Radial Seal Connector Groove Layout to Eliminate Dead Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector links with radial seals suffer from dead spaces that hinder fluid flow and promote germ accumulation and deposit formation, requiring additional fluid sources for cleaning or insufficient sealing.
Innovation Solution
A medical connector link design with a radial seal element and recesses on the link elements that facilitate fluid flow around the seal, forming a common fluid passage with the seal element, reducing dead spaces and enhancing flushing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seal element is arranged within a radial groove with sufficient dimensions to achieve sealing pressure, then the sealing effect is improved, but dead spaces form that hinder fluid flow and promote germ accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is segmented into a sealing portion and a discharge portion. The sealing portion accommodates the seal element with sufficient dimensions to achieve sealing pressure, while the discharge portion provides a fluid communication path that eliminates dead spaces and prevents germ accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge portion acts as an intermediary structure that connects the sealing groove to the fluid passage. It mediates between the sealing function and fluid flow requirements by providing a controlled path for fluid to flow through or around the seal area, preventing deposit formation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the groove dimensions are reduced to minimize dead space, then fluid flow and disinfection are improved, but sufficient sealing pressure cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is divided into functionally distinct portions: the sealing portion with larger dimensions to accommodate the seal element and achieve sealing pressure, and the discharge portion with optimized dimensions to minimize dead space and enhance fluid flow for disinfection.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure extends in multiple dimensions with the sealing portion providing radial clearance for seal accommodation and the discharge portion providing axial or angular fluid communication paths, thereby resolving the dimensional conflict between sealing requirements and fluid flow requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If additional fluid sources are added for cleaning internal components, then disinfection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid passage serves multiple functions: it transports the working fluid through the connector link and simultaneously provides cleaning and disinfection of the seal area through the discharge portion. This eliminates the need for separate disinfection fluid sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector link's own fluid passage system provides the disinfection function by directing fluid through the discharge portion of the groove. The system uses its inherent fluid flow capability to clean and disinfect itself without requiring external or additional fluid sources.
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 design ensures improved fluid flow around the seal, reducing germ accumulation and facilitating easy disinfection, while maintaining a fluid-tight connection between link elements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one recess that fluidically connects the common fluid passage with the circumferential groove or fluidically couples it to each other
Implementation Method 2
the object of this seal element is to prevent the ingress or leakage of fluid through the radial gap/crack between the first link element and the second link element
Data Source
AI summary
A medical connector link for establishing a fluid connection between two fluid lines includes a first male link element/connector element and a second female link element/connector element. The male link element is arranged or arrangeable in the female link element such that a fluid passage of the male link element and a fluid passage of the female link element form a common fluid passage. The connector link further includes a seal element arranged within a circumferential groove on an outer side of the male link element or on an inner side of the female link element. The seal element seals a radial gap between the female link element and the male link element. The male link element and/or the female link element have at least one recess that fluidically connects the common fluid passage with the circumferential groove.