Medical Fluid Coupling with Elastic Latching Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connectors for medical applications, such as blood treatment apparatuses, face challenges in providing secure, easy-to-use, and leak-proof connections without the need for threads or rotating parts, which can lead to misalignment and increased risk of contamination.
Innovation Solution
A fluid coupling system with elastically deformable latching elements that create a secure, non-positive connection by using recesses and protrusions, allowing for easy one-handed operation and eliminating the need for threads or rotating parts, featuring a sealing element made of silicon rubber for enhanced compatibility and sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded connections are used for fluid connectors, then connection strength and sealability are improved, but device complexity and risk of misalignment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the threaded connection mechanism from the fluid connector design. Instead of using threads to achieve connection and sealing, the invention employs a simple push-on coupling mechanism with radial sealing, removing the complex threaded structure entirely while maintaining connection reliability through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical threaded fastening system with a radial sealing mechanism. The connection is achieved through radial engagement and sealing surfaces rather than axial threading, substituting a simpler mechanical interaction that reduces alignment requirements and structural complexity while maintaining sealability.
2Strength
If threaded connections with rotating parts are used, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rotational alignment requirement from the connection process. By eliminating threads and rotating parts, the connection can be made through a simple linear push-on motion without the need for precise angular alignment, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of achieving connection through axial threading that requires alignment, the patent inverts the approach by using radial sealing surfaces that engage automatically upon insertion. The sealing and connection occur through radial contact rather than axial engagement, reversing the traditional mechanism and eliminating alignment issues.
3Reliability
If threaded connections are used, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the threaded manufacturing process from the design, replacing it with simpler radial sealing surfaces and push-on coupling features. This eliminates complex threading operations during manufacturing while maintaining connection reliability through the alternative radial engagement mechanism.
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 system ensures reliable, leak-proof connections with easy assembly and disassembly, reduces the risk of contamination, and allows for the use of short tubes without twisting, enhancing user safety and operational efficiency while being cost-effective and compatible with steam sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
The first latching element comprises a first section which is designed to be elastically bendable or tiltable
Data Source
AI summary
A medical fluid coupling for connecting a fluid line to a connection section of a blood treatment apparatus or for connecting to a connecting adapter comprises at least one main body. The main body includes a first latching element with a first section. The first section is designed to be elastically bendable and/or elastically tiltable. The main body may optionally include a second latching element with a second section. At least one of the first latching element and the second latching element comprises a recess for receiving a protrusion of the connection section and/or a protrusion to reach into a recess of the blood treatment apparatus or of the connecting adapter.