can be connected to each other in a leaktight manner, a first valve that is arranged in the first coupling part, and a drainage tube with an end that is directed towards the patient and is held in the second coupling part. The drainage tube has a multi-lumen design with a drainage conduit and at least one auxiliary conduit. This drainage conduit and at least one of said auxiliary conduits are in fluidic communication with each other at their end directed towards the patient and arranged inside the second coupling part. The drainage tube device further comprises a second valve, which is arranged in the second coupling part and which opens and closes the drainage conduit. The drainage tube device and the coupling unit according to the invention are of simple construction but nonetheless permit many functions. In particular, they prevent dripping when the connection is released, and they allow pressure to be measured near the patient.