Respiratory Connector With Deformable Bridge For Adjustable Port Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional respiratory gas flow connectors complicate the management of multiple tubes and connections, leading to potential incorrect connections and lack of positive verification, especially in busy environments, due to varying port spacings and different connector designs.
Innovation Solution
A deformable bridge connector design that allows adjustable spacing between connector formations, ensuring correct connection to ports of varying spacings through unique inlet and outlet formations, preventing incorrect port connections and simplifying tube management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate tube connectors are provided for different monitoring tubes, then the possibility of incorrect connections is reduced, but the complexity of tube management increases and trial-and-error connection processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tube connectors into a single integrated connector assembly that houses multiple connector formations (first connector formation, second connector formation, etc.) within one unified structure. This allows multiple monitoring tubes to be connected through a single connector unit, reducing the number of separate components to manage while maintaining the ability to differentiate between tube types through distinct connector formations.
Solution Approach 2:
The single connector assembly serves multiple functions by accommodating different connector formations for various monitoring tubes (e.g., expiratory flow monitoring, inspiratory flow monitoring, oxygen monitoring) within one universal housing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate connector assemblies for each tube type while preserving the specificity needed to prevent incorrect connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different monitoring ports are located at different positions, then the monitoring device can accommodate various monitoring requirements, but the difficulty of providing a common connecting tube arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly incorporates flexible positioning mechanisms that allow the connector formations to be adjusted to different spatial arrangements. The connector can adapt its internal geometry to match various port locations on monitoring devices, enabling a single connector design to work with multiple port configurations without requiring redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves port location variations by introducing adjustable spatial relationships in multiple dimensions. The connector formations can be positioned at different orientations and distances from the main connector body, allowing the same connector assembly to accommodate ports arranged in various patterns (linear, angular, distributed) through three-dimensional adjustment.
3Device complexity
If conventional connector arrangements are used, then the connector structure is simple, but positive verification that all tubes are correctly connected is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly incorporates verification mechanisms that provide feedback to the user during the connection process. This may include visual indicators, mechanical interlocks, or positional sensors that confirm each tube is correctly connected to its designated connector formation. The system provides real-time feedback to ensure all tubes are properly connected before operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates preliminary verification features that check connection correctness before the monitoring system is activated. This may include pre-configured alignment guides, interlocking mechanisms that only engage with correct connectors, or indicator systems that illuminate or activate only when all tubes are properly connected, preventing operation with incorrect connections.
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 enables a common connector to manage multiple gas flow lines effectively, ensuring correct connections and easy management, even in environments with varying port arrangements, reducing the risk of errors and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a bridge extending between the first and second connector formations, wherein the bridge is deformable to allow a spacing between the first and second connector formations to be varied in use
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory connector is provided for connecting corresponding ends of a plurality of gas flow lines to a corresponding plurality of ports. The connector comprises first and second connector formations, and a bridge extending between the first and second connector formations. The bridge is actuable to allow a spacing between the first and second connector formations to be varied during use.