Pneumatic Multi-Way Connector Emergency Deflation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic mattress connectors are not easily deflatable in emergency situations, such as cardiac arrest, as they require complex disconnection from the pump, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic multi-way connector with a resilient plug and socket design, featuring complementary bores, fixed and disengageable latch formations, and a manually movable member, allowing for quick disconnection by urging the plug out of the socket using a resilient member, enabling rapid deflation of the mattress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed latch formation is used to secure the plug in the socket, then connection stability is improved, but disconnection speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch formation is divided into two distinct segments: a fixed latch formation that provides stable connection, and a disengageable latch formation that enables quick release. This segmentation allows the connector to exhibit different behaviors during connection versus disconnection operations, resolving the contradiction between stability and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The disengageable latch formation is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic characteristic enables rapid disconnection while the fixed latch formation maintains connection stability during normal operation.
2Ease of operation
If a resilient member is incorporated to urge the plug and socket apart, then disconnection ease is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member is integrated into the disengageable latch formation, merging the elastic urging function with the latching mechanism. This combination eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of disconnection through the resilient urging force.
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
Facilitates rapid and easy disconnection of the pneumatic mattress from the pump, ensuring quick deflation in emergency situations while maintaining inflation control through pressure monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
one or other or both of the plug and the socket is resilient or being provided with a resilient member for urging the plug and socket apart
Data Source
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AI summary
A the pneumatic multi-way connector has a cycling motor (1) and a cycling valve (2) for cycling pressure air from a non-shown pump to selected ducts (31, 32, 33, 34) in an outlet socket (3). The ducts are complementary to inlet ducts (41, 42, 43, 44) of an inlet plug (5). A ring cover encloses a rigid ring (16) which has a button (17) exposed at a top portion cover. A spring (18) biases the ring and the button upwards. The ring cover and the ring have a central opening (19) for receiving the disc (52) and the nose (55) of the cover (50) with the slots (56,57) aligned with the tabs (12,15). The plug is located radially around a peripheral engagement region (20) of the opening (19). The disc (52) has an upper latch lug (58), which engages behind a rib (59) integral with the plate (14). This is at the top of the peripheral engagement region (20). At the bottom of the zone, the disc has a lower latch lug (60), provided in two parts separated by the slot (56). This engages behind the bottom sector (61) of the ring (16). The ducts (31-34) are provided in a resilient member (35) captivated between the outlet plate (14) and a stator moulding (36) forming part of the cycling valve, which does not form part of the present invention and will not be further described save that it has a rotor (37) on the side of the stator remote from the resilient member. The bores terminate at the tubes (38) having deformable noses (39). These abut the disc (52) and form a seal therewith. Release of the plug, by depression of the button (17), allows the tubes and noses to recover, pushing the plug out to a position whence it falls down, this being the intention in the event of an emergency calling for disconnection and deflation of the mattress.