Blood Pump Plug Socket With Rotatable Locking Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood pump connection systems face challenges in maintaining a secure, reliable, and easily disconnectable electrical connection while minimizing the risk of driveline infections due to cable rotations and torsions, which are exacerbated by frequent handling and cleaning requirements.
Innovation Solution
A plug and socket system with a locking unit that allows the plug to rotate freely within the socket, featuring a locking element that engages with the plug to prevent accidental disconnection, combined with a spring mechanism for easy release, and includes sealing elements to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the plug is mechanically locked in the socket to prevent accidental disconnection, then the reliability of the electrical connection is improved, but the rotation of the plug in the socket is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into a locking element and a locking portion with distinct functions. The locking element provides axial retention while the locking portion with its groove geometry enables rotational freedom. This segmentation allows each component to independently fulfill its specific function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic configuration where the plug can rotate within the socket while remaining mechanically locked axially. The groove-shaped locking portion allows angular movement, creating a dynamic connection that adapts to rotational needs while maintaining electrical contact.
2Ease of operation
If the connecting cable is exposed to numerous movements such as rotation and torsion, then the ease of handling the blood pump is improved, but the risk of driveline infections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket assembly allows the connecting cable to rotate freely within the socket housing without creating torsional stress on the driveline. The rotational freedom is achieved through the groove-shaped locking portion that guides rotation while the spring element absorbs any lateral forces, preventing stress transmission to the implanted portion of the driveline.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket housing acts as an intermediary between the external connecting cable and the implanted blood pump. It absorbs and isolates rotational and torsional movements, preventing these forces from being transmitted to the driveline exit point on the patient's body, thereby reducing infection risk while maintaining handling flexibility.
3Ease of repair
If the plug connection is designed for repeated connection and disconnection, then the ease of maintenance is improved, but the mechanical stability of the connection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-loaded to automatically engage the locking element with the locking portion upon insertion. This preliminary engagement action ensures that the connection is immediately secured mechanically and electrically before any operational stress is applied, maintaining stability while allowing easy disconnection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system uses a dynamic spring-loaded locking mechanism that automatically transitions from an unlocked to a locked state upon insertion. This dynamic engagement maintains stable connection during operation while allowing simple, tool-free disconnection by overcoming the spring force, facilitating easy maintenance without compromising connection integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure describes an arrangement (1) comprising a component (100) for a blood pump and a plug (200), wherein the component (100) has a plug socket (102) for detachably receiving the plug (200) to establish an electrical connection to the blood pump. The plug (200) has a coupling section (204) arranged on a tip (202) of the plug (200) and insertable into the plug socket (102). Furthermore, the plug socket (102) comprises an electrically insulating socket housing (104) having a housing inlet (106) and a housing interior (108) adjoining the housing inlet (106) for receiving the coupling section (204), wherein an alignment from the housing inlet (106) into the housing interior (108) defines an insertion direction (110) of the plug (200).In addition, the socket (102) comprises a locking unit (112) which is designed to releasably lock the plug (200) inserted into the socket (102), wherein the locking unit is designed to lock the plug (200) in the socket housing (104) without restricting rotation of the plug (200) in the socket housing (104) about the insertion direction (110).