Tube Welding Cassette for Luminal Continuity Across Tube Thicknesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tube welding systems force liquid out of the weld area due to tubes being pressed flat during the process, resulting in disconnected lumens and requiring manual reshaping, and lack flexibility in handling tubes of varying thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A cassette-based tube-welding system with a cutting-welding means, such as a metallic ribbon, that cuts and welds tubes while maintaining luminal continuity and accommodates varying tube thicknesses through adjustable holders and movement mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If tubes are pressed flat during welding, then welding strength is improved, but luminal continuity is lost and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pressing tubes flat and then requiring manual reshaping, the invention inverts the approach by using rounded tube holders that maintain the tubes in a rounded configuration throughout the welding process. This eliminates the need for post-welding manual intervention while still achieving adequate welding strength through the rounded contact surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces rounded tube holders as intermediary elements between the welding apparatus and the tubes. These holders serve as mediators that maintain luminal continuity by keeping tubes rounded, while still enabling effective heat transfer and welding through their curved surfaces that contact the tube exteriors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional welding apparatus is used, then welding function is provided, but flexibility for varying tube thicknesses is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements dynamic adjustability in the tube holders, allowing them to be reconfigured for different tube thicknesses. The holders can be adjusted vertically and horizontally to accommodate various tube dimensions, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized apparatus for different tube types.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube holders are designed as universal components that can accommodate multiple tube thicknesses and configurations. By making the holders adjustable and multi-functional, the welding apparatus can handle various tube types with a single device, reducing the need for multiple specialized tools while maintaining simplicity.
3Productivity
If heated cutting-welding element is exposed, then cutting and welding operations can be performed, but user safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention nests the heated cutting-welding element within a protective housing structure. The element is housed inside a cassette or holder that provides physical barriers and containment, allowing the heated element to perform its function while being protected from accidental contact. The housing can be opened or positioned to expose the element only when needed for operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves as an intermediary between the heated cutting-welding element and the user. It provides a protective barrier that mediates access to the dangerous heated element, allowing productivity-maintaining operations while preventing accidental contact. The housing can be selectively opened or positioned to enable operations when needed.
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 system ensures sterile connections with maintained luminal continuity, reduces maintenance, and enhances user safety by preventing accidental contact with heated elements.
Implementation Method 1
an electrifying element interfaced with an exposed segment of the cutting-welding means to heat the exposed segment
Implementation Method 2
a drive element interfaced with the second spool to wind the cutting-welding means off of the first spool and onto the second spool
Implementation Method 3
cuts and welds tubes while maintaining luminal continuity
Implementation Method 4
allowing the tubes to cool to form a fluid path between joined ends
Data Source
AI summary
A tube cutting-welding cassette may be provided by a first spool; a second spool; and a cutting-welding means having a first end connected to the first spool and a second end connected to the second spool, wherein the cutting-welding means transferred from the first spool to the second spool during operation.