Cable Tether Assembly for Reusable Medical Sensor Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
The unnecessary discarding and subsequent replacement of cables connected to medical devices, such as pulse oximeter sensors, result in increased costs due to the disposal of entire cable systems when only the disposable sensors need to be replaced.
Innovation Solution
A cable tether system comprising a base member and elongate members that securely attach to cables, featuring engagement portions and cavities to prevent separation, allowing the cables to be reused while indicating that they should not be discarded, thereby reducing waste and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are attached to disposable medical devices, then the devices can function properly, but the cables are unnecessarily discarded with the devices, increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system is segmented into two distinct parts: a disposable medical device portion and a reusable cable portion. The tether mechanism allows the cable to be separated from the disposable sensor, enabling the cable to be retained and reused while only the sensor is discarded. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing device functionality to be achieved with disposable components while preserving the cable for continued use.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is extracted from the disposable medical device assembly, separating the reusable component from the disposable component. The tether system provides a controlled connection that allows the cable to be easily removed and retained independently of the disposable sensor, preventing unnecessary cable disposal while maintaining proper device functionality during use.
2Ease of operation
If cables are securely attached to disposable sensors, then the sensors can be used effectively, but the entire cable system must be replaced when sensors are discarded, increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into disposable sensor components and reusable cable components, with the tether providing a controlled interface between them. This allows the sensor to be effectively attached during use while enabling easy separation for cable retention, resolving the contradiction between operational effectiveness and replacement cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether system enables selective discarding of only the disposable sensor portion while recovering and retaining the reusable cable portion. The controlled release mechanism allows the cable to be easily separated and kept for future use, eliminating the need to discard functional cables with disposable sensors and thereby reducing replacement costs.
3Loss of substance
If cables are made removable from disposable devices, then cables can be reused, but the connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tether is pre-configured with engagement features that ensure reliable connection during sensor attachment. The preliminary design of the tether system includes built-in retention mechanisms that maintain secure connection during use, while allowing controlled separation when needed, thus ensuring both connection reliability and cable reuse capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic controllable connection. The tether maintains secure attachment during normal use through its engagement features, but allows easy separation when the sensor needs to be discarded. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing both reliable connection during operation and easy removability for cable reuse.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable tether system includes a base member and at least one elongate member extending away from the base member. The elongate member is configured to surround at least a portion of a first cable. A second elongate member can be configured to surround at least a portion of a second cable. The base member can include one or more engagement portions that couple with one or more engagement portions on the first and second elongate members.