Respiratory Tube Port Connector With Rotational Alignment Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory gas systems face challenges with the management of additional components such as accessory tubes and sensor leads, which can project into the path of other components or become wound around the respiratory gases tube, increasing complexity and difficulty for clinicians.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a connector assembly that includes a connector elbow and port connector, allowing for a secure and adjustable connection between accessory tubes or sensor leads and the respiratory gases tube, with features like barbed or frictional connections, and rotational alignment mechanisms to maintain alignment and prevent rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If accessory tubes and sensor leads are connected to respiratory gases tube, then monitoring and therapeutic capabilities are improved, but the tubes can project into the path of other components or become wound around the respiratory gases tube, increasing complexity and difficulty for clinicians
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct segments: a main body portion that attaches to the respiratory gases tube, and an elongate portion that extends outward. This segmentation allows the accessory tubes and sensor leads to be organized in a structured manner, preventing them from projecting chaotically into the path of other components while maintaining their functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows accessory tubes and sensor leads to be nested within or alongside the elongate portion in an organized fashion. This nesting arrangement prevents the tubes and leads from becoming wound around the respiratory gases tube, reducing management complexity while preserving the enhanced monitoring and therapeutic functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessory tubes and sensor leads are connected to respiratory gases tube, then monitoring and therapeutic capabilities are improved, but the risk of interference with other components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector extracts the potential interference problem by providing a dedicated elongate portion that extends outward from the main body. This separate structure isolates the accessory tubes and sensor leads from the main respiratory gases tube pathway, preventing them from projecting into the path of other components and reducing the risk of interference while maintaining enhanced functionality.
3Ease of operation
If connector allows rotation to align central axis, then ease of connection is improved, but connection mechanism must prevent rotation to maintain alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a dynamic connection mechanism that transitions from a rotational state during connection to a locked state during operation. The mechanism includes features such as a collar that can rotate during attachment but then locks into place to prevent further rotation, maintaining proper alignment of the central axis while simplifying the connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is designed to perform preliminary rotation alignment automatically during the connection process. As the connector is attached, the collar or similar feature rotates to align the central axes of the connector and the respiratory gases tube, then locks into position. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Disclosed is a port connector for respiratory gases tubes. The port connector having a port extending from the port connector, the port providing for a passageway into a lumen of the port connector. The port having a connection mechanism, and a port sealing surface. The port connector may further comprise a connector elbow having an accessory end configured to connect with an accessory, a connector elbow sealing surface, and a collar located at a port end of the connector elbow. The collar may be configured to engage with the connection mechanism of the port connector to urge a connector elbow sealing surface into engagement with a port sealing surface.