Fluid Connector for Medical Devices with Automatic Bypass Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transport systems in medical devices, such as those used for extracorporeal blood treatment, require time-consuming and error-prone manual operations to exclude or substitute parts of the circuit, and existing bypass valves are complex and do not allow for automatic disconnection of bypassed parts.
Innovation Solution
A connector for fluid transport lines that allows for simple and robust selective exclusion of parts from the circuit, enabling quick and automatic disconnection and bypass of auxiliary fluid lines, with a structure that can be easily actuated to switch between main and auxiliary operating positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operations are used to exclude or substitute parts of the circuit, then the system can be operated, but the operations are time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The connector enables automatic self-connection and self-disconnection of auxiliary fluid lines through a simple actuating mechanism. When the actuator is moved, the connector automatically establishes or interrupts fluid communication between the main and auxiliary lines without requiring manual disconnection and reconnection operations, thereby eliminating human error and reducing reconfiguration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates movable components including a movable body and actuator that can transition between positions to dynamically control fluid flow paths. This dynamic mechanism allows rapid switching between main and auxiliary fluid lines by simply moving the actuator, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual reconnection operations.
2Productivity
If bypass valves are used to exclude parts of the circuit, then continuous operation is possible, but the valves are complex and do not allow automatic disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a first body with main fluid line connections, a second body with auxiliary fluid line connections, and a movable actuator. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, avoiding the need for a complex integrated bypass valve while enabling continuous operation through automatic switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the disconnection function from complex bypass valves by providing a separate, simple connector that can automatically disconnect auxiliary fluid lines. This extracted connector with its movable body and actuator mechanism provides the disconnection capability without the complexity of traditional bypass valves.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are manually disconnected and reconnected, then circuit reconfiguration is possible, but mechanical damage may occur during operations
Solution Approach 1:
The connector pre-establishes all necessary fluid paths through its internal structure before any switching operation. The first and second bodies are pre-configured with fluid communication channels, and the movable actuator is pre-positioned to maintain sealed connections. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for repeated manual disconnection and reconnection, preventing mechanical damage to connector components.
4Ease of manufacture
If the connector structure is simplified, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to enable/disable fluid paths may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector achieves multi-functionality with simple structure: the movable actuator simultaneously performs multiple functions by its movement - it interrupts fluid communication in the first fluid path, establishes fluid communication in the second fluid path, and maintains sealed connections. This universal design provides full switching capability without complex mechanisms, keeping manufacturing costs low.
Data Source
AI summary
Connector for a fluid transport line of a medical device, comprising: a first body having a first access port for a fluid, a second access port for a fluid, and a first fluid path extending in the first body and directly connecting, for fluid transport, the first access port and second access port, at least a second body, mountable to the first body, having at least a third access port for a fluid, the second body being movable with respect to the first body at least between: a main operating position in which the first fluid path is interrupted and in which a second fluid path is defined and enabled, for fluid transport, from the first access port to the third access port, and an auxiliary operating position in which the first fluid path is enabled and in which the second fluid path is interrupted. The second body has at least a fourth access port for a fluid and in the main operating position a third fluid path is defined and enabled, for fluid transport, from the second access port to the fourth access port, the third fluid path being interrupted in the auxiliary operating position.