Fluid Line Coupling With Adhesive Pocket For Medical Tubing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid line couplings for medical tubing face challenges in creating a reliable, high-quality adhesive bond for fluid-tight connections, especially under high pressures and temperatures, which can lead to leaks and unreliable connections.
Innovation Solution
A fluid line coupling design featuring a body portion with axial walls forming a pocket and apertures for adhesive application, ensuring a robust bond between the tubing and the coupling, with a well for containing adhesive and apertures for increased surface area bonding, facilitating a stable and leak-proof connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive is used to bond and seal the tubing end inside the sleeve, then a fluid-tight connection is achieved, but the reliability of the joint depends heavily on bond quality which may fail under high pressure and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized adhesive pocket between the first and second walls that concentrates the adhesive in a specific area where it can effectively seal the tubing end. This localized application ensures the adhesive is positioned optimally to withstand pressure and temperature, improving bond reliability without requiring adhesive throughout the entire sleeve length.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive is pre-applied and contained within the pocket structure before the tubing is inserted into the coupling. This preliminary positioning of the adhesive ensures proper distribution and contact with the tubing end, creating a more reliable bond that can withstand operational pressures and temperatures compared to adhesive applied after assembly.
2Reliability
If adhesive is applied to fill all gaps between tubing and sleeve, then a fluid-tight seal is created, but the complexity of ensuring complete gap filling and high quality bonding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is segmented into distinct walls (first wall, second wall, third wall) that create a defined pocket space. This segmentation provides a controlled environment for adhesive application, allowing the adhesive to be contained and distributed more easily to fill gaps between the tubing and sleeve without requiring complex application mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive pocket acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates the bonding process. By providing a dedicated space that contains the adhesive and guides it toward the tubing-sleeve interface, the pocket simplifies the adhesive application process while ensuring complete gap filling for a reliable fluid-tight seal.
3Device complexity
If a simple sleeve structure is used for coupling, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to withstand high pressures and temperatures with a reliable bond is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure employs a nested arrangement where the first wall, second wall, and third wall create concentric pockets and channels. This nested structure provides multiple containment zones for adhesive while maintaining a relatively simple overall coupling geometry, allowing the structure to withstand high pressures and temperatures without requiring complex external reinforcement.
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 solution provides a reliable, fluid-tight connection that withstands high pressures and temperatures, preventing leaks and ensuring the integrity of medical device connections.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive for bonding the flexible hollow tubing to the coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid line coupling is disclosed for connection with hollow tubing. The coupling includes a body portion having a passageway for fluid communication with the tubing. A first wall extends from the body portion radially surrounding the passageway, and a second wall radially surrounds the first wall forming a pocket between the walls. The second wall includes an aperture for fluid communication with the pocket. An open ended aperture may be included in a radial array of apertures. The first wall may include a tapered surface for securing the tubing. A third wall may radially surround the second wall forming a well for an adhesive for filling the aperture and pocket. A second set of walls may extend in an axially opposite direction from the first set. The coupling may be included in a connection assembly with hollow tubing comprising a PVC material providing fluid communication with a medical instrument.