T-Shaped Tubing Retention Lock for Secure Fluid Pump Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pumps in medical applications face challenges in securely retaining T-shaped tubing assemblies, especially when handling potentially hazardous biomedical waste, requiring a solution that ensures safe, clean, reliable, and convenient tubing retention.
Innovation Solution
A tubing retention device with a base member featuring a first and second tubing recess oriented perpendicularly, along with a movable locking element that locks the T-shaped tubing assembly in place when moved to a locked position, ensuring secure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tubing retention device is designed to securely lock T-shaped tubing assemblies, then reliability of tubing retention is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for movable locking elements and multiple tubing recesses
Solution Approach 1:
The base member is segmented into multiple functional regions including a first tubing recess for receiving the T-shaped tubing assembly, a second tubing recess for additional tubing support, and relief shelves at different elevations. This segmentation allows each region to perform a specific retention function, improving overall reliability while keeping the overall device structure manageable through modular organization of retention zones.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable locking element is implemented that can transition between positions to engage with the T-shaped tubing assembly. The locking element moves to lock the tubing in place, providing dynamic security enhancement. This dynamic mechanism improves retention reliability by allowing the tubing to be securely locked when needed while maintaining ease of installation when the locking element is in its unlocked position.
2Reliability
If multiple tubing recesses and relief shelves are added to secure the tubing assembly, then tubing retention reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tubing retention functions are merged into a single base member structure. The first tubing recess, second tubing recess, and relief shelves are integrated into one monolithic base member rather than being separate components. This merging approach improves tubing retention reliability by providing multiple retention zones simultaneously while simplifying manufacturing by eliminating the need to assemble multiple separate retention components.
3Reliability
If the tubing retention device is designed to prevent accidental dislodgment, then safety is improved, but the device operation becomes less convenient as users must interact with the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The movable locking element is designed to be engaged after the T-shaped tubing assembly is inserted into the first tubing recess. The locking element performs the security function in advance by locking the tubing in place, preventing accidental dislodgment during use. This preliminary locking action ensures safety while maintaining operational convenience, as the locking mechanism is simple to engage after insertion and requires minimal user interaction during the medical procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A tubing retention device for retaining a T-shaped tubing assembly includes a base member having a first tubing recess, a second tubing recess oriented perpendicular to the first tubing recess, and first and second relief shelves disposed at opposite ends of the first tubing recess and recessed relative to the bottom surface of the first tubing recess. A movable locking element is configured to move between an unlocked first position and a locked second position and is configured to lock a T-shaped tubing assembly in the tubing retention device in the locked second position. A fluid pump includes a housing and such a tubing retention device mounted to the housing. A T-shaped tubing assembly may be secured within a such a retention device by positioning the T-shaped tubing assembly in the first and second tubing recesses, and moving the locking element from the unlocked first position to the locked second position.