Fluid Connector Sealing Sequence for Leak-Free Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for fluid flow conduits often experience leakage during connection and disconnection, posing safety risks, especially when handling toxic or hazardous fluids in medical settings.
Innovation Solution
A connector system featuring a fluid flow blockage part sheathed within an axially compressible sheath, with a compression interface forming before fluid flow, ensuring secure alignment and sealing to prevent leakage, and an indexing mechanism for tracking usage to ensure safe and controlled connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a connector is designed to allow easy connection and disconnection of fluid flow conduits, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of fluid leakage during connection/disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector performs preliminary sealing actions before fluid flow is established. The compression interface is formed between the sheath and compression surface prior to full connection, creating a seal that prevents leakage during the connection process. This preliminary sealing action ensures that even if connection is made quickly or imperfectly, fluid cannot leak until the seal is properly established.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector divides the connection process into distinct stages: initial contact, compression interface formation, and full connection. The sheath is segmented into a compressible portion and a rigid portion, allowing differential movement and sealing during connection. This segmentation enables the seal to form independently before full mechanical engagement, preventing leakage during the transition between stages.
2Device complexity
If a connector uses a simple design without additional sealing mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing fluid leakage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a self-sealing mechanism where the sheath itself performs the sealing function through compression. The compressible sheath material deforms under compression force to create a seal against the compression surface, eliminating the need for separate sealing components like O-rings or gaskets. This self-service approach maintains simplicity while ensuring reliable leakage prevention through the inherent elastic properties of the sheath material.
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 system ensures safe and leak-proof connections and disconnections by forming a compression interface before fluid flow alignment and tracks usage to prevent overuse, enhancing safety and reliability in medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
an axially compressible sheath part and comprising a first bearing surface configured for receiving an urging force to push the blockage part to retract axially along the sheath part
Implementation Method 2
a first bearing surface configured for receiving an urging force to push the blockage part to retract axially along the sheath part
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for forming a fluid flow pathway by connection with a reciprocal connector. Both the connector and reciprocal connector include a fluid flow blockage part sheathed within an axially compressible sheath part. A first bearing surface receives an urging force to retract the blockage part axially along the sheath part. A terminal end of the sheath part defines a second bearing surface containing a fluid flow opening with the fluid flow blockage part retractably therein. A first chassis part includes a first catch part. A second chassis part includes a second catch part and a third bearing surface spaced from the second catch part along the second chassis part. Retraction of the blockage part forms a fluid flow pathway not sooner than immediately when the openings meet to allow fluid transfer the openings avoiding fluid leakage between connected connectors.