Fluid connector with face seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) devices and connectors face challenges such as noise, discomfort, difficulty in use, high cost, and inefficacy, which can lead to non-compliance with therapy among patients.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connector system with a compliant face seal and a retention mechanism that couples the first end and the second end together, featuring a latching portion and a complementary latching portion to secure the connection, while ensuring a face seal for efficient gas delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard industry connector is used for connecting RPT device to air circuit, then compatibility with various components is improved, but unintended connections and potential harm to patient can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric geometry where the first end has a specific non-circular shape that only matches its designated second end. This asymmetric design prevents unintended connections to incompatible components while maintaining secure connection to the correct component, thus resolving the contradiction between compatibility and preventing harmful unintended connections.
2Reliability
If a rigid seal structure is used in the connector, then sealing reliability is improved, but difficulty in assembly and disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal structure utilizes material parameter changes, specifically employing an elastomeric material that changes its physical properties under compression. When the connector components are assembled, the elastomeric seal compresses to form a reliable seal, and when force is applied for disassembly, the seal relaxes and allows separation. This parameter change in the elastomeric material enables both reliable sealing and ease of operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a complex retention mechanism is used to secure connector ends, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: a latching portion on one connector end and a complementary latching portion on the other end. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently while working together to provide stable connection. The modular segmented design achieves connection stability without excessive complexity.
4Productivity
If a face seal is used for gas delivery, then gas delivery efficiency is improved, but sensitivity to misalignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The face seal utilizes parameter changes in the elastomeric material to compensate for alignment variations. The elastomeric seal can deform and adapt its shape to maintain effective sealing and gas delivery even when minor misalignments occur between connector components. This material parameter flexibility reduces sensitivity to manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining gas delivery efficiency.
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 fluid connector system provides improved comfort, reduced noise, enhanced ease of use, and increased compliance with respiratory therapy, while maintaining efficient gas delivery and preventing unintended connections with standard connectors.
Implementation Method 1
a seal portion, 9008, configured to form a face seal with a sealing surface, 9016
Implementation Method 2
a latching portion, 9012, and a complementary latching portion, 9014, configured to engage one another to secure the connection between the first end, 9002, and the second end, 9004
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 2A
Figure 3A
AI summary
One form of the present technology includes a fluid connector for delivery of breathing gas to a patient from a respiratory pressure therapy device, the fluid connector including a first end with a first opening to deliver a fluid flow, a seal portion extending around a periphery of the first opening, and a latching portion, a second end with a second opening to receive the fluid flow, a sealing surface extending around a periphery of the second opening and configured to engage the seal portion to form a face seal, and a complementary latching portion configured to engage with the latching portion