Rotatable Quick Coupling for Airtight Implant Hose Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The connection of a tube to an implantable device, such as a blood pump, often results in damage to the suture line due to exerted forces, and requires careful handling to avoid air leaks and visible transition edges.
Innovation Solution
A lockable quick-release coupling with rotatable connectors that minimize the force required for connection, ensuring a secure and air-tight seal without additional sealing elements, using a bayonet fitting and a spring mechanism for uniform pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid connection methods are used to connect the tube to the implantable device, then the connection is secure and stable, but high forces are transmitted to the suture line causing damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into three segments: the tube with first connector, the quick-release coupling as an intermediate element, and the implantable device with second connector. This segmentation allows the tube to be connected to the first connector before device implantation, isolating the suture line from forces during the device connection process. The quick-release coupling acts as a buffer that absorbs connection forces while maintaining secure fluid connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-release coupling serves as an intermediary element between the tube and the implantable device. It provides a mechanical interface that allows secure connection while preventing force transmission to the suture line. The coupling's design with movable parts and sealing surfaces enables reliable fluid connection without transmitting damaging forces to the arterial suture.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If careful handling procedures are used to protect the suture line, then damage risk is reduced, but the connection process becomes more time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is connected to the first connector of the quick-release coupling before the implantable device is implanted. This preliminary action allows the connection to be established in a controlled manner away from the suture site, and the quick-release coupling is designed to be delivered together with the tube assembly, streamlining the overall implantation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-release coupling features self-aligning sealing surfaces and automatic sealing upon engagement. The bayonet-style connection with movable parts allows for easy connection and disconnection without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional sealing elements, reducing both time and complexity of the connection process.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact quick-release coupling design is used, then the device fits in confined implantation spaces, but the sealing surface area is reduced potentially compromising the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing surfaces feature a stepped design with different radial positions. The inner contact region has a smaller radius and engages first upon connection, providing the primary sealing function. The outer contact region with larger radius provides secondary sealing and alignment. This local differentiation of sealing zones allows effective sealing in a compact geometry by concentrating sealing pressure where most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism utilizes axial compression through the movable parts of the quick-release coupling. When the coupling is engaged, axial movement compresses the sealing surfaces together, creating a tight seal. This transforms the sealing problem from a purely radial surface area issue to one that also utilizes the axial dimension, allowing compact design while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
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
Reduces the risk of damage to sutures and ensures a reliable, air-tight connection with minimal operational force, allowing for a compact design suitable for confined spaces and reducing the risk of blood agglomeration.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (20) is provided in the cavity to exert a force from the union nut onto one end piece in the direction of the other end piece
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5
AI summary
A simple locking quick coupling (10) for detachably connecting a hose (12) to an implantable device has a first attachment (14) that can be connected to the hose (12) and a second attachment (16) that can be connected to the device, wherein the attachments (14, 16) are rotatable relative to each other in the locked state.