Spring-Biased Flushing Adapter for Pressure-Stable Instrument Perfusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfection systems face challenges in effectively and efficiently disinfecting hollow instruments due to issues with pressure maintenance, contamination, and connector reliability, particularly with hollow items that require pressurized media and special disinfection additives, leading to wastage and uncontrolled pressure drops.
Innovation Solution
A connection adapter system with a first adapter part and a second adapter part that can move, biased by an element such as a helical spring, forming a form-fit connection to partially close or open the flushing media outlet, allowing perfusion flow to maintain pressure and prevent contamination, with materials like stainless steel and polyoxymethylene copolymer for stability and resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard threaded stoppers are used to block flushing media outlets, then the outlets can be deactivated, but they deform under pressure and collect contaminants in their recesses and grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical blocking system with a capillary-based sealing system. The capillary element (e.g., O-ring, gasket, or elastomeric seal) creates a leak-proof seal through elastic deformation and surface tension rather than threaded engagement, eliminating the mechanical threads that collect contaminants and deform under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible capillary elements such as O-rings, gaskets, or elastomeric seals that deform elastically to create a conformal seal against the flushing media outlet. This flexible sealing approach accommodates pressure variations without deformation and prevents contaminant accumulation by eliminating recesses and grooves.
2Device complexity
If simple blocking solutions are used for flushing media outlets, then the structure is simple, but they provide poor reliability upon reconnection and require long times for connecting and disconnecting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic capillary sealing system where the capillary element can elastically deform during connection and disconnection operations. The spring-loaded or elastomeric capillary seal automatically engages and disengages without requiring precise threading or complex alignment, significantly reducing connection time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary sealing system is self-aligning and self-sealing. The elastic deformation of the capillary element automatically creates the seal upon engagement, and the system self-adjusts during pressure variations, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment or complex connection procedures.
3Ease of operation
If flushing media outlets are left open when not in use, then access is maintained, but pressure drops suddenly and disinfection medium is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by automatically sealing the flushing media outlet with a capillary element when not in use. This pre-emptive sealing prevents pressure drops and disinfection medium waste before they can occur, while the seal can be quickly opened when needed for the next disinfection cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary sealing element acts as an intermediary between the open flushing media outlet and the pressurized disinfection system. It provides a controlled barrier that can be easily removed when needed, allowing the outlet to transition between sealed and open states without direct exposure to the pressurized system.
4Reliability
If complex blocking mechanisms are used to ensure leak-proof connection, then sealing is improved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sealing mechanisms with a capillary-based sealing system. The capillary element (O-ring, gasket, or elastomeric seal) creates reliable sealing through elastic deformation and surface tension, eliminating the need for complex threaded connections, multiple sealing surfaces, or precision-machined interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible capillary elements such as O-rings, gaskets, or elastomeric seals that conform to the flushing media outlet surface. These flexible elements create reliable seals through elastic deformation, accommodating manufacturing tolerances and pressure variations without requiring complex mechanical structures.
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 adapter system ensures efficient disinfection by maintaining pressure, preventing contamination, and ensuring reliable connection and disconnection, reducing wastage and human error, while maintaining operational flow and cleanliness of the disinfection process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one biasing element, biasing the second adapter part in a predetermined direction with respect to the first adapter part
Data Source
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AI summary
A connection adapter for flushing devices comprising: a first adapter part, configured to be connected with at least one flushing media outlets of a flushing device; a second adapter part capable of moving with respect to the first adapter part; and at least one biasing element, biasing the second adapter part in a predetermined direction with respect to the first adapter part, wherein the first adapter part provides at least partially a form-fit connection with the second adapter part, the second adapter part can be arranged in at least a first and a second position along the predetermined direction, and when the second adapter part is placed in the first position the connection adapter at least partially closes the flushing media outlet of the flushing device, and when the second adapter part is placed in the second position, the connection adapter opens the flushing media outlet of the flushing device, and, together with the first adapter part, forms a receiving chamber for receiving an item to be flushed.