Gastrostomy Connector With Pivoting Arms to Prevent Back-Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for enteral feeding solution supply tubes and gastrostomy devices often become accidentally disengaged, disrupting the flow of nutritional fluids to patients, and users can inadvertently open non-return valves by squeezing exposed flanges, leading to back-flow.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a fluid conduit with pivoting arms and a catch mechanism for secure engagement with the gastrostomy device's circular port, along with a lock member to prevent inadvertent decoupling, and a non-return valve located within the connector to prevent back-flow by shielding the flange from user deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional connector is used to connect the feeding tube to the gastrostomy device, then the connection can be established, but the connector may become accidentally disengaged during feeding, interrupting the flow of nutritional fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic catch mechanism with pivoting arms that can rotate between engaged and disengaged positions. The catch is configured to engage with the circular port during normal feeding operations, providing secure connection. When intentional manipulation occurs, the arms can pivot to release the catch, allowing safe disconnection. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by providing both connection stability during use and controlled operability when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the non-return valve flange is exposed and accessible to users, then the valve can be operated when needed, but users can inadvertently squeeze the flange and open the valve, causing back-flow
Solution Approach 1:
The non-return valve flange is nested within the connector body, specifically positioned within the space between the outer wall of the fluid conduit and the inner wall of the arms. This nested configuration shields the flange from external access, preventing inadvertent squeezing by users. The valve remains functional when intentionally accessed through the designed interface, but is protected from accidental activation, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and harmful factor prevention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector allows rotation about the circular port, then the connector can be positioned at different angles, but the connection may become less secure during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a dynamic catch mechanism with pivoting arms that maintain engagement with the circular port during rotation. The arms are designed to pivot smoothly, allowing the connector to be positioned at different angles while maintaining secure connection. The catch remains engaged throughout the rotation range, providing both adaptability for positioning and reliability for connection security, thus resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
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 connector securely maintains the enteral feeding solution supply tube connection to the gastrostomy device, minimizing disengagement and back-flow risks, ensuring consistent fluid flow and preventing accidental valve opening.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible bridge connecting each arm to the first end of the fluid conduit and about which the first and second ends of each arm can be pivoted
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for rotatably coupling an enteral feeding solution supply tube to a circular port of a gastrostomy device wherein the connector comprises a fluid conduit having a first end configured for connection with an orifice defined in the circular port to supply the enteral feeding solution to the gastrostomy device, and a second end configured for connection to the enteral feeding solution supply tube, a pair of arms circumferentially arranged around an outer wall of the first end of the fluid conduit, each arm including a first free end and a second free end, wherein the second free end includes a catch configured to releasably engage with a circumferential rim on the circular port, and a flexible bridge connecting each arm to the first end of the fluid conduit and about which the first and second ends of each arm can be pivoted, wherein the connector is couplable to and decouplable from the circular port by pivoting the first and second ends of each arm at the flexible bridge such that the catch on the second free end of each arm is radially displaced into engagement or out of engagement with the rim.