Ventilator Connector Assembly With Integrated Temperature Sensor Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient ventilation systems require multiple air-conducting components to be plugged together, increasing complexity and potentially reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An assembly with an integral connector that integrates a sensor receptacle for a temperature sensor, allowing direct connection to a patient interface, which includes a sensor guide component and a locking mechanism for secure mounting, and a snap-fit connection for secure mechanical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate air-conducting components are used to connect the breathing air source to the patient interface, then the system provides functional flexibility, but the number of components increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air-conducting connector and the temperature sensor connector into a single integrated connector assembly. The sensor receptacle is integrally molded into the connector housing, allowing both air delivery and temperature sensing functions to be performed through one unified component rather than requiring separate connectors to be plugged together.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it conducts breathing air from the tubing to the patient interface, provides a receptacle for the temperature sensor, and includes electrical contact pins for sensor signal transmission. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated connectors for each function.
2Reliability
If a separate sensor connector is used to connect the temperature sensor to the patient interface, then the sensor can be securely mounted, but an additional component is required increasing assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor receptacle is integrally molded into the connector housing as a unified structure. The locking section and contact pins are formed as integral parts of the same housing that also provides the air-conducting function, eliminating the need for a separate sensor connector while maintaining secure sensor mounting.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sensor receptacle is integrally molded into the connector housing, then manufacturing is simplified, but the sensor must be precisely positioned during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor guide component is designed to guide the temperature sensor into the correct position within the sensor receptacle during insertion. The guide component includes features that align and position the sensor before it engages with the locking section, ensuring precise positioning is achieved automatically during the assembly process rather than requiring manual adjustment.
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
This integration reduces the number of components needed, enhances temperature measurement accuracy, and simplifies assembly by eliminating separate sensor connectors, while ensuring rapid and secure temperature measurement.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor installation according to claim 1 enables the use of a temperature sensor that measures the breathing air temperature directly in the air guide lumen of the connector
Implementation Method 2
A sensor guide component according to claim 1 can facilitate the insertion of a temperature sensor into the sensor receptacle
Implementation Method 3
The sensor receptacle can have a locking section for engaging with a corresponding locking section of a temperature sensor device containing the temperature sensor
Implementation Method 4
A snap-fit connection for secure mechanical connection
Data Source
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AI summary
A component (1) for a patient ventilation system has a breathing air tube section (3) for conveying ventilation air from a ventilation source to a patient. A connector (8) connected to the breathing air tube section (3) serves to connect the breathing air tube section (3) to another component of the patient ventilation system that also carries the ventilation air. An air supply connector component (9) of the connector (8) forms an integral part of the breathing air tube section (3). The connector (8) has a sensor receptacle (19) for inserting a temperature sensor (20) into the air supply connector component (9). The temperature sensor (20) serves to measure the temperature of the ventilation air.A temperature sensor device (2) for insertion into the sensor receptacle (19) of the assembly (1) has a support body (23), the temperature sensor (20) projecting beyond the support body (23), and a grip section (26) for sensing a section of the support body (23) facing away from the temperature sensor (20). This results in an assembly and a pluggable temperature sensor device for a patient ventilation system, thereby reducing the number of air-conducting components of the patient ventilation system that need to be connected.