Medical Shaft Coupling Assembly for Leak-Tight Handle Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices, such as endoscopes, often experience leaks at the junction between the shaft and the handle due to variations in size and pressure, leading to fluid escape through gaps and spaces.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly is used to seal the junction between the shaft and the handle, comprising a ring and a connector, where the adhesive is applied on the ring, and a connector, which includes a ring and a connector, and a hypotube, to form a secure fit and prevent leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple coupling between shaft and handle is used, then device complexity is reduced, but leaks occur due to gaps and spaces at the junction
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is divided into multiple functional components: a ring component with sealing surfaces, a connector component with coupling elements, and an adhesive layer. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to prevent leaks at the shaft-handle junction.
Solution Approach 2:
An adhesive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the ring and connector components. This adhesive mediator fills gaps and spaces that would otherwise allow fluid leakage, creating a fluid-tight connection while maintaining the structural integrity of the coupling assembly.
2Reliability
If adhesive is applied to secure components, then seal integrity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is pre-applied to the ring component before assembly with the connector. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and sealing from the start of assembly, reducing the need for complex post-assembly adjustments while maintaining reliable sealing.
3Reliability
If a secure fit is formed to prevent leaks, then fluid-tight connection is achieved, but the coupling structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ring and connector components are merged through the adhesive layer to form a unified sealing structure. This merging creates a fluid-tight connection by eliminating gaps between components, while the combined structure remains relatively simple and easy to manufacture as a single assembly unit.
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 coupling assembly effectively prevents leaks by forming a snug fit and using adhesive to secure the components, ensuring fluid-tight connection and reducing the risk of fluid escape during operations.
Implementation Method 1
adhesive is applied on the ring, and a connector, which includes a ring and a connector
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes a handle including a port that includes a port lumen. The medical device includes a shaft extending from a portion of the handle. A first portion of the shaft includes a plurality of first lumens and a second lumen, and a second portion of the shaft includes only the second lumen. The second portion of the shaft is proximal to the first portion of the shaft. The medical device also includes a coupling assembly that couples a proximal end of the second portion of the shaft to the port. The coupling assembly forms a seal between the proximal end of the shaft and the port to fluidly connect the port lumen to the second lumen.