Humidification Circuit Connector With Locking Alignment Features
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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 inlet for fluid connection, an outlet for gas delivery, and an electrical terminal for connection to a base unit, featuring orientators and lockable mechanisms to ensure proper alignment and secure engagement of components, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining correct orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual connection of humidification system components is used, then system assembly is possible, but alignment precision and connection reliability are poor leading to misalignment and condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a circuit connector as an intermediary component that mediates between the humidification chamber and the base unit. This connector includes alignment features such as guide pins and alignment grooves that ensure precise positioning during connection, eliminating misalignment issues while maintaining ease of operation through a plug-and-play interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features into the connector design, including pre-positioned guide pins and alignment grooves that automatically guide components into correct alignment before final engagement. This preliminary action ensures precise alignment is achieved automatically during the connection process without requiring manual adjustment.
2Ease of repair
If components are easily disconnected for maintenance, then system maintainability is improved, but connection reliability and seal integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states. The connector features a latch that secures components together with sufficient force to maintain seal integrity during operation, while allowing easy release when activated. This dynamic system provides both connection reliability during use and ease of disconnection for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design includes self-latching features that automatically engage and secure components when connected, ensuring reliable connection without requiring additional fastening steps. The self-service mechanism maintains connection integrity while allowing simple one-handed operation for both connection and disconnection.
3Productivity
If electrical connections are integrated with fluid connections, then assembly steps are reduced, but risk of electrical interference with fluid flow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connector into distinct electrical and fluid connection zones. Electrical contacts are positioned in one area while fluid passages are routed through separate channels, preventing electrical interference with fluid flow. This segmentation allows both types of connections to be integrated in a single component while maintaining their functional independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary that separates electrical and fluid pathways while bringing them together in a single assembly action. The design includes insulated barriers and spatial separation between electrical contacts and fluid passages, ensuring that electrical signals do not interfere with fluid flow while maintaining assembly efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1
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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.