Respiratory Socket Rotary Sleeve Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory devices face issues with leakages due to slotted snap joints in the connecting socket and rotary sleeve, and the removal of the hose from the rotary sleeve is difficult, especially for elderly patients or those with restricted mobility, due to a tightly fitting connection with a small operating surface.
Innovation Solution
A respiratory device design featuring a connecting socket partially inserted into a rotary sleeve with latching elements, where the socket has a smaller external diameter than the rotary sleeve's internal diameter, and the rotary sleeve has symmetrical extensions with undercuts for secure latching, reducing leaks and improving handling by providing a larger surface area for release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a slotted snap joint is used in the connecting socket, then the connection can be easily assembled, but the resilient elements can easily break off and leaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: the connecting socket with its resilient elements, the rotary sleeve with its latching elements, and the hose coupling. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the resilient elements in the socket can be designed for easy assembly while the latching elements in the rotary sleeve provide reliable locking, eliminating the need for slotting and preventing breakage
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the connecting socket and the hose coupling. It receives the resilient elements from the socket and provides its own latching elements to secure the connection. This intermediary structure transfers the connection function from the fragile resilient elements alone to a combined system that is both easy to assemble and reliable
2Reliability
If the hose coupling is firmly connected to the rotary sleeve, then the connection is secure, but the operating surface for release is very small and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The latching elements are designed with significant radial extension from the rotary sleeve, creating a larger operating surface in the radial dimension. This allows patients to grasp and operate the release mechanism with greater ease while maintaining secure connection during therapy
3Ease of manufacture
If the connecting socket is slotted to obtain resilient elements, then assembly is simplified, but the overlap between socket and rotary sleeve is reduced and leaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient elements are extracted from the slotting process and repositioned as discrete components within the connecting socket. This allows the socket to maintain its structural integrity and provide adequate overlap with the rotary sleeve while still achieving easy assembly through the engagement of these extracted resilient elements
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory device comprising a connecting socket which is inserted at least partially into a rotary sleeve and is latched thereto. The connecting socket and the rotary sleeve are disposed between a respiration hose and a patient interface, the connecting socket having an external diameter which is smaller than the internal diameter of the rotary sleeve. The rotary sleeve comprises on its inner side latching elements which engage in latching elements on the external diameter of the socket.