Multi-Directional Respiratory Humidifier Connector Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory humidifier connecting systems limit design flexibility and appearance due to fixed directional connections, which can lead to operational inefficiencies and increased risk of improper connections.
Innovation Solution
A connecting system allowing electrical contact elements to connect in multiple directions, including perpendicular to the primary direction, facilitating a compact design and reducing the number of necessary connections, with tubular connection elements and guide projections for secure alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical contact elements are arranged laterally on the tube connector, then the connection can be made in only one direction (from above), but this limits design flexibility and makes the electrical contacts project awkwardly from the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-direction (vertical) connection approach to multi-directional connections by arranging electrical contact elements on multiple surfaces of the connector housing, including lateral surfaces. This allows the connector to be mated from above, from the side, or at angled orientations, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and design flexibility.
2Device complexity
If electrical contact elements are integrated into the tube connector, then the number of separate connections is minimized, but the electrical contacts project from the housing and interfere with appearance and practicality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical contact elements with the pneumatic connector housing into a single integrated component. The electrical contacts are embedded within or on the surface of the connector housing rather than being separate protruding elements, maintaining electrical connectivity while eliminating the awkward projection issue and improving appearance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting system allows lateral insertion of the liquid container, then design flexibility is improved, but additional connection orientations must be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is designed with universal multi-functionality to accommodate multiple insertion orientations (vertical from above, horizontal from the side, and angled orientations). Electrical contact elements are positioned on multiple surfaces of the housing, allowing the same connector design to function regardless of insertion direction, thereby supporting lateral container insertion without requiring separate connection systems for each orientation.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid-container/ventilation-tube kit for a ventilation system that includes (a) a ventilator, (b) a respiratory humidifier having a housing and a liquid container, the housing having a pair of first electrical contact elements, (c) a first inhalation tube extending from the respiratory humidifier to a Y-piece, (d) a second inhalation tube extending from the ventilator to the respiratory humidifier, and (e) an exhalation tube extending from the Y-piece to the ventilator, the kit including the liquid container having a pair of first connection elements for removable connection of the first and second inhalation tubes thereto, and a pair of second connection elements each attached to a respective one of the first and second inhalation tubes and by which each of the inhalation tubes is pneumatically connected to a respective one of the first connection elements along a first connecting direction, each second connection element having a second electrical contact element that is positioned and arranged such that electrical connection with a respective one of the first electrical contact elements is possible in both of two ways, one when the pneumatic connection of the respective ventilation tube to the liquid container is effected after the liquid container has been inserted into the housing and the other when the liquid container is inserted into the housing after the pneumatic connection of the ventilation tubes to the liquid container has been effected.