Electrosurgical Connector Assembly Double Helix Cable Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies for electrosurgical cables with double helix wound electrical connectors compromise the integrity of the cable, leading to reduced treatment energy delivery and interference with electronic equipment due to stray RF energy.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a housing featuring mechanical interfaces for engagement with electrosurgical generators or instruments, and splines in a double helical arrangement for secure electrical communication with double helix wound cables, utilizing spring-loaded biasing members to maintain the cable's configuration and minimize RF leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard connectors are used to connect electrosurgical cables with double helix wound electrical connectors, then connection compatibility is improved, but the integrity of the double helix configuration is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a housing for mechanical engagement, splines for electrical connection, and biasing members for maintaining cable configuration. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the double helix structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly acts as an intermediary device between the electrosurgical cable and the generator/instrument. It provides a specialized interface with splines and biasing members that are specifically designed to accommodate and preserve the double helix wound electrical connector configuration while enabling electrical connection.
2Ease of operation
If the double helix configuration is compromised, then ease of connection is improved, but stray RF energy emission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing members are pre-loaded with spring force to continuously apply radial pressure on the electrical conductors, maintaining the double helix configuration before and during connection. This preventive measure ensures the configuration remains intact, preventing RF energy leakage before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly changes the physical parameters of the connection interface by using splines with specific geometries and biasing members with controlled spring forces. These parameter changes enable the connector to accommodate the double helix configuration while maintaining mechanical and electrical connection integrity.
3Device complexity
If the double helix configuration is compromised, then device simplicity is improved, but treatment energy delivery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical engagement through the housing, establishes electrical connection through the splines, and maintains the double helix configuration through the biasing members. This multi-functionality achieves the connection objectives without requiring complex additional 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 ensures efficient energy delivery to the treatment site, reduces stray RF energy, and minimizes interference with other equipment, enhancing the safety and efficiency of electrosurgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Each spline may include one or more biasing members thereon that are configured to both align the plurality of splines with the corresponding plurality of electrical conductors of the electrosurgical cable and facilitate coupling the connector assembly to the electrosurgical cable. The biasing member(s) may include a plurality of electrically conductive spring-loaded balls.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes a housing having a first end that includes one or more mechanical interfaces thereon. The at least one mechanical interface configured to selectively engage a corresponding mechanical interface on an electrosurgical generator. A second end is configured to selectively engage an end of an electrosurgical cable to couple the electrosurgical generator to an electrosurgical instrument. A plurality of splines extends along an interior of the housing and is configured for electrical communication with a plurality of corresponding electrical conductors of the electrosurgical cable.