Swivel Connector Rotatable Internal Component Resolves Tube Tangling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory system connectors face issues such as twisted or tangled tubes due to limited flexibility, difficulty in disconnection, and inadequate grip, leading to discomfort and potential damage during high flow therapy.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring an internal and external component with a snap-fit connection, rotatable internal component, and gripping regions to facilitate easy attachment and detachment, while accommodating moisture and providing visual indicators for size differentiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a coupling mechanism provides a continuous connection between medical tube and interface tube, then connection strength is improved, but the interface tube becomes twisted and tangled reducing flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a swivel mechanism that allows the interface tube to rotate freely within the connector body, dynamically adapting to patient head movements. This rotational freedom prevents the tube from twisting and tangling while maintaining a secure continuous connection, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and flexibility.
2Reliability
If high axial force is required to disconnect coupling mechanism, then connection reliability is improved, but user operation becomes difficult and may cause tube damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with segmented components including an outer body, inner body, and detachable cap. The cap can be removed to expose the coupling interface, allowing controlled disconnection. This segmentation enables reliable connection during use while facilitating easy disconnection when needed, preventing tube damage from excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap acts as an intermediary element between the user and the coupling mechanism. By removing the cap, the user gains access to the coupling interface for disconnection without applying high axial force directly to the tube connection, thus protecting the tube while enabling reliable disconnection.
3Device complexity
If coupling mechanism is difficult to grip, then compact design is improved, but user handling and force application become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The connector features locally optimized gripping surfaces with enhanced friction characteristics on the outer body and cap. These textured or contoured surfaces provide secure grip points for user handling without increasing the overall compact dimensions of the connector, resolving the contradiction between compact design and ease of gripping.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is described that may be configured to connect between a first tube and a second tube. The connector has an internal component and an external component. The external component has a first end and a second end. The first end has an external taper and an internal coupling face that may be configured to interact with the first tube and the second end may be configured to interact with the second tube. The internal component may be configured to rotate independently to the external component. The external component has a gripping region to aid the user in disconnection of the connector. An attachment mechanism may attach the second tube to the internal component.