Rotatable Quick Coupling for Leak-Tight Implant Hose Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting a hose to an implantable apparatus, such as a blood pump, poses challenges due to the risk of damage to the connection seam and the need for a secure, air-tight joint, particularly in counterpulsatile blood pumps, where torsional forces can cause harm.
Innovation Solution
A lockable quick coupling with two attachment pieces that can be easily connected and rotated relative to each other, featuring annular contact faces and a bayonet-type lock, allowing for a secure, leak-tight connection without separate sealing elements, and made of biocompatible materials like titanium and transparent plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hose is fixedly sewed to an artery and connected to an implantable apparatus, then a secure connection is achieved, but torsional forces and high connection forces can damage the connecting seam
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into three segments: the hose with its connection element, the implantable apparatus with its connection element, and the quick coupling device. This segmentation allows the hose to be securely connected to the artery separately from the connection to the implantable apparatus, isolating the artery connection from torsional forces during apparatus connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick coupling device acts as an intermediary between the hose connection element and the implantable apparatus connection element. It provides a mechanical interface that transmits only axial connection forces while preventing transmission of torsional moments to the hose-artery seam, thus protecting the connecting seam from damage.
2Reliability
If traditional connection methods are used, then a secure connection is achieved, but the connection process is complex and requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The quick coupling device incorporates a bayonet-type lock mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment during connection. The connection elements can be inserted with some angular misalignment and then locked into position through rotation, providing self-alignment capability that simplifies the connection process while ensuring secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements are designed with self-aligning features including annular contact faces and complementary geometric shapes that guide the connection process. The bayonet lock mechanism automatically engages when the elements are brought together and rotated, eliminating the need for precise pre-alignment or complex manual adjustment procedures.
3Ease of operation
If a quick coupling device is introduced, then the connection process is simplified and torsional forces are reduced, but the device adds constructional complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The quick coupling device merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides the mechanical connection interface, the locking mechanism, and the torsional force isolation all in one device. The bayonet-type lock combines insertion, alignment, and locking functions, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall structure despite the added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements feature annular contact faces with specific geometric profiles that provide both structural integrity and functional flexibility. These thin-walled annular structures can deform slightly to accommodate alignment variations while maintaining the locking function, reducing the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.
4Volume of moving object
If the attachment pieces are made small for confined space implantation, then space requirements are reduced, but the connection strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The quick coupling device and connection elements are made from biocompatible materials with high strength-to-density ratios, such as medical-grade titanium or stainless steel alloys. These materials provide sufficient connection strength in small dimensions, allowing the device to be compact enough for confined space implantation while maintaining the necessary mechanical strength for secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements feature annular contact faces with curved surfaces that distribute connection forces more evenly across the interface. This geometric optimization allows smaller connection surfaces to achieve the same connection strength as larger flat surfaces, enabling compact device design without compromising connection integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A simply lockable quick coupling for releasably connecting a hose to an implantable apparatus, comprises a first attachment piece that can be connected to the hose and a second attachment piece that can be connected to the apparatus, wherein the attachment pieces can be rotated relative to each other in the locked state.