Disposable Cable Connector for EKG Lead Tangling and Infection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional EKG lead sets are prone to tangling, costly to disinfect, and can transmit infections due to reuse, and apply unnecessary stress on electrode pads, leading to signal loss and inefficiencies in medical health monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cable apparatus with insulated conductors and mating devices along its length, designed for quick attachment and detachment, which reduces tangling, minimizes stress on electrode pads, and allows for single-use disposal to prevent infection transmission, while being compatible with various EKG machines and monitoring devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional EKG lead sets are reused, then cost is reduced, but infection transmission risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a disposable cable apparatus that is discarded after a single use. This eliminates infection transmission risk by ensuring each patient receives a sterile, unused cable, while the low cost of the disposable cable makes this approach economically viable compared to expensive sterilization processes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional EKG lead sets are disinfected frequently, then infection transmission is reduced, but operational cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable cable apparatus eliminates the need for frequent disinfection by design. Each cable is sterile upon use and discarded afterward, removing the entire disinfection workflow and its associated time and cost burdens from the operational process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional EKG lead sets are used, then compatibility with existing devices is maintained, but tangling and stress on electrode pads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible cable construction with a smooth, streamlined exterior that resists tangling. The cable's flexibility and controlled stiffness prevent excessive stress transmission to electrode pads, while the connector design ensures compatibility with existing EKG devices.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional EKG lead sets are used, then established infrastructure is utilized, but signal loss due to electrode pad displacement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cable design with optimized mechanical properties minimizes stress transmission to electrode pads during patient movement or cable handling. This reduces electrode pad displacement and maintains reliable electrical contact, ensuring consistent signal quality throughout the monitoring period.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring a health condition and connectable to existing medical devices may include a cable. The cable may include a plurality of conductors enclosed within an exterior covering and may include a plurality of mating devices, the plurality of mating devices located along a length of the cable. Each mating device may be coupled to a conductor of the cable. Cable apparatus may further include a connector device, the connector device coupled to an end of the cable and configured to couple the cable with the recording/monitoring device by coupling with an existing set of leads associated with the recording/monitoring device. Connector device may allow quick attachment of the cable, detachment of the cable and otherwise extend functionality of the cable.