Releasable Elbow Connector for Patient Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient interface devices require the entire system to be removed and reattached for uncoupling, which is inconvenient for patients, especially when moving around at night.
Innovation Solution
An elbow connector with a coupling portion that can be pressed to release from the patient interface device, allowing for easy coupling and uncoupling by applying pressure to a rear surface, enabling the coupling portion to move and insert or remove from an opening in the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the elbow connector is permanently coupled to the patient interface device, then the connection is stable and secure, but the patient cannot easily disconnect and reconnect the device when moving around
Solution Approach 1:
The elbow connector employs a dynamic coupling mechanism where the coupling portion can transition between a locked state (when inserted into the opening) and an unlocked state (when pressure is applied to the rear surface). This allows the connector to be securely fixed during use but easily released when needed, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and ease of uncoupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector changes its mechanical state by applying pressure to the rear surface, which alters the position of the coupling portion relative to the opening. When pressure is applied, the coupling portion moves to disengage from the opening; when pressure is released, it returns to the engaged position. This parameter change enables easy uncoupling while maintaining secure connection during normal use.
2Ease of operation
If the entire patient interface device is removed for uncoupling, then the connection can be fully disconnected, but the process is inconvenient and time-consuming especially in dark environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patient interface device is segmented into separable components: the patient interface device itself and the elbow connector with the gas delivery tube. The coupling portion of the elbow connector can be independently inserted into or removed from the opening in the patient interface device without removing the entire device. This segmentation allows quick disconnecting and reconnecting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling portion is extracted as a separate functional element that can be independently inserted into or removed from the opening. This extraction allows the user to disconnect or reconnect the elbow connector by simply manipulating the coupling portion, without needing to remove or handle the entire patient interface device, significantly reducing the time and effort required.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling portion is easily removable, then the patient can quickly disconnect when needed, but the connection may become loose or accidental uncoupling may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be dynamically stable: once the coupling portion is inserted into the opening, it remains securely locked in place during normal use. However, when pressure is deliberately applied to the rear surface, the coupling portion transitions to an unlocked state, allowing easy removal. This dynamic behavior ensures both connection security and ease of uncoupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear surface acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the user's intent to disconnect and the secure connection state. Applying pressure to the rear surface triggers the uncoupling action, providing a controlled and intentional method to release the connection without risking accidental uncoupling during normal use.
Data Source
AI summary
An elbow connector (10,20) for use with a patient interface device (2) includes a coupling portion (11,21) structured to be inserted into an opening in the patient interface device to couple the elbow connector with the patient interface device. The coupling portion includes an upper coupling portion (11a) and a lower coupling portion (11b). The elbow connector also includes a rear surface (13). Applying pressure to the rear surface causes the upper coupling portion to move towards the lower coupling portion.