Socket Unit Automatic Liquid-Tight Connection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing medical devices for supplying medical liquids, such as dialysis devices, face challenges in simplifying and securing the connection between the medical liquid supply devices and blood treatment devices, leading to potential safety risks and complexity for medical staff.
Innovation Solution
The medical device features a socket unit with a drive mechanism that allows for an automatic and liquid-tight connection with a plug unit, enabling secure and easy establishment of flow connections without the need for full insertion, using movable parts and locking mechanisms to ensure a secure fit and prevent detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual full insertion of plug into socket is required to establish connection, then connection security is improved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system performs the connection action automatically without requiring manual full insertion by the operator. The drive mechanism self-actuates to move the connecting piece into the connector, and the sensing element automatically detects insertion and triggers the driving action, making the system serve itself rather than requiring continuous manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing element is positioned to detect the insertion of the plug unit before the actual connection is made. This preliminary detection allows the system to prepare and execute the driving action at the appropriate moment, ensuring connection security while simplifying the operator's task to only the initial insertion motion.
2Ease of operation
If automatic drive mechanism is used to establish connection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a sensing element that detects insertion, a drive mechanism that executes connection, and a connecting piece that forms the liquid-tight seal. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall system manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing element acts as an intermediary between the operator's insertion action and the drive mechanism. It translates the mechanical insertion motion into a signal that triggers the automated connection process, serving as a mediator that bridges manual input and automated response without requiring complex control systems.
3Reliability
If locking tabs with recesses are used to prevent plug detachment, then connection security is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the overall connection geometry rather than being a separate feature. The connecting piece and connector are designed with complementary shapes that naturally interlock when properly positioned, providing security without requiring additional locking tabs, recesses, or separate fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection security is achieved through precise dimensional parameters and geometric tolerances of the connecting piece and connector interfaces rather than through additional mechanical locking features. By carefully controlling the size, shape, and fit parameters, the design achieves secure connection while simplifying manufacturing.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a medical device (2, 3), comprising a socket unit (B, B') for connecting a plug unit (A) of a device (1) for providing medical liquids for a blood treatment device, wherein the medical device (2, 3), in particular an extracorporeal blood treatment device (2), for example an extracorporeal dialysis device or a device for peritoneal dialysis, or to a device (3) for filling the device (1) for providing medical liquids. The invention further relates to a device (1) for providing medical liquids for a blood treatment device, comprising a plug unit for connection to a socket unit of a medical device. The socket unit (B, B') and the plug unit (A) are characterized in that a reliable, liquid-tight connection between the device for providing medical liquids and the blood treatment device on the one hand or the device for filling the device for providing medical liquids on the other hand can be established in a simple manner by means of the two units.