Universal Fluid Connector for Smoke Evacuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smoke evacuation systems in electrosurgical settings often face compatibility issues between vacuum hoses and smoke evacuation devices, leading to insecure and airtight connections, which can result in reduced suction and smoke leakage.
Innovation Solution
A universal fluid system connector assembly with a body, seal, and swivel, featuring flexible fins forming a frustoconical shape and ribs for secure engagement with various receptacles, enabling relative rotation and airtight seals across different connection configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hose connectors and receptacles are used, then each connector is designed for specific compatibility, but compatibility is limited to one or a few receptacle types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single connector body with multiple sealing surfaces that can interface with different receptacle types. The connector includes a first sealing surface for a first receptacle type and a second sealing surface for a second receptacle type, allowing one connector to universally connect to multiple receptacle configurations without requiring different connector designs for each receptacle type.
2Reliability
If hose connectors are designed for specific receptacle types, then manufacturing is simplified, but connection security and airtightness are compromised when mismatched
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connector into distinct functional elements: a connector body with multiple sealing surfaces, each sealing surface configured for a specific receptacle type. This segmentation allows each sealing surface to be optimized for its specific receptacle while being manufactured as part of a single connector unit, maintaining manufacturing efficiency while ensuring reliable connections for different receptacle types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connector types are used for different receptacles, then each connection can be optimized, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single connector to interface with multiple receptacle types through multiple sealing surfaces. This eliminates the need for users to select between different connector types based on receptacle compatibility, simplifying operation by allowing any hose to connect to any compatible receptacle using the same connector design.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal fluid system connector creates an airtight seal between a variety of smoke evacuation system receptacles and various hoses. The universal connector includes a body, a seal having a plurality of radially extending flexible fins, and a swivel. A plurality of fins on the seal are disposed along the length of the body with the outer edges of the fins forming a frustoconical shape. The fins also include one or more flexion zones of various stiffness and one or more flexible fin extensions. The fins deform against the inner wall of a receptacle and form an airtight friction fit between the universal connector and the receptacle, regardless of the taper angle, size, threads, or other features of the receptacle. The swivel facilitates rotational movement between the universal fluid system connector and an associated hose.