Ventilator Tube Connector With Strap-Clamped ETT Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ventilator systems face challenges in maintaining a secure mechanical and fluidic connection between the endotracheal tube (ETT) and the ventilator system, particularly when the ETT softens and condensation builds up, leading to potential disengagement and associated risks such as hazardous aerosol exposure, lung collapse, and infection spread.
Innovation Solution
A tube connector with a base, engagement arms, and a tightening strap that clamps the ETT between engagement arms and an ETT engagement portion, ensuring secure retention through a friction fit and adjustable tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional tube connector is used to connect the ETT to the ventilator system, then the initial connection is established, but the connection becomes unstable when the ETT softens and condensation builds up, leading to potential disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The tube connector employs flexible engagement arms that can dynamically adjust their position and pressure in response to changes in ETT conditions. The arms are designed to maintain continuous contact and adaptive pressure on the ETT, allowing the connector to respond to softening and condensation buildup without losing connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates features that change physical parameters such as pressure distribution and contact surface area. The engagement arms apply distributed pressure along the ETT rather than concentrated force, and the pressure can be adjusted based on ETT conditions, maintaining reliable connection despite material changes in the ETT.
2Reliability
If the ETT is secured tightly to prevent disengagement, then connection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional engagement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The tube connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a base portion, multiple independent engagement arms, and a tightening strap system. Each segment performs a specific function, and the modular design allows for simplified manufacturing and assembly while achieving reliable connection through the coordinated action of these segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement arms are designed as flexible structures that can bend and conform to the ETT shape, providing secure contact without requiring complex rigid mechanisms. The flexibility of these thin-walled structures allows them to adapt to ETT variations while maintaining connection security.
3Reliability
If engagement arms are positioned close to the ETT engagement portion for secure contact, then connection reliability improves, but the ease of ETT insertion decreases due to reduced clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement arms are positioned and configured in advance to provide initial clearance that facilitates easy ETT insertion. Once the ETT is inserted, the arms naturally engage and can be subsequently tightened using the strap mechanism, allowing both easy insertion and secure engagement to be achieved in sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement arms are designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing them to be in a retracted or open position during insertion to maximize clearance, and then move to a closed or engaged position after insertion to provide secure contact. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between insertion ease and engagement security.
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 tube connector maintains a stable connection with the ETT despite softening and condensation, preventing disengagement and reducing health risks and costs associated with frequent ETT replacements.
Implementation Method 1
ensuring secure retention through a friction fit
Data Source
AI summary
A tube connector includes a base, a circuit engagement portion, an ETT engagement portion, a first engagement arm, and a second engagement arm. The circuit engagement portion extends from the base in an inflow direction The ETT engagement portion extends from the base in an outflow direction. The first engagement arm extends from the base in the outflow direction, is located on a first side of the ETT engagement portion, and is spaced apart from the ETT engagement portion such that a first gap is defined between the first engagement arm and the ETT engagement portion. The second engagement arm extends from the base in the outflow direction, is located on a second side of the ETT engagement portion, and is spaced apart from the ETT engagement portion such that a second gap is defined between the second engagement arm and the ETT engagement portion.