Blood Pump Connector Locking Geometry for Sealed Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors for controllers in ventricular assist systems (VASs) are susceptible to environmental factors, corrosion, and contamination, and lack reliable alignment and sealing mechanisms, which can hinder the durability and functionality of the connection between the controller and the implantable blood pump.

Innovation Solution

A connector system featuring a connector receptacle, insert, and a locking member with a guide member that includes grooves and locking detents, allowing for secure alignment and locking configurations to ensure reliable electrical contact and protection against environmental factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing connectors are used for controllers in ventricular assist systems, then the connection can be established, but the connectors are susceptible to environmental factors, corrosion, and contamination, lacking reliable alignment and sealing mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidenvironmental factors, corrosion, and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate components: a connector receptacle and a connector insert. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for specific functions such as sealing, alignment, and electrical contact, thereby improving overall reliability while protecting against environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A locking member is introduced as an intermediary component between the connector receptacle and insert. This locking member includes a guide member with grooves and locking detents that actively secure the connection, preventing accidental disconnections and providing additional protection against environmental factors and corrosion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism with guide member and locking detents is added to the connector system, then alignment and sealing are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment and sealingVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide member is integrated within the locking member housing, combining the alignment function (grooves) and the locking function (detents) into a single unified component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining reliable alignment and sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural housing for the guide member, contains the grooves for alignment, incorporates locking detents for securing the connection, and protects internal components. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the enhanced reliability features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12539414B2Systems and methods for blood pump connectors

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 TC1 LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for connections in a medical device system are provided. A connector system includes a connector receptacle including first electrical contacts, a connector insert including second electrical contacts and at least one pin, and a locking member rotatably coupled to the connector receptacle, the locking member including a housing and a guide member, the guide member including an annular body that defines at least one groove including a first locking detent and a second locking detent, the at least one pin operable to traverse the at least one groove, engage the first locking detent in a first locked configuration, and engage the second locking detent in a second locked configuration when the connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle.