Cantilevered Electrode Connector for Low-Force Secure Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode connectors for capturing physiological signals from animals or humans are difficult to install and remove without applying significant force and often fail to provide a durable, high-quality electrical connection.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a cantilevered arm that moves between a rest and flexed position, allowing for easy gripping and release of an electrode with a single-handed pinch, ensuring a secure electrical contact through a preformed body with integral arms and electrical contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional snap-on connectors are used for electrode connections, then electrical connection is maintained, but installation and removal require significant force and are difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a flexible cantilevered arm that can dynamically change its position between a first position (for receiving the electrode) and a second position (for gripping the electrode). This dynamic flexibility allows the connector to be easily opened by applying minimal force to deflect the cantilevered arm, and automatically closes to grip the electrode securely when released, eliminating the need for significant force during installation and removal.
2Ease of operation
If traditional connectors are designed for easy operation, then installation is simplified, but the electrical connection quality and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cantilevered arm provides dynamic gripping action that ensures reliable electrical connection. When the arm returns to its second position after being deflected, it automatically applies consistent gripping force to secure the electrode firmly between the stationary arm and the cantilevered arm, maintaining high-quality electrical contact without requiring complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to self-grip the electrode automatically when the cantilevered arm returns to its resting position after being deflected. This self-service mechanism ensures that the electrical connection is reliably established without requiring additional fastening steps or complex locking mechanisms, thereby maintaining connection quality while preserving ease of operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The connector provides a simple, robust, and durable electrical connection that can be easily installed and removed, maintaining signal integrity during use.
Implementation Method 1
A cantilevered first arm (72) of the body has an end (73) and is coupled to the body for cantilevering toward the internal space (70). The cantilevered first arm has a rest position and a flexed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly for coupling with one or more electrodes includes one or more cables with wires. A plug is electrically coupled with an end or ends of the cables. An electrode connector structure is electrically coupled with the cables and includes a body that is configured for forming an internal space. A cantilevered first arm has an end that cantilevers toward the internal space. The cantilevered first arm has a rest position and a flexed position. A stationary second arm and arm end extend into the internal space opposite the first arm. At least one of the ends of the cantilevered first arm and stationary second arm include an electrical contact. In the rest position, the end of the cantilevered first arm is positioned opposite the stationary second arm a first distance. In the flexed position, the cantilevered arm, moves away from the stationary second arm to separate the ends to a greater distance to receive the electrode and returns to the rest position to grip the electrode.