Respiratory Quick-Connect Fitting With Leak-Free Rotational Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical fittings, such as luer taper and bayonet fittings, are prone to failure during use in respiratory applications, leading to loss of ventilating system pressure and exposure to communicable diseases, and existing closed suction catheter systems require patient disconnection for replacement, causing interruptions in mechanical breathing assistance.
Innovation Solution
A novel quick connect fitting with a male and female end featuring a tapered internal luer-type seal, including bosses and slots with rotational engagement, and a closed suction catheter system that allows secure and easy connection and replacement without disconnecting the patient from the ventilating system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If luer taper fittings are used, then connection is simple and quick, but the fitting may be dislodged easily and inadvertently
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting employs asymmetric features including a slot and protrusion geometry that allows insertion in one orientation but prevents removal without deliberate action. The slot width is smaller than the protrusion width, creating an asymmetric engagement that secures the connection while maintaining ease of initial attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting transitions from a static friction-based connection to a dynamic engagement mechanism. The slot and protrusion design allows the connection to be easily established through insertion, then locks into a stable engaged state that requires deliberate manipulation to disengage, providing both ease of connection and reliability.
2Reliability
If bayonet fittings are used, then connection is secure, but the fitting may be overridden resulting in broken fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting separates the connection and disconnection functions into distinct phases. The slot and protrusion geometry creates an engaged state for secure connection, while the limited travel distance and frame structure prevent the overriding forces that cause bayonet fitting failure, maintaining durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting design anticipates potential overriding forces by incorporating a frame structure and limited travel distance that cushions against excessive forces before they can cause damage. The slot geometry naturally limits the range of motion to prevent the fitting from being overridden beyond its structural limits.
3Reliability
If standard threaded connections are used, then connection is secure, but greater effort is required to connect
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the multi-turn threading operation from the connection process, replacing it with a single insertion motion. The slot and protrusion geometry provides secure engagement through friction and geometric interlocking without requiring the user to perform multiple rotational turns, significantly reducing connection effort.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If closed suction catheter systems are used, then healthcare provider protection is improved, but patient disconnection is required for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting enables replacement in a different operational dimension - from system-level disconnection to component-level replacement. The slot and protrusion design allows the catheter to be independently exchanged at the fitting interface while the patient remains connected to the ventilating system, eliminating ventilation interruptions.
5Device complexity
If open suction system is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but sterile field must be created and handled carefully
Solution Approach 1:
The closed suction catheter is nested within a protective sheath or bag that maintains sterility. The fitting design allows this nested structure to be quickly connected and disconnected without breaking the sterile barrier, combining the simplicity of the open system with the protection of a closed system.
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 novel fitting provides a reliable, leak-free connection that is easy to use and quick to engage/disengage, ensuring continuous ventilating system integrity and minimizing exposure to communicable diseases by allowing for seamless catheter replacement without patient disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
Luer-Slip® fittings conform to luer taper dimensions and are simply held together by friction
Implementation Method 2
Luer taper fittings commonly have a 6 percent taper and may be tested according to (International Organization for Standardization) ISO 594-2
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a novel fitting having male and female ends and a tapered internal luer-type seal. The male fitting end has a periphery upon which is mounted at least one boss. The female fitting end has a slot into which the boss may be inserted. At the bottom of the slot is a stop to limit the insertion depth of the boss. The male and female ends may then be rotated relative to each other to move the boss into a window on the female end. The window has a frame and the upper frame is angled slightly, corresponding to the boss, which serves to draw the male end farther in to the female end. The window has a side frame that stops the rotational movement of the boss. When the movement of the boss is stopped, the male and female tapers are in substantially leak-free contact. There is also provided a closed suction catheter using the novel fitting, such that the catheter may be easily and quickly removed and replaced.