Enteral Adaptor Couplings for ISO 80369-3 Connector Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enteral feeding systems face challenges in connecting ISO 80369-3 compliant connectors with non-ENFit connectors, leading to potential misconnections and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
Development of adaptor couplings with one end conforming to ISO 80369-3 compliant format and the other to non-ENFit threaded enteral feeding format, featuring internal lumens for fluid communication, allowing seamless connection between different types of enteral connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adaptor couplings are developed to connect ISO 80369-3 compliant connectors with non-ENFit connectors, then compatibility between different connector types is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor coupling serves as an intermediary device with two different coupling formats at its ends - one end conforms to ISO 80369-3 standards while the other end conforms to non-ENFit threaded standards. This intermediary component enables connection between incompatible connector types without requiring modification of the original connectors, thus resolving the compatibility issue while maintaining simplicity of the overall system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adaptor couplings are designed with dual coupling formats, then connection versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor coupling is designed as a segmented structure with distinct sections for different coupling formats. Each end of the adaptor can be manufactured separately according to its specific threading requirements, then assembled into a single component. This segmentation allows standard manufacturing processes to be applied to each section independently, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the dual-format requirement.
3Productivity
If internal lumens are provided for fluid communication, then fluid transfer efficiency is improved, but risk of misconnection is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor coupling incorporates localized quality features such as tapered lead-in portions at specific locations to guide proper alignment during connection. The internal lumens are positioned and shaped to match the specific coupling format at each end, creating a geometric constraint that prevents misconnection. The lumens themselves act as alignment guides, ensuring that only correctly oriented connectors can establish fluid communication, thereby maintaining both efficiency and safety.
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 3D~3F
AI summary
An enteral adapter coupling for connecting non-ENFit threaded enteral equipment with ISO 80369-3 compliant and compatible enteral equipment. The adapter coupling includes a first end substantially corresponding to an ISO 80369-3 coupling format, a second end substantially conforming to a threaded enteral feeding coupling format, and an internal lumen extending through the coupling allowing fluid communication between the first end and the second end.