Universal Medical Connector for DVT Therapy Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical connectors require different pumps for intermittent and sequential deep vein thrombosis therapy systems, leading to inefficiencies and increased healthcare costs when patients switch between treatment types.
Innovation Solution
A versatile connector with a body and three ports that accommodates either single-tube, double-tube, or three-tube systems, ensuring a secure, fluid-tight seal and compatibility with both intermittent and sequential compressive garments, allowing use with a single pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different connectors are used for intermittent and sequential therapy systems, then each therapy type can have optimized performance, but device complexity and healthcare costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate both intermittent and sequential therapy systems. The bayonet-style engagement mechanism with radial fins works with different tubing configurations (single-lumen, dual-lumen, or triple-lumen), allowing one connector design to serve multiple therapy types without compromising performance or requiring separate specialized connectors for each application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If patients switch between intermittent and sequential therapy, then treatment flexibility is improved, but equipment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump interface incorporates a universal connector design that accepts both intermittent and sequential therapy attachments through the same bayonet-style engagement mechanism. This allows patients to switch between therapy types using a single pump unit, eliminating the need for multiple specialized pumps and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full treatment flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates a rotatable bayonet engagement mechanism that allows dynamic adaptation between different tubing configurations. The radial fins can engage with different numbers of lumens (one, two, or three) through rotational movement, enabling the same physical interface to dynamically accommodate varying therapy requirements without mechanical modification.
3Reliability
If multiple connector types are maintained, then each can be optimized for its specific use, but manufacturing and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design consolidates multiple specialized connector types into a single universal design. The bayonet-style interface with radial fins can be manufactured as one standardized component that replaces the need for producing separate intermittent and sequential therapy connectors, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity, tooling costs, and inventory requirements while maintaining optimized performance for all therapy types.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (100) includes a body (101) and a plurality of ports (102,103,104) extending distally from a front major face (301) of the body. The body defines a connector bay (320) configured to couple to any of a single-tube, intermittent, deep vein thrombosis therapy male connector (901), a double-tube, intermittent, deep vein thrombosis therapy male connector (902), or a three-tube, sequential, deep vein thrombosis therapy male connector (903).