Humidification Circuit Connector for Aligned Locking Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing humidification systems face challenges in ease of connection and disconnection of components, leading to potential misalignment and inefficiencies in the delivery of heated and humidified gases, resulting in unwanted condensation and reduced system performance.
Innovation Solution
A circuit connector system that includes an orientator for correct alignment, a releasable and lockable connection mechanism, and electrical terminal configuration to ensure secure and efficient fluid and electrical connections between the humidification chamber and base unit, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining correct orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If components are made easily connectable and disconnectable, then ease of operation is improved, but connection reliability may deteriorate due to potential misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates an asymmetrical orientator mechanism with directional guide features including a protrusion on one component and a corresponding recess with inclined surfaces on the mating component. This asymmetrical design provides tactile and visual guidance for correct alignment while preventing incorrect insertion, thereby maintaining connection reliability despite easy connectability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary orientator structure that mediates between the connector and connector hood. This orientator includes inclined surfaces and guide features that automatically align the components during the connection process, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment while ensuring reliable connection through the intermediate guiding mechanism.
2Device complexity
If multiple connection functions are integrated into a single connector, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple connection functions into a single integrated connector assembly. The connector combines fluid passage, electrical connection, and orientation guidance features into one unified component that connects to the connector hood. This integration reduces the overall number of separate components and simplifies the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientator features are pre-formed as integral parts of the connector and connector hood during manufacturing. The inclined surfaces and guide protrusions are built-in during the molding or fabrication process, eliminating the need for separate alignment adjustments or additional assembly steps, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements during final assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit connector for a humidification system, the system comprising a base unit configured to be engaged by a humidification chamber. The circuit connector comprises an inlet to fluidly connect to an outlet of the humidification chamber to receive humidified gases therefrom, an outlet to sealably connect to or integral with a conduit for directing the humidified gases to a user, and an electrical terminal for electrically coupling the circuit connector to an electrical terminal associated with the base unit. The circuit connector may be releasably and lockably connectable to the outlet of the humidification chamber and/or orientation features may control orientation of component parts of the system as they are assembled.