Biomedical Electrode Connector Keyhole Slot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomedical electrode connectors often require significant force to secure the connection, which can cause discomfort and potential movement during medical procedures, and are typically disposable, leading to increased waste and costs.
Innovation Solution
A biomedical electrode connector with a jacketed housing featuring an internal ramp and flexible locking elements that guide the male terminal into contact with the electrical contact material, allowing for secure and efficient electrical coupling with minimal force, and a modular design that includes a keyhole slot system for easy attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrode connectors are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but significant force is required to secure the connection causing discomfort and potential movement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic keyhole slot mechanism that transitions from a wide first slot portion for easy insertion to a narrow second slot portion for secure retention. The slot geometry dynamically adapts during the connection process, allowing minimal insertion force while automatically providing secure mechanical coupling without requiring excessive force from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyhole slot is segmented into distinct functional portions: a first slot portion with larger internal dimensions for receiving and guiding the male terminal, and a second slot portion with smaller internal dimensions for secure retention. This segmentation allows the connector to provide both easy insertion and secure holding functions through a single integrated structure.
2Reliability
If disposable electrodes are used, then single-use reliability is ensured, but waste and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode connector is designed as a reusable component that can be detached from the electrode after use. The modular design allows the electrode to be replaced while the connector housing and keyhole slot mechanism remain intact and can be reused with subsequent electrodes, thereby recovering valuable components and reducing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode system is segmented into disposable electrode elements and reusable connector components. This segmentation enables selective replacement of only the consumable electrode portion while retaining the durable connector housing, cable interface, and locking mechanism for repeated use.
3Reliability
If secure connection is achieved through tight fitting, then electrical coupling is reliable, but discomfort and potential movement during procedures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism provides dynamic adaptability: during insertion, the wide first slot portion accommodates the male terminal with minimal resistance for comfortable insertion. Once positioned, the geometry naturally transitions to the narrower second slot portion that provides secure mechanical retention, achieving both comfort and reliability through the dynamic geometry of the slot rather than uniform tight fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyhole slot acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the electrode and connector housing. It provides a guided path that ensures proper alignment and gradual engagement, preventing sudden or forceful connections that could cause discomfort while ensuring reliable electrical coupling through the controlled traversal from the first to second slot portion.
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 provides a secure, comfortable, and efficient electrical connection with reduced force requirement, enabling reliable signal transmission during medical procedures while allowing for customizable and reusable electrode lead sets, thus minimizing waste and improving patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The jacketed housing may include an internal ramp at least partially disposed within the internal cavity adjacent the second slot portion whereby, upon traversing movement of the male terminal towards the second slot portion, the internal ramp engages the male terminal to drive the male terminal into contacting relation with the electrical contact material
Implementation Method 2
The at least one locking element is adapted to flex during the traversing movement of the male terminal toward the second slot portion to permit passage of the male terminal therewithin, and further adapted to return to a preflex state to engage the male terminal to facilitate retention thereof within the second slot portion
Implementation Method 3
The lower member may include a spring clip. The spring clip is adapted to engage the male terminal and normally bias the male terminal within the jacketed housing
Data Source
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
A biomedical electrode connector for coupling with a biomedical electrode of the type including an electrode base and a male terminal projecting from the electrode base is provided. The electrode connector includes a jacketed housing having an internal cavity with an electrical contact material adapted for electrical coupling relation with an electrical lead wire. The jacketed housing includes a lower member positionable adjacent the electrode and having internal surface portions defining a keyhole slot therein. The keyhole slot has a first slot portion defining a first internal dimension to permit passage of the male terminal of the electrode for reception within the internal cavity, and a second slot portion defining a second internal dimension less than the first dimension whereby, upon traversing movement of the male terminal within the internal cavity, the male terminal is secured within the internal surface portions defining the second slot portion to thereby electrically couple the electrode with the electrode connector.