Penetrable Elastomeric Seal for Medical Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical interfaces for inserting and withdrawing elongated objects while maintaining a sealed connection are complex, expensive, difficult to manufacture, and hard to clean, often leading to leakage and unreliable reuse due to linear slits and elastomeric barriers that degrade with use.
Innovation Solution
A penetrable interface with a crescent-shaped perforation in an elastomeric barrier that allows easy insertion and withdrawal of elongated objects, maintaining a sealed condition and facilitating cleaning, using a one-piece construction with a tap and bore that distorts to seal and unseat elastically, preventing fluid leakage and accommodating pressure differentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If linear slits are used in elastomeric seals, then the seal can be penetrated by elongated objects, but the seal leaks and does not snap closed reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple radial segments that can move independently relative to each other. When an elongated object is inserted, the segments separate radially to allow penetration. When the object is withdrawn, the segments snap back to their original positions, creating a reliable seal. This segmentation allows the seal to transition between open and closed states reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where radial segments can move in response to insertion and withdrawal forces. The segments are designed to be flexible enough to move apart during penetration but stiff enough to snap back together reliably during withdrawal, providing both penetrability and sealing reliability.
2Ease of operation
If stacked slitted seals are used, then penetration is enabled, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple seal functions that would traditionally require separate stacked seals are combined into a single integrated seal structure with radial segments. This unified design achieves the same penetrability through a different mechanism (radial segmentation rather than stacking), simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the ability to allow and prevent fluid passage.
3Ease of operation
If elastomeric barriers with sharp spikes are used, then penetration is achieved, but the barrier degrades with each use
Solution Approach 1:
The radial segments are designed to self-return to their original positions after deformation during penetration. The elastic properties of the segments allow them to automatically seal the interface when the penetrating object is withdrawn, without requiring external actuation or degradation. This self-returning mechanism enables reliable reuse across multiple penetration cycles.
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 solution provides a reliable, reusable, and easily cleanable interface that prevents leakage and maintains sealing during and after object insertion, even under pressure differentials, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while ensuring effective sealing and fluid containment.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric barrier that permits sealable insertion of an object such as an elongated tube through it, and returns to a sealed, closed condition when the object is withdrawn
Implementation Method 2
the tap can return immediately to its seat and, in the process, be at least slightly compressed as it is moved back into the bore such that the tap can 'squeegee' the bore clean
Data Source
AI summary
A penetrable interface configured to separate two or more spaces can include an elastomeric seal having a first segment and a second segment. A portion of the second segment can be integrally formed with a portion of the first segment. The first and second segments can create a sealing engagement therebetween in the absence of an applied force on the second segment. The first and second segments can be distorted out of sealing engagement when subjected to the applied force on the second segment.