Respiratory Duct Connector with Rotating Male-Female Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for respiratory ducts do not allow for stable relative rotation of connected components without disconnection, leading to interference issues during patient treatment and potential loosening or kinking of tubes, which can restrict flow and cause unwanted gas entry into the circuit.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a male and female conduit with a retaining formation and engagement formation that allows for relative rotation while maintaining a secure connection, using an annular recess and depression to resist separation and provide a gas-tight seal without the need for lubricants, and incorporating features like apertures and flanges for enhanced stability and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard connectors are used to connect respiratory ducts, then the connection is secure, but the relative orientation of connected parts cannot be changed without disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a static fixed-orientation design to a dynamic rotating connection that allows the male connector end to rotate relative to the female connector end within the annular recess, enabling orientation adjustment while maintaining connection stability through the retaining formation and engagement formation
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard connectors are disconnected and reconnected to change orientation, then the orientation can be changed, but atmospheric gases enter the circuit and residual stress causes loosening or kinking
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating connector enables continuous reorientation of the male connector end relative to the female connector end without breaking the fluid seal, allowing orientation changes while maintaining the gas-tight connection and preventing atmospheric gas contamination throughout the reconfiguration process
3Device complexity
If a friction fit is used for connection, then the connector is simple, but residual stress leads to loosening or kinking of tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional elements: the male connector end with retaining formation, the female connector end with engagement formation including annular recess and depression, and the seal member, allowing each component to perform its specific function while distributing mechanical stresses evenly to prevent loosening and kinking
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional swivel connectors are used, then rotation is allowed, but residual stress causes the tube to return to its previous position
Solution Approach 1:
The depression acts as an intermediary feature that receives and engages with the retaining formation, providing a stable resting position for the male connector end after rotation, thereby maintaining the desired orientation and preventing elastic return to the previous position
Data Source
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Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
The invention concerns a connector for connecting respiratory ducts together such that they are placed in fluid communication. The connector comprises a first conduit having a female connector end and a second conduit having a male connector end adapted to be received within the female connector end of the first conduit such that the male and female connector ends form a common conduit having an inner surface formed at least in part by the male connector end. The male connector has a retaining formation which is adapted to abut a corresponding formation of the female connector so as to resist separation of the first and second conduits whilst permitting relative rotation there- between when connected. The inner surface of the male connector may comprise a gas washed surface in use. The engagement formation is preferably a recessed area of the female connector, which may be generally annular in shape. In one embodiment, the member(s) may comprise a valve seat. The invention also concerns a breathing circuit comprising the connector.