Gear-Locked Fluid Couplings for Controlled Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current male-female connector systems in liquid transfer systems face challenges in maintaining a secure and controlled connection to prevent leakage of hazardous fluids, particularly when handling potent chemicals like antineoplastic drugs, and require improved control over engagement and disengagement processes to ensure safe handling and prevent fluid escape.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a female connector with a securing actuator and rotatable gear mechanism featuring anchoring ledges and sprockets, which ensures precise locking and unlocking of the male and female connectors, preventing unintended separation and leakage by rotating gears that house the ledges, allowing controlled engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional securing means (latches, screws, bayonet catches) are used to secure male-female connectors, then the connection is secured against unwanted separation, but the control over engagement and disengagement order is insufficient, risking fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic gear mechanism with movable anchoring ledges that transition between engaged and disengaged positions. The gear rotates in response to connector movement, dynamically controlling when anchoring occurs rather than using static securing means. This allows the system to maintain reliability through controlled dynamic engagement while improving operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear mechanism provides mechanical feedback by requiring specific rotational movement to engage or disengage anchoring ledges from gear teeth. The system responds to the operator's actions with predictable mechanical resistance and movement, ensuring the correct sequence of operations is followed. This feedback mechanism prevents improper engagement that could lead to fluid leakage.
2Reliability
If resilient elements are used to hold membranes pressed together, then the connection is secured and leakage prevented, but the mechanism lacks precise control over the sequence of engagement steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the securing function into distinct components: the gear mechanism handles sequential control, while resilient elements handle membrane pressure. This segmentation allows each component to specialize - the gear provides precise step control without requiring complex integrated mechanisms, while resilient elements simply provide the necessary holding force for leakage prevention.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a secure connection mechanism is implemented to prevent fluid escape, then safety is improved, but the operation becomes less smooth and consistent
Solution Approach 1:
The gear mechanism operates through periodic cycles of engagement and disengagement as the connector is inserted or removed. This periodic action creates a consistent, repeatable sequence of operations that ensures safety requirements are met while maintaining operational smoothness through predictable mechanical behavior.
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
This solution provides a secure and controlled mechanism for engaging and disengaging male-female connectors, ensuring safe fluid transfer by preventing leakage and maintaining a consistent, smooth operation, even with systems containing needles, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency in handling hazardous substances.
Implementation Method 1
at least one rotatable gear. According to an embodiment of the invention, said rotatable gear comprises or has attached a void portion suitable to house an anchoring ledge provided opposite to it
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for securing a male-female connection comprises: (a) a female connector comprising a securing actuator section; (b) a male connector; (c) one or more anchoring ledges; and (d) at least one rotatable gear.