Universal Temperature Adapter for Heart-Lung Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The availability and cost-effectiveness of temperature sensor adapters for heart-lung machines are compromised due to the need for multiple adapters to accommodate different engagement mechanisms and the requirement for precise positioning, which can lead to unavailability and increased expenses.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-use temperature monitoring adapter that interfaces with various ports and engagement mechanisms, providing a single adapter for multiple uses, ensuring compatibility and reducing the need for multiple adapters by using a tapered adapter slip with an external shoulder and sleeve for secure fitting and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters are used to accommodate different engagement mechanisms, then compatibility with various heart-lung machines is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple engagement mechanisms through a single standardized connector design, allowing one adapter to interface with various heart-lung machine ports without requiring multiple specialized adapters
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is divided into distinct functional segments including a standardized interface portion, a positioning portion with external shoulder, and a sealing portion, allowing each segment to perform its specific function while maintaining overall compatibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters are used to accommodate different engagement mechanisms, then compatibility with various heart-lung machines is improved, but supply availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a single universal adapter that can interface with multiple engagement mechanisms, the system eliminates the need to maintain separate inventories of multiple specialized adapters, improving supply availability while maintaining compatibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters are used to accommodate different engagement mechanisms, then compatibility with various heart-lung machines is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Manufacturing a single universal adapter design allows for economies of scale, reducing per-unit costs compared to producing multiple specialized adapters, while still achieving compatibility with various heart-lung machines
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter combines multiple functions (connection, positioning, sealing) into a single integrated component, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the total number of parts that need to be produced and assembled
4Measurement precision
If precise positioning is required for accurate temperature readings, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates a pre-configured external shoulder and tapered interior surface that automatically position the temperature sensor at the correct depth and orientation upon insertion, eliminating the need for complex adjustable positioning mechanisms while ensuring accurate temperature readings
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter slip configured to be seated in a fluid port, the adapter slip including a lumen, an exterior wall, a shoulder, and a sleeve. The lumen extending along a length of a longitudinal axis, the lumen configured to receive a temperature probe. The exterior wall including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, wherein the proximal end portion includes a tapered portion tapered at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The shoulder extending outward from the exterior wall distal to the tapered portion configured to engage with a distal end of the fluid port. The sleeve configured extend within the lumen and project a predetermined distance beyond the proximal end portion of the exterior wall, the sleeve including a sleeve lumen and a closed proximal end, the sleeve lumen configured to receive at least a temperature sensor of the temperature probe.