Reversible Compression Garment Connector for Correct Fluid 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 utilizing a first and second connector portion with fluid flow passageways that form different fluid flow channels based on the orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional connector is used to connect multiple tubes, then the connector can be designed with a simple structure, but it can only connect in a single orientation leading to improper functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with multiple connector portions (first connector portion and second connector portion) that can connect in multiple orientations (first orientation and second orientation). Each connector portion has fluid flow passageways that cooperatively form fluid flow channels, allowing the connector to universally connect tubes regardless of orientation while maintaining proper fluid flow direction from the fluid source to the compression garment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a connector is designed to connect in multiple orientations, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of improper fluid flow direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector portions are designed with asymmetric fluid flow passageways that are configured to cooperatively form fluid flow channels in a specific directional manner. The passageways are shaped and positioned such that they only allow proper fluid flow direction (from fluid source to compression garment) when the connector portions are assembled together, regardless of the overall connector orientation. This asymmetric design ensures that even when connected in different orientations, the internal fluid path maintains the correct flow direction.
3Ease of operation
If multiple tubes are connected using conventional connectors, then the tubing can be arranged in a compact manner, but the connector fails to provide fluid connection for all tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple separate connector portions (first connector portion and second connector portion), each with its own fluid flow passageways. This segmentation allows each portion to independently manage fluid connections for specific tubes while working cooperatively with other portions. The modular segmented structure enables compact tubing arrangement while ensuring that all tubes receive proper fluid connections through the coordinated passageways of different connector portions.
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.