Probe Connector Release Structure for Secure Hose Barb Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing probe connectors for hose barbs in chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological industries face challenges in secure and easy handling, leading to frequent failures and increased waste due to damage, longer assembly times, and reduced process reliability.
Innovation Solution
A probe connector with a base structure and movable engagement members that can be easily engaged or disengaged using an opening structure with movable levers, allowing for mechanical automatism and reduced damage, thereby enhancing ergonomics and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a probe connector is connected to a hose barb without an opening structure, then the connection may be secure, but the disconnection becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into functional segments: a base structure with engagement members for secure connection, and a separate opening structure with legs that can be moved to facilitate disconnection. This segmentation allows the connector to provide both secure attachment and easy release by activating the opening structure to disengage the engagement members from the hose barb.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement members are designed to be dynamically controllable - they maintain a gripping state during normal operation but can be actively opened when needed. The opening structure includes movable legs that, when actuated, bend the engagement members radially to release the hose barb, enabling quick disconnection without damaging the components.
2Strength
If engagement members are made rigid for secure gripping, then connection strength is improved, but susceptibility to damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement members are designed with controlled flexibility - they are sufficiently rigid to provide strong gripping force during normal operation but can be elastically deformed when the opening structure is actuated. This dynamic design allows them to bend radially during disconnection and return to their original position, preventing permanent damage while maintaining secure connection during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement members are pre-designed with elastic properties that allow them to absorb mechanical stress during the disconnection process. By anticipating potential damage from forced disconnection, the design incorporates this cushioning effect to protect the members from permanent deformation or breakage.
3Device complexity
If traditional connection methods are used, then simplicity is maintained, but failure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into functional segments: a base structure with engagement members for secure connection, and a separate opening structure with legs that can be moved to facilitate disconnection. This segmentation allows the connector to provide both secure attachment and easy release by activating the opening structure to disengage the engagement members from the hose barb.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the engagement members. By providing this intermediate element with movable legs, the system enables controlled disengagement of the engagement members from the hose barb, reducing the risk of failure during connection and disconnection operations.
4Ease of operation
If engagement members are designed for easy release, then disconnection becomes simple, but connection security is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement members are designed with controlled flexibility - they are sufficiently rigid to provide strong gripping force during normal operation but can be elastically deformed when the opening structure is actuated. This dynamic design allows them to bend radially during disconnection and return to their original position, preventing permanent damage while maintaining secure connection during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening structure is pre-configured with movable legs that, when actuated, automatically apply the necessary force to bend and release the engagement members. This preliminary preparation of the disconnection mechanism ensures that when the user activates it, the engagement members are reliably released without requiring excessive force or complex manual manipulation.
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 secure, user-friendly connection and disconnection process, reducing assembly time, minimizing errors, and increasing process reliability while minimizing waste and the need for additional tools.
Implementation Method 1
an opening structure comprising at least one leg configured to be moved by a user and engaging with the at least one engagement member for bending and/or deforming thereof in a radial direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a probe connector (2) connectable to a hose barb (100) of a bioreactor container (110) for guiding a probe through the probe connector (2) and the hose barb (100) into the bioreactor container (110), including a base structure (10) having a probe channel (12) and at least one engagement member (14) configured to grip the hose barb (100), an opening structure (20) comprising at least one leg (26) configured to be moved by a user and engaging with the at least one engagement member (14) for bending thereof in a radial direction (6).