Torsional Connector Coupling for Secure Fluid Line Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional couplers used in medical treatments are prone to improper securement and dislodgement due to forces exceeding their design limits, leading to unintended disconnection of tubing or catheters, which can interrupt fluid administration.
Innovation Solution
A coupler assembly featuring rotatable torsion members and a sleeve mechanism that ensures secure coupling and decoupling based on a predetermined threshold force, allowing for reliable fluid communication and preventing unintended disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional couplers are used to connect tubing or catheters, then the coupling mechanism is simple, but the connectors become dislodged due to forces exceeding design limits
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic coupling mechanism where the second torsion member can rotate relative to the first torsion member, transitioning between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic system allows the connector to withstand forces up to a predetermined threshold while maintaining secure connection, and automatically releases when the threshold is exceeded, preventing damage from excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling strength is made adjustable through the rotational position of the second torsion member. By rotating between locked and unlocked positions, the system changes the mechanical engagement parameter, allowing the same connector to provide both strong retention under normal conditions and controlled release under excessive force, effectively addressing the strength-reliability contradiction.
2Reliability
If the coupling mechanism is made stronger to prevent dislodgement, then connector retention improves, but the ability to decouple when needed becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic rotational mechanism where the second torsion member can easily rotate between locked and unlocked positions. This provides strong retention when locked while allowing simple decoupling when needed, as the rotational movement required to switch states is minimal and can be accomplished with simple manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates a preliminary release mechanism where the second torsion member can be rotated to the unlocked position before complete decoupling occurs. This preliminary action weakens the coupling in advance, making the final decoupling operation easier and requiring less force, thus resolving the contradiction between strong retention and easy decoupling.
3Reliability
If a secure coupling mechanism is implemented with torsion members, then connector retention improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector merges multiple functions into the torsion members: they provide structural support, enable rotational movement for locking/unlocking, transmit mechanical force, and serve as the primary coupling element. By combining these functions into single components rather than using separate elements for each function, the design achieves reliable retention without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second torsion members are designed as multi-functional elements that simultaneously provide mechanical strength, rotational capability, locking engagement, and force transmission. This universal design approach allows the same components to perform multiple roles, reducing the overall number of parts needed and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining reliable connector retention.
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 coupler assembly provides secure retention of connectors while allowing controlled decoupling, reducing dislodgement rates and ensuring consistent fluid flow, thereby enhancing the reliability of medical fluid administration.
Implementation Method 1
a first torsion member disposed within the mating portion and having a first channel, the first torsion member being rotatable relative to the mating portion, and a second connector including a second torsion member having a second channel
Implementation Method 2
the tab has a natural state and a compressed state, the tab being biased to be in the natural state, and securing the tab within the recess results in the tab transitioning from the natural state to the compressed state
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler including a first connector having a mating portion with a first opening, and a first torsion member disposed within the mating portion with a first channel. The first torsion member being rotatable relative to the mating portion. The coupler including a second connector having a second torsion member with a second channel, and a coupling portion having a second opening and at least partially disposed within the second torsion member. The second torsion member configured to couple to the first torsion member to couple the first connector to the second connector such that rotation of the second torsion member causes rotation of the first torsion member to cause alignment of the first channel, the first opening, the second channel, and the second opening to form a fluid pathway. The first connector is configured to decouple from the second connector in response to a force exceeding a threshold force.