Endoscope Fluid Coupler Deformable Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical device couplers, used for fluid communication, suffer from thread wear and tear, leading to leaks and loosening during procedures, which can distract medical professionals and prolong procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of deformable couplers that do not rely on threads for attachment, using a deformable member to form a fluid-tight seal with medical devices, allowing for press-fit coupling and compatibility with various shapes and sizes of medical device coupling members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rigid couplers with threads are used, then the coupling mechanism is simple and easy to manufacture, but the coupler suffers from wear and tear leading to leaks and loosening during procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deformable member made of elastomeric material that flexes and deforms to engage with the coupling member, replacing rigid threaded connections with a flexible sealing interface that conforms to the coupling surface, eliminating thread wear and improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler transitions from a rigid structure to a deformable structure by changing the material property parameter, allowing the coupler to adapt its shape during engagement to create a reliable seal without mechanical threads that wear over time
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional rigid couplers are used, then the structure is simple, but the coupler is prone to cross-threading and wear during repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable member acts as a flexible sealing element that deforms to match the coupling member geometry, eliminating the need for precision-threaded interfaces while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and improving seal integrity through material compliance
3Ease of operation
If threaded couplers are used, then the coupling mechanism is straightforward, but the threads wear and tear leading to leaks and procedure interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric deformable member provides a simple push-to-connect operation without threading, and its wear-resistant properties eliminate procedure interruptions caused by leak development, reducing time loss while maintaining operational ease
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
The deformable couplers minimize wear and tear, maintain fluidic sealing, provide longer lifespan, and enable rapid, facile coupling, reducing the risk of leaks and interruptions during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A deformable member is disposed on the distal portion and is configured to deform and removably couple the housing to the medical device
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a device for coupling a fluid source to a medical device includes a housing. The housing includes a proximal portion and a distal portion and defines a passageway therebetween. The proximal portion is configured to be coupled to the fluid source and the distal portion is configured to be coupled to the medical device such that the medical device is in fluidic communication with the fluid source via the passageway. A deformable member is disposed on the distal portion and is configured to deform to removably couple the housing to the medical device. In some embodiments, the deformable member is configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the medical device. In some embodiments, the distal portion includes a sealing member configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the medical device.