Self-Closing Bag Connector for Clean Waste Fluid Uncoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag connector systems for medical appliances fail to effectively prevent fluid contamination on the outer surfaces of coupling elements during uncoupling, which is crucial for maintaining hygiene in medical applications involving waste fluids.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a self-closing seal mechanism within or outside the housing of the coupling elements, combined with locking mechanisms such as twist locks, cantilever snap-fits, or O-rings, to ensure minimal fluid contamination upon uncoupling. This includes various seal types like flappers, sliding covers, and spring-loaded valves that automatically close the drainage path when disconnected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a self-closing seal mechanism is added to prevent fluid contamination, then hygiene is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-closing seal is pre-positioned to automatically close upon uncoupling, preventing fluid contamination before it can occur. The seal mechanism is designed to engage the closed position through spring force or elastic deformation as soon as the coupling elements separate, eliminating the need for additional active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal mechanism serves itself by using the uncoupling action to trigger its own closing. The spring-loaded or elastomeric seal automatically returns to its closed position when the coupling force is removed, requiring no external actuation or control systems to maintain hygiene.
2Reliability
If locking mechanisms are added to maintain coupled state, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state through a simple twisting or pressing motion. The mechanism uses spring-loaded latches or snap-fit features that can be easily actuated by the user to release the lock, allowing reliable connection during coupling and easy release during uncoupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is segmented into discrete, independently actuated features such as individual snap-fit latches or twist-lock components. Each latch can be released separately through a simple motion, breaking down the complex locking action into manageable steps that are easy to perform.
3Ease of manufacture
If self-closing seal is positioned outside housing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is constructed from flexible elastomeric material that can be positioned outside the housing while maintaining effective sealing. The elastomeric properties allow the seal to deform and conform to the coupling surfaces, creating a reliable barrier against fluid contamination even when exposed externally.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal mechanism combines elastomeric sealing material with a rigid or semi-rigid support structure. This composite construction provides both the flexibility needed for effective sealing and the structural integrity required for reliable operation, while allowing the seal to be positioned outside the housing for easier manufacturing.
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
The solution effectively minimizes fluid contamination on the outer surfaces of the coupling elements during uncoupling, maintaining hygiene and preventing waste exposure, thus ensuring a clean and efficient connection and disconnection process in medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the spring element pushes the sliding cover when the coupling elements are uncoupled
Implementation Method 2
The self-closing seal is made from elastomeric material
Data Source
AI summary
A bag connector system includes a first coupling element, with a self-closing seal and a housing having a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port, and a second coupling element, with a housing having a fluid inlet end and a fluid outlet end. The fluid inlet end is configured to displace the self-closing seal when inserted into the fluid outlet port of the first coupling element. A bag connector system optionally includes a locking mechanism to maintain the first coupling element and second coupling element in a coupled state. Uncoupling of the first and second coupling elements results in minimal fluid contamination on the outer surfaces of the coupling elements. The bag connector systems provided herein are included in medical appliances for waste management.