Conical Connector Terminals Prevent Unwanted Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Catheters with multiple electrodes at their distal end require a large number of connecting wires, leading to the need for extensive and often expensive connectors that may be undesirably large in one or both dimensions to accommodate the numerous pins and sockets, which can be inefficient in terms of space and cost.
Innovation Solution
The development of conically-shaped or similarly configured connectors that utilize a third dimension to accommodate a large number of electrically-conductive terminals (100-700) without increasing the connector's length, using compressible layers and specific terminal arrangements to ensure proper contact and prevent unwanted connections, including the use of insulative layers and fasteners like magnets for alignment and secure mating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional flat connectors are used to accommodate multiple electrodes, then the number of terminals can be increased, but the connector size increases in length and width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat arrangement of terminals to a three-dimensional conical configuration. The mating surface is shaped as a cone with terminals distributed across its surface, allowing numerous terminals (100-700) to be packed into a compact volume without increasing connector length proportionally. This dimensional change resolves the contradiction by utilizing spatial efficiency of 3D geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical connector design allows one connector to be nested within another during mating. The male connector inserts into the female connector with terminals making contact in a nested configuration, maximizing terminal density while minimizing the overall connector envelope volume.
2Quantity of substance
If more terminals are packed into the connector, then electrical connection capacity increases, but the risk of unwanted contact between terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conical mating surface creates naturally varying local conditions for terminal contact. Terminals are distributed across the conical surface with different orientations and contact pressures depending on their position. This local quality variation ensures that only properly aligned terminals make contact, while others remain isolated, preventing unwanted connections even at high terminal densities.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical geometry introduces asymmetry in the terminal arrangement and contact mechanism. The non-uniform distribution of terminals on the conical surface, combined with the asymmetric insertion path, creates a mating process where contact is established in a controlled sequence and orientation, reducing the probability of premature or incorrect terminal contact.
3Volume of moving object
If connector size is reduced to save space and cost, then space efficiency improves, but accommodating sufficient terminals becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By moving from 2D flat surfaces to 3D conical surfaces, the patent achieves exponential increase in terminal packing density. The conical surface area grows with the square of the radius while the volume grows with the cube, allowing efficient terminal distribution that maximizes quantity within minimal connector dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical (curved) surface provides better space utilization than flat surfaces. The curvature allows terminals to be arranged in concentric patterns and at varying radial distances from the axis, maximizing the use of available volume and surface area to accommodate more terminals in a smaller connector footprint.
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
This solution allows for a high-density arrangement of terminals without excessive size increase, ensuring reliable electrical connections while preventing premature contact between terminals, thus optimizing space and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible layer of material coupled to the connector body, between the first and second longitudinal ends of the connector body
Implementation Method 2
a compressible layer of material coupled to the connector body
Implementation Method 3
an electrically-insulative layer of material covering the inner surface of the connector body
Implementation Method 4
the use of insulative layers and fasteners like magnets for alignment and secure mating
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus and methods are described, including apparatus that includes a male-connector body comprising at least one mating surface, and shaped to define a hollow core. A plurality of electrically-conductive male-connector terminals are coupled to the mating surface of the male-connector body. A longitudinal insert is configured to, by moving inside the hollow core, push the male-connector terminals radially outward. Other embodiments are also described.