Heart-Lung Machine Docking Interface Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking interfaces for heart-lung machines are prone to damage from the weight of peristaltic pumps, lack visibility for proper alignment, and do not allow for 'hot' swappability, making it difficult to connect and replace devices while the machine is operating.
Innovation Solution
A platform with a coupler system that includes an electrical interface and a locking mechanism capable of transitioning between locked and unlocked configurations, allowing for hot swappability and improved alignment through a lever-based latch assembly that secures the device with a latch pin or latch bar, facilitating easy engagement and disengagement of the electrical interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the peristaltic pump is positioned to engage the electronic interface on its underbelly, then the docking interface can be connected, but the weight of the peristaltic pump compresses and damages the electronic interface
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic interface is relocated from the underbelly (bottom surface) of the peristaltic pump to the side wall of the pump housing. This spatial repositioning changes the dimension of interface location, allowing the electrical connector to engage with the coupler at a position that is not subjected to compressive forces from the pump's weight, thereby preventing damage while maintaining connectivity.
2Reliability
If the docking interface is designed for secure connection, then reliability is improved, but it does not permit hot swappability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates a movable latch member that can transition between locked and unlocked states through actuation by a lever or button. This dynamic design allows the connection to be securely locked during operation (providing reliability) while enabling quick release and reconnection (enabling hot swappability) without requiring power shutdown or complex disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock when the electrical connector is inserted into the coupler, providing secure connection without manual intervention. Conversely, actuating the release mechanism automatically disengages the latch member, enabling quick swap operations. This self-acting behavior facilitates both reliable connection and easy reconfigurability.
3Ease of operation
If the docking interface is positioned for connection, then engagement is possible, but it is difficult to view and align the cardiac pump properly
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector and/or coupler incorporate visual indicators such as colored markings, illuminated LEDs, or contrasting color schemes that change or become visible during the alignment and engagement process. These visual cues guide operators in properly aligning the cardiac pump with the docking interface, making the alignment process observable and easier to execute correctly.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment features such as guide pins, alignment keys, or visual reference marks are introduced as intermediary elements between the cardiac pump and the docking interface. These intermediaries provide tactile or visual guidance during the connection process, helping operators achieve proper alignment before final engagement, thereby overcoming the difficulty of direct visual alignment.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the locking mechanism secures the device firmly, then connection stability is improved, but the latch member cannot be accessed for release
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is designed such that the lever or button for actuating the latch member protrudes outward from the coupler or pump housing, making it accessible from the outside rather than requiring disassembly or internal access. This inverted design allows operators to easily reach and actuate the release mechanism while the latch member itself remains positioned to provide secure locking when engaged.
Data Source
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AI summary
An extracorporeal heart-lung support machine apparatus includes a platform capable of supporting one or more pieces of equipment and at least one coupler mounted to the platform so as to provide a docking interface for a piece of equipment, wherein the coupler includes: an electrical interface configured to matingly engage with a complementarity configured electrical interface of the at least one piece of equipment; and a locking mechanism, configured to selectively transition between a locked configuration in which a latch member of the locking mechanism is positioned to secure the at least one piece of equipment to the coupler and an unlocked configuration in which the latch member of the locking mechanism is positioned to permit both engagement or disengagement of the electrical interface of the coupler with the electrical interface of the at least one piece of equipment.