Optical Fiber Connector for AIMD with Rotating Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) face challenges in achieving optimal alignment of optical fibers with optical elements during implantation, leading to energy losses due to misalignment, and existing coupling systems are prone to loose parts that can be lost during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A novel optical fibers connector system comprising a female and male component with a coupling component that ensures precise alignment of optical fibers with optical elements, using a rotatable element to lock the components in place without loose parts, facilitating easy and accurate connection within tight tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional coupling system with loose parts (screws, washers) is used to connect optical fibers, then the connection can be adjusted and secured, but the risk of losing parts during surgery increases and the operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the coupling component directly into the connector assembly, merging the function of securing the optical fiber with the connector structure itself. This eliminates loose parts like separate screws and washers, reducing the risk of part loss during surgery while maintaining secure connection through the integrated coupling mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the unnecessary loose parts (screws, washers) from the coupling system, extracting only the essential coupling function and integrating it into the connector structure. This simplifies the surgical operation by reducing the number of components the surgeon must handle while preserving connection security
2Loss of energy
If tight alignment tolerances are imposed on optical fiber connection to minimize energy loss, then energy transmission efficiency improves, but the difficulty of achieving precise alignment during implantation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates alignment features directly into the connector structure before implantation, such as precision-machined alignment pins and guide surfaces. These preliminary alignment mechanisms ensure that when the connector is assembled during surgery, the optical fibers are automatically positioned within tight tolerances, minimizing energy loss without requiring complex alignment procedures by the surgeon
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces alignment intermediaries such as precision pins, guide surfaces, and registration features that mediate between the connector components. These intermediaries facilitate precise alignment by providing physical references and constraints that guide the optical fibers into correct positions, making tight alignment tolerances achievable during routine surgical implantation
3Ease of manufacture
If the connector design is simplified to reduce production costs, then manufacturing becomes more economical, but the alignment precision and connection reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components, such as incorporating alignment features directly into the connector housing and coupling mechanisms. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts, simplifying manufacturing and reducing production costs while maintaining alignment precision through the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs connector components with multi-functionality, where single parts perform multiple roles (e.g., structural support, alignment reference, and coupling function). This universality reduces the number of components needed, lowering manufacturing complexity and cost while preserving the required alignment accuracy through carefully designed multi-functional features
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fibres connector for an optoelectronic active implantable medical device (AIMD) for implantation in a living body is provided. The optical fibres connector includes a male component (M) coupled to a first set of optical fibres, a female component (F) coupled to a second set of optical fibres or optical elements, and a coupling component (C) for reversibly locking the male and female components in a coupled position. The optical fibres or optical elements are in perfect alignment. The coupling component includes a fixed element (40f) and a rotatable element (40r) all optical fibres (41f) and optical elements of the connector remaining static upon rotation of the rotatable element, reversibly locking the male and female components in the coupled position is achieved by rotating the rotatable element with respect to the fixed element.