Telescopic Air Delivery Coupling With Wedge Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CPAP mask coupling arrangements require significant physical force and dexterity for coupling and decoupling, posing challenges for users who lack the necessary strength or dexterity.
Innovation Solution
A coupling arrangement featuring a telescopically interlocking design with a release mechanism comprising actuatable wedges, allowing for easy one-handed operation by inserting and axially moving the connector tubes to latch and unlatch, utilizing a biasing member to facilitate the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coupling arrangements are used to prevent axial displacement and uncoupling, then connection reliability is improved, but the physical force and dexterity required for coupling and decoupling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling arrangement employs a dynamic latch mechanism featuring movable lugs that can transition between engaged and disengaged states. The lugs are biased by springs to maintain automatic latching during normal use, ensuring reliable connection. For decoupling, the system allows actuation by applying force to specific portions of the connector, which overcomes the spring bias and moves the lugs to release the connection. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by maintaining strong connection during operation while enabling easy release when needed.
2Reliability
If multistage coupling and decoupling operations are implemented, then connection security is improved, but user dexterity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple coupling functions into a single integrated connector assembly. The first and second connectors are coupled together with lugs that simultaneously perform both latching and positioning functions. The spring-biased mechanism combines automatic engagement with manual release capability in one structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate operations needed while maintaining connection security, thereby resolving the contradiction between connection security and dexterity requirements.
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
Enables secure coupling and effortless decoupling of components in the air delivery circuit, reducing the physical demands and improving usability for users with limited strength or dexterity.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member structured to bias the at least two wedges apart
Implementation Method 2
a release mechanism having a number of actuatable wedges, the release mechanism coupled to one of the first connector tube or the second connector tube
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling arrangement for use in an air delivery circuit includes a first connector tube defining a first passage therethrough and a second connector tube defining a second passage therethrough. The second connector tube telescopically receives a portion of the first connector tube within the second passage. A release mechanism includes wedges coupled to the first or second connector tube. The first and second connector tubes have a number of corresponding features that latch the first connector tube within the second passage of the second connector tube when the first connector tube is axially inserted along the longitudinal axis a predetermined distance. Actuation of the wedges radially toward the longitudinal axis causes axial movement among the first connector tube and the second connector tube a second predetermined distance that is sufficient to unlatch the corresponding features.