Universal Clamping Device for Medical Flow Path Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices in medical and diagnostic arrangements face challenges in adapting to complex treatment methods that require additional clamping or valve devices, leading to inefficiencies and high costs due to the need for extensive structural revisions.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a receiving device, a cylindrical inner support, a movable central support, a pressure measuring unit, and a force transmission device, allowing for the adaptation of clamping or valve devices to monitor and adjust clamping forces and distances, enabling flexible and cost-effective implementation of complex methods without requiring extensive revisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional clamping or valve devices are integrated into existing arrangements, then the adaptability for complex treatment methods is improved, but the device complexity and structural revision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is designed with a universal clamping mechanism that can serve multiple functions: it can clamp flexible hoses, rigid tubes, and even serve as a valve device. The single clamping device (18) with adjustable clamping elements (19, 19') can adapt to different connection requirements, eliminating the need for separate clamping devices for different purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device incorporates a movable central support (11) that can be continuously displaced along a distance by a force transmission device (17). This dynamic adjustment capability allows the clamping force and position to be optimized for different applications, enabling the same device to handle various hose diameters and connection types effectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive structural revisions are made to integrate clamping functions, then the functionality for complex methods is improved, but the time and cost expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is merged with the existing connecting device structure. The clamping device (18) with clamping elements (19, 19') is integrated into the connecting device (2) that already contains a receiving device (13). This merging allows the clamping function to be added without requiring separate structural revisions, as the clamping mechanism shares the same housing and support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure measuring unit (7) with pressure-sensitive membrane (9) serves dual purposes: it measures pressure in the fluid-carrying element and simultaneously detects the clamping force applied by the clamping device. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate force sensing mechanisms, reducing structural complexity and integration time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If clamping devices are added to existing connection devices, then the ability to close flow paths is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device utilizes a flexible membrane (33) as part of its structure. This flexible lower side of the flow chamber (31) can be pressed against sealing contours (32) to close flow paths. The flexible membrane serves both as a structural element and as the closing mechanism, simplifying the design compared to rigid valve mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device (18) is nested within the connecting device (2) structure. The flow chamber (31) with sealing contours (32) is positioned within the housing (25), and the clamping elements (19, 19') are integrated into the movable central support (11). This nested arrangement allows multiple functions to be packed into a single device without increasing overall footprint or manufacturing complexity.
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 quick, safe, and cost-effective adaptation of connecting devices for complex treatment and diagnostic methods, allowing existing devices to assume new functions and monitor flow path statuses, reducing the need for additional hardware and minimizing structural changes.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure measuring unit for measuring a pressure in a pressure measuring device, which represents the external functional device
Implementation Method 2
a length measuring unit for measuring a distance, so that the status of the clamping device can be monitored
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting an external functional unit to an arrangement and for closing off flow paths by integration of a clamping device, a pressure measuring unit and/or a length measuring unit for detecting a clamping force and/or a trajectory being adapted such that a state of the clamping device can be monitored.