Blood Pump Connector Alignment and Drainage Against Corrosion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors in mechanical circulatory support systems, such as those used in ventricular assist devices (VADs), are susceptible to environmental factors, corrosion, and contamination, and lack reliable alignment and fluid drainage mechanisms, which can hinder their functionality and durability.
Innovation Solution
The development of a connector system with a connector receptacle and insert that includes sealing features, orientation alignment mechanisms, and a locking mechanism to ensure proper alignment and secure coupling, along with a drain feature to remove fluids, enhancing the system's ruggedness and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connectors are exposed to environmental factors for ease of operation, then accessibility is improved, but susceptibility to corrosion and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
A seal member is positioned within the connector receptacle to create a barrier that protects electrical contacts from environmental factors such as corrosion and contamination, while still allowing the connector to be accessed and operated. The seal member acts as a protective film that maintains accessibility without exposing contacts to harmful elements.
2Device complexity
If connectors lack alignment mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector receptacle includes an asymmetric cam surface and the connector insert includes a corresponding asymmetric following surface with a key feature. This asymmetric geometry provides automatic alignment and orientation of the connectors during insertion, ensuring reliable contact engagement without requiring complex external alignment mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If connectors lack fluid drainage features, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but fluid accumulation and contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
A drain feature is integrated into the connector receptacle that provides a dedicated pathway for fluid to be extracted or drained from the connector assembly. This separate drainage function is added to the basic connector structure, allowing fluid removal without complicating the overall manufacturing process while preventing fluid accumulation that could lead to contamination.
4Reliability
If connectors are secured with locking mechanisms, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector insert includes a cam surface and the receptacle includes a corresponding cam feature that enables automatic locking through the natural cam action during insertion. The locking mechanism is dynamic, engaging automatically as the connector is pushed in, rather than requiring separate manual locking steps. This maintains ease of operation while ensuring reliable connection through the cam-locked engagement.
Data Source
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AI summary
An implantable blood pump system is disclosed herein. The implantable blood pump system includes an implantable blood pump, a controller coupled to the blood pump, a connector receptacle, and a connector insert. The connector receptacle can include a plurality of contacts, and a following surface. The connector insert can be received within the connector receptacle to couple a plurality of insert contacts with the plurality of contacts of the connector receptacle. The connector insert can include walls defining a follower receptacle that can receive a portion of the following surface when the connector insert is in a desired alignment with respect to the connector receptacle, and a cam surface that can engage with the following surface to bias the connector insert to the desired alignment with respect to the connector receptacle when the connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle.