Endoscope Conduit Connectors With Interference Keys Against Misconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes with multiple fluid circulation conduits face challenges in preventing wrong physical connections, especially in complex configurations with three or more channels, due to the difficulty in reliably distinguishing and preventing incorrect connections using standard conduit connection components like Luer tapers, especially in environments where visual confirmation is hindered.
Innovation Solution
The insertion-instrument conduit connection device employs a system of conduit connectors and interference components, where each connector is designed with specific orientations or configurations, and interference members are used to prevent incorrect connections by selectively interrupting connections when misaligned, ensuring that only correct combinations of fluid circulation conduits connect to the external fluid circulation device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple standard conduit connectors are used to connect multiple fluid circulation conduits, then the connection capability is provided, but wrong physical connections cannot be reliably prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing different interference component configurations for different conduit connectors. Specifically, the first conduit connector has a first interference component with a first configuration, while the second conduit connector has a second interference component with a second configuration that differs from the first. This asymmetric design ensures that each connector can only be paired with its corresponding mate, preventing wrong connections between different conduit types while maintaining the ability to connect multiple conduits.
2Reliability
If interference components are added to prevent wrong connections, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into distinct components: conduit connectors, interference components, and corresponding connection mates. Each interference component is a separate element that can be attached to or integrated with specific conduit connectors. This segmentation allows the interference prevention function to be added modularly without redesigning the entire connection system, thus improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The interference components are designed to prevent wrong connections before they can occur. The interference components protrude or extend in such a way that they physically block incorrect pairings before the connection attempt can be completed. This preliminary prevention action eliminates the need for complex verification systems or post-connection checking mechanisms, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit connection device comprises a plurality of fluid circulation lines, each of the plurality of fluid circulation lines having a conduit, a plurality of relay fluid circulation lines, each of the plurality of relay fluid circulation lines having a relay fluid conduit, a plurality of conduit connectors, and interference components are attached to the conduit connectors such that, in a first connection combination, the conduit connectors on a first end of each of the plurality of fluid circulation lines cooperate with the conduit connectors on a first end of each of the plurality of relay fluid circulation lines to connect respective fluid circulation lines to respective relay fluid circulation lines, and wherein, in other than the first connection combination, the plurality of interference components prevent connecting at least one of the plurality of fluid circulation lines to at least one of the plurality relay fluid circulation lines.