Inflatable Garment Connector With Passive Compatibility Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices with similar fluidic connectors are often mistakenly connected, leading to potential misuse and safety hazards due to non-compatible combinations, which are not immediately apparent and can result in incorrect therapy delivery and clinical complications.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical physical connection arrangement with a longer barrel connector and automatic detection process, combined with a ferrite or brass identification component, provides immediate visual feedback and ensures compatibility by preventing insertion into non-compatible devices, and allows for automatic garment detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard commercially available connectors and tubes are used across different devices, then ease of manufacture and device compatibility are improved, but device complexity and patient safety are worsened due to potential misuse and incorrect connections
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a ferrite component with specific magnetic properties at a localized position within the barrel, creating a unique identification signature that distinguishes compatible connectors while maintaining standard external dimensions for manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system includes detection circuitry that actively senses the presence and characteristics of the ferrite component in the connector, providing real-time feedback to confirm proper connection and prevent misuse of incompatible devices
2Reliability
If mechanical keying or subtle design differences are used to prevent misuse, then connection safety is improved, but ease of operation is worsened as users cannot immediately distinguish compatible connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The connector barrel is provided in different colors corresponding to specific garment types (e.g., blue for anti-embolism, red for abdominal), allowing users to immediately visually identify the correct connector for the intended application while the ferrite component provides the mechanical prevention of misuse
Solution Approach 2:
The connector system is segmented into visually distinct categories using color coding, with each color representing a specific garment type or application, making it easy for users to select the appropriate connector without confusion
3Reliability
If automatic detection mechanisms are implemented in the pump, then connection safety is improved, but device complexity and loss of time are worsened due to additional detection steps and power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex electronic garment identification mechanisms with a simple passive ferrite component that can be detected by magnetic sensing, reducing the complexity of the detection system while maintaining reliable garment identification
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrite component is integrated into the disposable connector assembly, eliminating the need for expensive or complex reusable identification mechanisms in the pump, while the low-cost ferrite provides sufficient identification capability
4Reliability
If visual feedback is provided only at the pump user interface, then connection safety is improved, but ease of operation is worsened when the pump is remote or obscured from the connection point
Solution Approach 1:
Different colored connector barrels provide immediate visual feedback at the connection point itself, allowing users to confirm they are using the correct connector type before making the connection, without needing to reference the pump interface
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
Ensures immediate and correct connection of inflatable garments to pumps, reducing the risk of misuse and enhancing patient safety by providing tactile and visual feedback, while allowing for automatic identification and compatibility verification.
Implementation Method 1
an identification component in the form of a ferrite or brass component
Data Source
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AI summary
A removable extension device arranged to in use connect a pump and an inflatable garment, the removable extension device comprising at least one first connector configured for be allowing mechanical and fluid connection to the pump, at least one second connector configured for allowing mechanical and fluid connection to the inflatable garment, a fluidic path between the first connector and the second connector and wherein the first connector comprises an identification component located in the first connector, the identification component configured to be sensed by the pump to identify the extension device.