Electrode Lead Wire Connector with Detent Tactile Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode lead wire connectors for defibrillation and heart monitoring cause patient discomfort due to the required pressure for attachment and detachment, which can be painful, especially for patients with injuries, and may result in loose connections or accidental electrode removal.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece electrically conductive connector with a detent mechanism providing tactile feedback for secure engagement and a non-conductive member to prevent incorrect connections, along with a double-sided adhesive for increased attachment strength, reducing the insertion force to two pounds and ensuring secure disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If substantial force is applied to engage the connector to the electrode, then secure connection is achieved, but patient discomfort and pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a resilient body that can deform elastically to accommodate the electrode post during insertion, then returns to its original shape to provide secure retention. This dynamic flexibility allows secure connection without requiring excessive insertion force, thereby reducing patient discomfort while maintaining connection reliability.
2Reliability
If substantial force is applied to disengage the connector from the electrode, then secure connection is maintained, but patient discomfort and risk of accidental removal increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism is pre-configured within the resilient body to automatically engage with the electrode post upon insertion. This preliminary engagement action secures the connection during use, while the inherent elasticity of the resilient body allows for controlled disengagement when needed, preventing accidental removal while maintaining secure connection during operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If insufficient force is applied to engage the connector to the electrode, then patient discomfort is reduced, but connection security and accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient body automatically adjusts its engagement force with the electrode post based on the insertion depth and geometry. As the electrode post is inserted, the resilient body deforms and then snaps back to engage the detent mechanism, self-regulating the engagement force to ensure secure connection without requiring the practitioner to apply excessive force, thereby maintaining both patient comfort and connection reliability.
4Productivity
If the connector design allows for reuse, then cost effectiveness improves, but risk of contamination and connection reliability may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a separable assembly with a reusable outer housing and a replaceable inner contact component. The resilient body and detent mechanism can be cleaned and disinfected for reuse, while the electrical contact elements can be replaced if needed. This segmentation allows the connector to be reused cost-effectively while maintaining connection reliability through proper maintenance and replacement of wear components.
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 reduces patient discomfort during attachment, ensures secure connections, and prevents accidental removal of electrodes, while allowing for easy reuse of the connectors.
Implementation Method 1
Resilient engagement between the detent and the post provides a user of the electrode lead wire connector with tactile feedback indicating that the post of the electrode is fully engaged with the electrode receiving section of the one-piece electrically conductive connector contact.
Implementation Method 2
A double-sided adhesive is positioned in the recess, wherein the double-sided adhesive retains the non-conductive member to the outer surface of the covering and the electrode.
Data Source
AI summary
Electrode lead wire connectors configured to be connected to an electrode for defibrillation and/or heart monitoring are disclosed. The electrode lead wire connector includes a one-piece electrically conductive connector contact having one end that is configured to be connected to a lead wire and an opposite end having an electrode receiving section that is configured to releasably receive a post of an electrode. The electrode receiving section includes a detent for retaining the post of the electrode within the electrode receiving section. Resilient engagement between the detent and the post provides a user of the electrode lead wire connector with tactile feedback indicating that the post of the electrode is fully engaged with the electrode receiving section of the one-piece electrically conductive connector contact.