Spring Clip for Urinary Tubing Connector Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The mid-tubing connector in urinary drainage systems frequently comes apart due to the lubricating effect of urine, leading to unintended separation and leakage, as it relies solely on an interference push fit for connection.
Innovation Solution
A releasable C-clip with spring fingers is used to securely hold the tapered connector members together, providing a gripping surface and elastic grasping mechanism to maintain the connection without requiring significant strength or dexterity, utilizing a multi-acting spring design for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an interference push fit connection is used to join tubing sections, then the device complexity is minimized and ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as urine lubrication causes the joint to loosen and separate
Solution Approach 1:
A C-shaped clip acts as an intermediary component between the two tapered connector members. The clip includes spring fingers that engage with the flanges of the connectors, providing a mechanical intermediary structure that maintains the connection without requiring complex threading or locking mechanisms. This intermediary element prevents direct reliance on the friction fit alone while keeping the overall system simple.
2Reliability
If a secure connection mechanism is implemented to prevent separation, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The C-clip incorporates spring fingers that provide dynamic elastic engagement with the connector flanges. This dynamic mechanism allows the connection to maintain constant contact pressure while accommodating minor misalignments and movements, ensuring reliable connection without requiring complex rigid locking structures. The spring action automatically adjusts to maintain engagement.
3Reliability
If a secure connection mechanism is implemented to prevent separation, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens requiring significant strength or dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into three distinct components: a C-shaped clip body, spring fingers for engagement, and the existing tapered connectors. This segmentation allows the secure connection function to be added as a separate element rather than complicating the original connector design. The spring fingers are segmented to independently engage with each connector flange, simplifying the installation process.
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
The C-clip effectively maintains the connection between tubing sections, preventing leakage by concentrating compression force along the central axis, ensuring a secure and reliable attachment that can be easily managed by users with minimal effort.
Implementation Method 1
The C-clip may preferably comprise a plastic, multi-acting spring... a main (e.g., 'C-shaped') spring forcing the two halves of the tube connection together
Implementation Method 2
The main 'fingers' curve inward towards each other and each one has a pair of sub-fingers that partially wrap around the respective plastic tubing connector members
Implementation Method 3
The sub-fingers at each end of the C also are springs that allow flexing apart and snapping the device on and off repeatedly every day
Data Source
AI summary
A clip retains tapered connector members which joining tubing sections of a medical fluid drainage system, such as a urinary collection system. The clip has first and second ends configured to bear against external flanges projecting from the tapered connector members. A central body of the clip applies a controllable compression force to the first and second ends for urging the connector members together. The first and second ends include sub-fingers for snapping onto a respective one of the tapered connector members.