Ventilation Opening Controls Gas Release Speed in Medical Instrument Seals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Compressed gas cartridges in medical instruments often empty suddenly when removed, causing discomfort and noise due to the rapid release of gas, which is unpleasant for users.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a ventilation opening in the connection shaft that communicates with the section downstream of the sealing piece, allowing gradual emptying of the cartridge as the sealing piece moves from the sealing to the rest position, and using a ring seal to ensure a reliable seal and prevent damage from high gas flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the sealing piece is quickly removed from the compressed gas cartridge, then the gas is rapidly released, but this causes a loud hiss and user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation opening acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the sealed section and the external environment. It provides a controlled pathway for gas to escape gradually through the connection shaft wall, rather than allowing direct rapid release. This intermediary structure transforms the harmful sudden release into a beneficial controlled venting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of gas release by introducing a restricted opening that limits the flow rate. The ventilation opening's small cross-sectional area fundamentally alters the gas release characteristics from rapid and uncontrolled to gradual and controlled, directly addressing the noise and discomfort issue while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If the sealing piece is pressed against the cartridge end face, then a sealed connection is created, but the section downstream of the sealing piece becomes isolated from ventilation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection shaft is segmented into two functional zones: a sealed section upstream of the sealing piece that maintains reliable connection, and a ventilated section downstream that provides controlled gas release. The ventilation opening is strategically positioned to serve the downstream section without compromising the sealing function of the upstream section, thus resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and ventilation accessibility.
3Reliability
If the ring seal is exposed to high gas flow rates, then sealing is maintained, but the seal may be drawn into the gap and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The ring seal acts as an intermediary sealing element positioned between the sealed section and the ventilation opening. It maintains the sealing function while being protected from the harmful effects of high-velocity gas flow by the controlled geometry of the ventilation passage, preventing the seal from being drawn into the gap and damaged.
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 solution allows for a gradual and controlled release of gas when the cartridge is removed, eliminating the sudden hiss and associated discomfort, while ensuring the ring seal is not damaged by high flow rates, thus enhancing user experience and instrument safety.
Implementation Method 1
the risk is reduced that this ring seal is unintentionally drawn into this gap and damaged
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The instrument has a sealing piece (45) sealed against inner wall of a connecting shaft (33). The sealing piece is movably supported between an inserted sealing position and an extended rest position. The shaft comprises a ventilation opening (61) that is connected with a section (59), which is provided downstream of the sealing piece of the shaft, when the sealing piece is removed from the sealing position up to the ventilation position that lies between the sealing position and a starting position. The section is separated from the ventilation opening in the sealing position.