Medical Coupling with Dual-Position Latching for Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplings for tubular elements require excessive force for connection, leading to potential patient trauma and are inefficient for venting and introducing substances or samples, as they necessitate frequent disconnection and reconnection to manage air accumulation and fluid manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A two-part coupling with grooves and latching lugs allows for a firm but detachable connection, enabling venting and substance introduction/sampling during operation without disconnection, using an actuating element to transition between locking positions and featuring annular grooves and a slotted ring mechanism for secure latching and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-part coupling with grooves and latching lugs is used, then the connection is secure and detachable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into two separate parts: a plug with grooves and a socket with latching lugs. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in structure while achieving secure connection through their interaction. The plug contains multiple grooves for latching, and the socket has corresponding latching lugs that engage with these grooves, providing reliable connection without requiring complex mechanisms in either individual component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent disconnection and reconnection is performed to vent air or introduce substances, then access to fluid flow is achieved, but the loss of time and productivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling incorporates a nested structure where a removable intermediate element (such as a closure or access plug) can be inserted into the coupling body. This nested element provides access to the fluid flow path for venting air or introducing substances without requiring disconnection of the main coupling. The intermediate element nests within the coupling structure, maintaining the overall connection while enabling fluid manipulation operations.
3Strength
If large forces are applied to slide tubular elements onto the coupling, then firm connection is achieved, but the object-generated harmful factors increase due to potential patient trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling features pre-formed grooves and latching lugs that are designed to engage automatically when tubular elements are slid onto the coupling body. The grooves are positioned and shaped to guide the latching lugs into engagement, creating a firm connection through mechanical interlocking rather than relying on excessive sliding forces. This preliminary structuring of the connection interface reduces the force required during assembly while ensuring secure connection.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The coupling has a plug (12) lockable into a socket (14) in two resting positions. The socket and/or the plug comprise an opening (28), so that the opening connects a channel (16) for providing fluid e.g. blood, in the environment in one resting position, and isolating the fluid from the environment in another resting position. The channel is arranged in such a manner that the fluid flows through the coupling in a locked condition.