Compact U-Shaped ECG Connector Body for Low Insertion Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ECG snap type connectors have large diameters or dimensions, require multiple component parts, and often use intervening wires, which complicate the optimization of low insertion force and high retention force characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A compact, U-shaped connector body made from a single thin sheet of electrically conductive and resilient material, with angled U side arms and a U aperture, providing a direct connection between an ECG snap electrode and a printed circuit board, allowing for low insertion force and high retention force without additional moving structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional connector structures are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but connector diameter and overall dimensions become large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical contact function and mechanical retention function into a single integrated U-shaped body structure. The U-shaped body simultaneously provides electrical contact through its conductive material and mechanical retention through its resilient arms that engage with the snap electrode, eliminating the need for separate contact elements and wire assemblies, thus reducing overall connector diameter while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped body serves multiple functions: it provides electrical conduction, mechanical retention through resilient arms, and structural support for PCB attachment. This multi-functional design consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate components into a single element, reducing the connector's overall dimensions while ensuring reliable electrical and mechanical connection
2Reliability
If multiple component parts are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical contact element, retention mechanism, and structural support into a single U-shaped body component. This integrated structure eliminates the need for multiple separate parts such as individual contact fingers, separate retention clips, and wire assemblies, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the conductive U-shaped body
3Reliability
If conventional connector designs are used, then connection is achieved, but insertion force and retention force optimization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs resilient arms in the U-shaped body that dynamically adjust during insertion and retention. During insertion, the resilient arms flex to accommodate the snap electrode pin, providing low insertion force. Once engaged, the arms exert continuous elastic restoring force to maintain high retention force, preventing accidental disconnection. This dynamic behavior optimizes both insertion ease and retention reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the physical parameters of the U-shaped body, including the thickness, width, and curvature of the resilient arms, to achieve the desired force characteristics. By carefully controlling these geometric parameters and the material's elastic properties, the connector achieves low insertion force while maintaining high retention force, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and connection reliability
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 solution enables a compact, easy-to-manufacture connector with improved electrical and mechanical performance, achieving low insertion force and high retention force through optimized design and pre-tensioning, facilitating easy PCB attachment and reliable bioelectric signal sensing.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient properties of said U side arms provide spreading of said U aperture for insertion and contraction for communication with said snap pin head crown
Data Source
AI summary
A compact ECG snap connector is disclosed. A channeled U shaped body is formed from a thin sheet of electrically conductive and resilient material. The body is dimensioned to be compatible with standard ECG snap connector pins, and can be fastened to a printed circuit board. Fixed structures located in proximity to the channeled U shaped body provide mechanical restrictions on the expansion and contraction of the channeled U shaped body's aperture.