Ventilator Input/Output Locking Assembly for Rapid, Secure Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency ventilators require quick and safe assembly, especially in non-clinical settings, while ensuring secure attachment of input/output devices to prevent accidental detachment during operation.
Innovation Solution
The input/output device is secured with a locking formation and locking counter-formation that engages positively, allowing high force resistance and is moved transversely to the lifting direction, using a self-locking screw drive for secure attachment, and a prismatic housing design for easy assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the input/output device is made accessible from outside the device housing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is worsened due to risk of accidental detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The input/output device is separated into two functional parts: a removable input/output unit and a fixed housing with locking mechanism. This allows the device to be easily accessed when needed while maintaining secure attachment during operation through the locking formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking formation incorporates a movable locking element that can transition between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic mechanism allows the input/output device to be securely attached during operation but easily removed when maintenance or access is required.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the input/output device, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed as a self-locking system where the locking formation automatically engages with the locking counter-formation when the input/output device is inserted. The spring element provides automatic resetting, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is integrated directly into the housing structure, with the locking counter-formation formed as part of the housing itself. This merging of the locking system with the existing housing reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device complexity.
3Strength
If the locking formation is movable transversely to the lifting direction, then the strength of locking engagement is improved, but the ease of manufacture is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses transverse movement (horizontal dimension) to create locking engagement, rather than relying solely on vertical lifting force. This dimensional change allows the locking formation to resist lifting forces effectively while maintaining a relatively simple structure that can be manufactured using standard techniques.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a ventilator device (10) for at least supporting artificial ventilation of patients, comprising: - a device housing (12), - a functional arrangement (60) which is accommodated in the device housing (12) in an operational position and which has at least one control device (62) as functional unit, and - an input/output device (40) provided on the device housing (12) in an arrangement position; wherein: the input/output device (40) is connected to the control device (62) through an opening (14g) in the device housing (12) for signal transmission; the input/output device (40) comprises a locking formation (76), and a locking counter-formation (66) is provided in the interior of the device housing (12); the locking formation (76) is in a locking form-fitting engagement with the locking counter-formation (66), which prevents removal of the input/output device (40) from the arranged position thereof in a lifting direction (A) away from the device housing (12); at least one formation (66) from the locking formation (76) and locking counter-formation (66) is movable out of a release position along a movement path (B) transversely with respect to the lifting direction (A) into a locking position; in the release position there is no locking form-fitting engagement between the locking formation (76) and the locking counter-formation (66), and in the locking position the locking form-fitting engagement is produced.