Reversible Compression Garment Connector for Orientation-Independent Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vascular compression systems face challenges with connectors that can only connect in a single orientation, leading to improper functioning and potential discomfort or harm to patients when trying to connect multiple tubes.
Innovation Solution
A reversible connector system that allows for connection in multiple orientations, ensuring fluid flow in a single direction from the controller to the compression garment, regardless of the connection orientation, by using a first and second connector portion with fluid flow passageways that form different channels based on the orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional connector is used to connect multiple tubes in a single orientation, then the connector structure is simple, but the system reliability deteriorates when connection orientation is incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to accept connections in multiple orientations (0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees) while maintaining proper fluid flow direction to all bladders. The internal passageway geometry ensures that regardless of how the connector is oriented, the fluid flow remains directed toward the distal, intermediate, and proximal bladders in the correct sequence, making the connector universal across different connection scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs asymmetric internal passageway design where the fluid flow paths are configured to maintain proper directional flow regardless of external orientation. The asymmetric geometry of the passageways ensures that fluid entering the connector will always flow to the correct bladder outlets in the intended direction, preventing reverse flow or improper distribution even when the connector is rotated.
2Ease of operation
If tubes are connected in reverse orientation with a conventional connector, then connection is possible, but fluid flow direction becomes incorrect causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design converts the potential harm of incorrect connection orientation into a beneficial feature by ensuring that proper fluid flow direction is maintained regardless of how the connector is oriented. The internal passageway configuration transforms any rotational misalignment into a state where fluid still flows correctly to all bladders, effectively converting the harmful possibility of wrong orientation into a guaranteed safe operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a connector allows multiple connection orientations, then adaptability improves, but the internal passageway complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector applies local quality by having different sections of the internal passageway serve different functions. Certain regions of the passageway are designed to redirect fluid flow based on local geometric features, allowing the overall simple connector structure to achieve complex orientation-independent flow distribution through localized passageway configurations at strategic positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A compression garment that is selectively engageable and operable by a controller for inflation via a reversible connector, the compression garment comprising a plurality of bladders and compression garment tubing. The compression garment tubing includes a plurality of garment tubes in fluid communication with the plurality of bladders at a first compression garment tubing end and includes a second compression garment tubing end opposite the first compression garment tubing end. The reversible connector has a first connector portion and second connector portion, the first connector portion and the second connector portion being selectively reversibly connectable together to form the reversible connector.