Pressure Control Tube Locking for Stable Regulator Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The risk of stress-induced creep and deformation in releasable tube retaining means within pressure regulators can lead to unintentional changes in pressure delivery, posing potential harm to patients.
Innovation Solution
A resiliently deformable locking member with a releasable tube retaining means that engages with engagement features to resist movement of the pressure control tube, allowing selective adjustment between configurations to maintain a user-defined position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a releasable tube retaining means is used to hold the pressure control tube, then the tube can be selectively adjusted to different positions, but stress during storage or transport can cause creep and deformation of the retaining means
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed as a resiliently deformable component that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states. During normal operation, it maintains a stable locked position, but during transport or storage, it can be selectively unlocked to reposition the pressure control tube to different engagement features, thereby providing both adaptability and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining means is segmented into distinct functional components: the resiliently deformable locking member, multiple engagement features on the pressure control tube, and a release mechanism. This segmentation allows the tube to be held at multiple discrete positions while maintaining stability at each position, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and stability
2Ease of operation
If the releasable tube retaining means is made resiliently deformable to allow selective engagement, then the tube can be easily adjusted, but stress can cause creep and deformation over time
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently deformable locking member provides dynamic functionality by allowing easy engagement and disengagement through controlled deformation. The material and geometric design ensure that while it can be easily deformed for adjustment, it maintains structural stability and resists creep during extended periods when locked in position, thus balancing ease of operation with structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is pre-configured with specific engagement features and geometric constraints that guide proper alignment and engagement. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the tube is adjusted, the locking member engages correctly the first time, reducing the need for repeated adjustments and minimizing cumulative stress that could lead to creep or deformation
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
Reduces the risk of unintentional pressure changes by maintaining the pressure control tube in a stable position, ensuring consistent gas delivery to patients.
Implementation Method 1
The resiliently deformable locking member is configured to be releasably engageable with at least one of the engagement features such that engagement between the locking member and engagement feature causes resistance to movement of the pressure control tube
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for securing a pressure control tube in a user-defined position within a pressure regulator device is described. The apparatus has one or more engagement features and a releasable tube retaining means comprising a resiliently deformable locking member. The resiliently deformable locking member is configured to be releasably engageable with at least one of the engagement features such that engagement between the locking member and engagement feature causes resistance to movement of the pressure control tube within the pressure regulator device. The locking member can be at least partially disengaged from the engagement feature such that resistance to movement of the pressure control tube within the pressure regulator device is reduced.