Dual Cuff Connector for Breathable Gas Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air delivery systems for breathable gas to patients require separate communication conduits for pressure sensing and other functions, which can become tangled, cumbersome, and difficult to assemble, necessitating a connector system that is easy to use, secure, and non-directional.
Innovation Solution
A connector system featuring a dual cuff connector with inner and outer tubular walls defining isolated passages, allowing for secure and airtight communication between air delivery and auxiliary conduits without requiring precise alignment, facilitating easy assembly and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate communication conduits are used for pressure sensing and auxiliary functions, then communication between patient interface and flow generator is achieved, but the conduits become tangled and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air delivery conduit and auxiliary communication conduit into a single integrated assembly. The auxiliary conduit is routed through the air delivery conduit, eliminating the need for separate external tubing. This merging resolves the contradiction by maintaining communication reliability while eliminating the tangling and handling difficulties of separate conduits.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary conduit is nested within the air delivery conduit, with the smaller communication tube passing through the larger air delivery tube. This nesting arrangement allows both conduits to be housed within a single outer conduit, preventing tangling while maintaining the functional independence of the auxiliary communication path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate communication conduits are used, then pressure sensing and gas sampling functions are achieved, but assembly becomes difficult and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates multiple functions (air delivery, pressure sensing, gas sampling) into a single assembly point. The dual-lumen connector allows both the air delivery conduit and auxiliary communication conduit to be connected simultaneously at one location, dramatically simplifying assembly while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a universal interface that handles multiple functions through a single connection mechanism. It simultaneously accommodates air delivery, pressure monitoring, and auxiliary gas sampling through integrated ports and passages, eliminating the need for separate connection operations for each function.
3Reliability
If alignment is required for connector assembly, then secure connection is achieved, but assembly becomes directional and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric features including a keyed interface and tapered geometry that provide automatic orientation during assembly. The asymmetric design ensures proper alignment through mechanical guidance rather than requiring precise user alignment, maintaining connection security while simplifying the assembly process to a straightforward push-in operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates pre-formed alignment features and self-centering geometry that automatically position the conduits correctly during insertion. The preliminary design of the connector geometry ensures that alignment is achieved automatically as part of the insertion motion, eliminating the need for separate alignment steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector system for use with an apparatus that delivers a supply of pressurized breathable air to a patient includes an air delivery conduit including an auxiliary conduit. The air delivery conduit and auxiliary conduit have a first end and a second end. A connector is provided to at least one of the first and second ends. The connector includes an inner tubular wall and an outer tubular wall surrounding the inner tubular wall and being concentric with the inner tubular wall. The inner and outer tubular walls define first and second passages that are isolated from one another. One of the first and second passages is configured to communicate with the air delivery conduit and the other of the first and second passages is configured to communicate with the auxiliary conduit.