Liquid Ventilation Connector Locking Flange for Leak-Tight Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical ventilators face challenges in safely and quickly connecting to endotracheal probes due to high liquid ventilation pressures, which can lead to disconnections, leaks, and mechanical stress, necessitating a solution for secure and rapid attachment during liquid ventilation.
Innovation Solution
An adaptor with a locking flange and main locking element that exerts a restraining force on the endotracheal probe, ensuring a tight and secure connection between the ventilation tube and the endotracheal probe, using a radial force to maintain the connection under high liquid pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional gaseous ventilator connection methods are used, then the connection process is simple, but the connection cannot withstand high liquid ventilation pressures and may disconnect
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into separate functional components: a locking flange for mechanical retention, a locking element for securing, and a fluidic connection tube for fluid transport. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing pressure-resistant connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is positioned in a retracted state during insertion, allowing smooth passage through the endotracheal probe. Upon reaching the destination, the locking element is activated to engage with the locking flange, preliminarily securing the connection before full pressure is applied.
2Reliability
If high locking force is applied to prevent disconnection, then connection reliability improves, but the connection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be dynamic, transitioning from a retracted state during insertion to an extended state for locking. This dynamic behavior allows the connection to be established quickly while maintaining high reliability under pressure during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection process is segmented into rapid insertion phase (locking element retracted) and secure locking phase (locking element extended), allowing different speed requirements to be met in different phases.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is used, then disconnection is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the locking flange providing the locking surface, the locking element providing the actuating force, and the fluidic connection tube providing fluid transport. This segmentation reduces overall complexity by making each element simple and specialized.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the final locked state, providing a simple mechanical transmission that converts easy-to-apply force into effective locking force without complex mechanisms.
4Speed
If the adaptor is designed for rapid connection, then connection speed improves, but the mechanical resistance under high pressure may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is pre-positioned in a retracted state that allows rapid insertion without resistance. The mechanical resistance is built into the locking mechanism itself rather than during insertion, allowing speed and strength requirements to be met simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element transitions dynamically from a low-resistance retracted state during insertion to a high-force locking state during operation, allowing the adaptor to exhibit different mechanical characteristics at different stages of use.
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 adaptor allows for a quick connection in under 30 seconds, maintaining a leak-tight and mechanically resistant connection, preventing involuntary disconnections and leaks during liquid ventilation.
Implementation Method 1
a main locking element configured to cooperate with the endotracheal probe in order to maintain the endotracheal probe inside the locking flange, wherein when assembled along the X axis, the locking flange is configured to exert a restraining force on the endotracheal probe
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an adaptor (10) for connecting a ventilation tube (100) to an endotracheal probe (111) configured to be secured to a patient (P) in need of liquid ventilation, all three elements extending along a revolution axis X. The adaptor comprises a fluidic connection tube (12) extending along the axis X, a locking flange (14) connected to the fluidic connection tube, presenting a main housing (16) for receiving the endotracheal probe, and a main locking element (18) configured to cooperate with the endotracheal probe in order to maintain the endotracheal probe inside the locking flange. When assembled along the X axis, the locking flange exerts a restraining force on the endotracheal probe, said restraining force maintaining the endotracheal probe inside the locking flange.