Forced-Air Warming Hose Coupling for Patient-Controlled Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current forced air warming systems for patients are cumbersome to operate and maintain, requiring technician assistance, and lack patient control over temperature and airflow, which can lead to discomfort due to inadequate thermal comfort adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A portable warming apparatus with a hose and control interface that allows patients to adjust temperature, airflow, and operation of the forced air warming device, featuring a rotatable cam for secure and easy hose connection and disconnection, with electrical couplings enabling control interface proximity to the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control interface is located on the forced air warming unit, then the warming device can be controlled, but the patient cannot access the controls due to mobility limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is separated from the forced air warming unit and relocated to the patient warming device (hose assembly), allowing the patient to control the warming system directly at the point of use without needing to reach the main unit
Solution Approach 2:
The hose assembly with integrated control interface acts as an intermediary between the patient and the forced air warming unit, transmitting both thermal energy and control signals while bridging the accessibility gap
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hose connection requires technician servicing, then the connection can be secure, but the system cannot be easily replaced or interchanged
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static, fixed installation requiring technician intervention to a dynamic, user-operable system with quick-connect capabilities that allow easy replacement and interchange of hoses and warming garments
Solution Approach 2:
The patient or user can independently connect and disconnect hoses using the quick-connect mechanism without requiring technician assistance, enabling self-service operation and maintenance
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard heating conditions are used, then the warming device can operate simply, but patients with varying thermal preferences cannot achieve comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of temperature and airflow parameters through the patient-controlled interface, allowing customization of thermal conditions to match individual patient preferences and requirements
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
Enables patients to control their thermal comfort independently, improving flexibility and interchangeability of warming devices and hoses, ensuring uniform heating and reducing technician dependency for operation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The cam includes at least one groove for receiving and retaining a tab located on an outer coupling of a forced air warming device. The cam is rotatable such that the tab is retained in the groove and an air-tight seal is formed between the hose and the outer coupling of the forced air warming device.
Implementation Method 2
a forced air warming device that produces a stream of pressurized, heated air
Implementation Method 3
The stream of pressurized, heated air is conducted by the hose to the patient warming device
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manipulating a quick connect/disconnect system includes connecting a first coupling portion of a first connecting member to a fluid conductor and inserting a second coupling portion of the first connecting member within a third coupling portion of a second connecting member. The method further includes inserting the third coupling portion within a ring assembly which is rotatably coupled to the first coupling portion and engaging a mating feature on an external surface of the third coupling portion with a mating feature on an internal surface of the ring assembly. The method also includes rotating the ring assembly about the third coupling portion while the first mating portion is engaged with the second mating portion; and forcing the second coupling portion to move further within the third coupling portion by rotation of the ring assembly.