Removable Coupling Device for Medical Channel Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medical washer-disinfectors require manual connection and disconnection of multiple channels, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A system featuring a removable coupling device that connects to medical articles' channels outside the medical processing device, allowing nozzles within the device to move and engage with the coupling device for efficient medium supply without the need for repeated channel connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual connection and disconnection of channels is performed in conventional washer-disinfectors, then the medical articles can be processed, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidtime for connection and disconnection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the channel connection function from the processing device by using a removable coupling device. The channels are connected to the coupling device outside the device, and the coupling device is then inserted into the processing device. This segmentation eliminates the need for repeated manual connection and disconnection of individual channels, significantly reducing processing time and improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable coupling device acts as an intermediary between the channels and the processing device. It provides a standardized interface that allows channels to be connected once externally, then transferred into the processing device without disconnection. The coupling device mediates the connection process, enabling efficient reuse across multiple processing cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If fixed nozzles are used in the medical processing device, then the structure is simpler, but the nozzles risk damage, catching objects, or operator injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle system structureVSAvoidnozzle safety and durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzles are designed to be movable rather than fixed, capable of extending to engage with the coupling device and retracting when not in use. This dynamic configuration allows the nozzles to be positioned precisely when needed while being protected during transport and storage, eliminating risks of damage, catching objects, or operator injury.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The nozzles are housed within the processing device structure when retracted, nested within the device body. When engagement is required, they extend outward to interact with the coupling device. This nesting arrangement protects the nozzles during non-operational periods and simplifies the overall structure by integrating the nozzles into the device housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This solution streamlines the processing of medical articles by eliminating the need for manual channel connections and disconnections, enhancing efficiency and reducing the risk of damage or operator injury.

Implementation Method 1

movement of the nozzles from said retracted position to said advanced position causes at least some of said nozzles, in particular all of said nozzles, to become engaged with respective fluid passages of the removable coupling device, thereby enabling the medical processing device to supply the process medium from the nozzles, via the engaged fluid passages of the removable coupling device, into any channel of the medical article

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through engaged nozzles and fluid passages:

Data Source

PatentEP4410177B1A system for supplying a process medium to medical articles having multiple channels

Publication Date: 2025.04.30 GETINGE DISINFECTION

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AI summary

A system for supplying a process medium to medical articles having multiple channels is disclosed. The system comprises a medical processing device comprising a plurality of nozzles. The system also comprises a removable coupling device comprising a plurality of fluid passages configured to be connectable to a respective channel of a medical article before the removable coupling device is inserted into the medical processing device. The removable coupling device is configured to be positioned at a docking location inside the medical processing device so that movement of the nozzles from a retracted position to an advanced position causes the nozzles to become engaged with respective fluid passages of the removable coupling device, thereby enabling the medical processing device to supply the process medium from the nozzles, via the engaged fluid passages of the removable coupling device, into any channel of the medical article connected to the removable coupling device.