Connector Cleaning System with Image Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manual cleaning of electrical connectors for ventricular assist devices and other technologies in contaminant-laden environments is time-consuming and increases the risk of complications, particularly during implantation procedures, due to the need for continuous electrical power and the challenge of maintaining connector cleanliness.
Innovation Solution
A connector cleaning system comprising cleaning and drying chambers with image processing capabilities to automate the cleaning and verification process, using a camera, control circuit, and transmitter to capture and document images of the connectors before and after cleaning, ensuring thorough contamination removal and efficient documentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning of electrical connectors is performed during implantation procedures, then connector cleanliness is improved, but procedure time and risk of complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is prepared and ready before the connector needs cleaning. The device includes pre-loaded cleaning elements and is positioned near the surgical site, allowing immediate cleaning when contamination occurs without requiring time-consuming manual preparation of cleaning materials
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the connector to be cleaned automatically through mechanical means rather than requiring manual technician intervention. The automated cleaning mechanism performs the cleaning function independently, reducing the need for human operators to manually clean each connector during the procedure
2Measurement precision
If manual cleaning documentation is performed, then cleaning verification is improved, but surgical team productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual documentation process is replaced with an automated imaging and recording system. A camera captures images of the connector before and after cleaning, and a computer automatically documents the results, eliminating the need for technicians to manually record cleaning information while maintaining verification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of manually documenting cleaning results, the system creates visual copies (images) of the connector state. These images serve as objective documentation of cleaning effectiveness, replacing subjective manual assessment and recording while providing permanent verification records
3Reliability
If multiple implanted connectors are cleaned manually, then all connectors are cleaned, but idle time and procedure cost increase proportionately
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is designed to handle multiple connector types and sizes with a single device. The system can clean various implanted connectors (such as VAD connectors and other medical device connectors) using the same mechanical cleaning mechanism, eliminating the need for different cleaning tools for each connector type
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A connector cleaning system 1 includes (a) one or more cleaning elements adapted to engage a connector and remove contaminants from a contact portion of the connector and (b) an image processing device 70 adapted to capture an image of the contact portion after removal of contaminants.