ECG Electrode Dual Retention Stud for Connector Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ECG electrodes often experience inadvertent detachment due to patient movement, and they lack universal compatibility with various types of connectors.
Innovation Solution
The electrode assembly features a stud with dual retention features, allowing it to securely engage and retain different types of connectors, including lever-type, jaw-type, and snap-type connectors, with a required detachment force of at least 2 lbs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single retention feature is used on the electrode, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of connector attachment deteriorates due to inadvertent detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The retention feature is segmented into multiple independent retainers (first retainer and second retainer) that can engage with different connector types. Each retainer is a separate engagement mechanism that works independently, providing redundant retention paths that prevent inadvertent detachment while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The stud is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate various connector types (lever-type, jaw-type, snap-type) through different retainer configurations. This universal design allows a single electrode assembly to interface with multiple connector standards, improving reliability across different applications without requiring multiple specialized electrode designs.
2Reliability
If the retention force is increased to prevent detachment, then the reliability improves, but the ease of operation for connector attachment and detachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism employs dynamic characteristics where the retention force varies based on the specific connector type and engagement state. The retainers are designed to provide high retention force during normal use to prevent detachment, but allow controlled release when appropriate force is applied during intentional detachment, balancing reliability with operational ease through force threshold differentiation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electrode is designed to accommodate multiple connector types, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-connector capability is achieved through segmentation of the stud surface into distinct retainer zones, with each retainer optimized for specific connector types. This modular segmentation allows the stud to present different engagement characteristics to different connector types while maintaining a unified stud structure, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A biomedical electrode, and in particular an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode, has one or more retention features for retaining a connector of a lead wire on the electrode. A retention member of a stud of the electrode includes a first retainer for engaging and retaining a first type of connector to the stud and a second retainer for engaging and retaining a second type of connector to the stud, where the first and second types of connectors having different connection methods.