Backplane Connector Assembly for Modular Energy System Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating rooms are cluttered with multiple pieces of specialized surgical capital equipment, each requiring unique user interfaces and independent control, leading to complexity and inefficiency, and necessitating multiple personnel to manage them safely and effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular energy system comprising interchangeable modules with a unified user interface and power management, allowing flexible configuration and expansion to consolidate multiple functionalities into a single system, reducing clutter and simplifying control through a header module that manages system-wide settings and power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized surgical capital equipment are used to perform different surgical tasks, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and equipment footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical system employs a universal platform that can perform multiple surgical functions through interchangeable modules. The base unit provides common functionalities while specialized modules add specific capabilities, eliminating the need for multiple separate capital equipment pieces and reducing overall equipment footprint in the operating room.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into a base unit and separate interchangeable modules. Each module is designed to be independently attachable and detachable, allowing the system to be configured for different surgical procedures without requiring complete separate equipment for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized surgical equipment with unique user interfaces are deployed, then functional capabilities are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple interfaces to learn
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal user interface on the base unit that provides consistent control and display for all surgical functions. Whether using the base unit alone or combined with various modules, the user interacts with the same interface paradigm, eliminating the need to learn multiple different capital equipment interfaces while maintaining access to diverse surgical capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent surgical devices are used to cover all surgical needs, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to managing multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows rapid configuration by attaching or detaching modules from the base unit. This modular approach enables quick reconfiguration for different surgical procedures without the time-consuming setup required for multiple independent devices, as the base unit remains constant and only the functional modules need to be exchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
Modules are designed to be pre-configured and ready for attachment. The standardized interfaces and pre-assembled module configurations allow surgical teams to quickly swap between different functional configurations without extensive setup time, enabling rapid adaptation to different surgical needs throughout the procedure.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method of assembling a backplane connector subassembly for a module of a modular energy system. The backplane connector subassembly physically and electrically connects at least two modules stacked on top of one another. The method includes providing a back panel defining an inner surface, attaching a first support member to the inner surface of the back panel, attaching a second support member to the inner surface of the back panel, attaching the upstream connector to the back panel by sliding a first mating hole defined in the upstream connector onto the first support member, and attaching the downstream connector to the back panel by a sliding a second mating hole defined in the downstream connector onto the second support member. The first support member is configured to support an upstream connector. The second support member is configured to support a downstream connector.