Drape-Piercing Electrical Connectors for Sterile Surgical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical procedures require breaching the sterile barrier to make electrical connections between components, compromising the sterility of the sterile field.
Innovation Solution
A connection system comprising a first and second connector, with a piercing element and receptacle, that allows for electrical connections through a drape without compromising sterility, using orthogonal alignment and polymer housings with dissimilar sides for secure coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sterile drape is placed over a patient to establish a sterile field, then sterility is maintained, but electrical connections between components cannot be made without breaching the sterile barrier
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the connection interface into two separate connectors: a sterile connector that remains on the sterile side of the drape and a non-sterile connector that remains on the non-sterile side. This segmentation allows electrical connections to be made through the drape without breaching the sterile barrier, as each connector operates independently on its respective side of the drape.
Solution Approach 2:
The drape itself acts as an intermediary element that physically separates the sterile and non-sterile environments while allowing electrical signals to pass through. The system utilizes the drape's inherent properties as a mediator that maintains sterility on one side while enabling electrical connectivity through it to the other side.
2Ease of operation
If the sterile barrier is breached to make electrical connections, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the sterility of the sterile field is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connection system into separate sterile and non-sterile connectors, the invention eliminates the need to breach the sterile barrier. The sterile connector interfaces with sterile components while the non-sterile connector interfaces with non-sterile components, with electrical signals passing through the intact drape between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the traditional mechanical approach of physically breaching the drape with an electrical field-based approach. Electrical signals can penetrate the drape material without requiring physical penetration or contact that would compromise sterility, substituting mechanical breach with electromagnetic field transmission.
3Ease of operation
If connectors are designed to connect through a drape, then electrical connections are enabled, but secure coupling and alignment become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors incorporate asymmetric features including dissimilar minor sides on corresponding housings and asymmetric positioning of piercing elements and receptacles. This asymmetry provides inherent alignment guidance that ensures proper orientation during connection, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms while ensuring secure coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design includes self-aligning features where the asymmetric geometry and positioning of mating elements automatically guide proper alignment during the connection process. The connectors are self-service in that they inherently provide their own alignment and coupling guidance without requiring external alignment tools or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
Connection systems are disclosed for establishing one or more electrical connections through a drape. An example connection system includes a first connector and a second connector configured to connect to each other. The first connector includes a first-connector housing, an electrical lead extending from the first-connector housing, and at least a first piercing element within the first-connector housing configured to pierce the drape. The first piercing element is orthogonally connected to the electrical lead. The second connector includes a second-connector housing and at least a first receptacle within the second-connector housing. The first receptacle is configured to form at least a first electrical connection of the one or more electrical connections with the first piercing element when the first connector is disposed over the second connector with the drape therebetween. Methods are also disclosed herein for establishing one or more electrical connections through a drape with the connection systems.