Floatable Self-Adjusting Connector Pins for High-Density Medical Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors have limited contact point density, requiring multiple connectors in medical instruments, which increases space usage and complicates operations.

Innovation Solution

A connection device with floatable self-adjusting contacts utilizing 3D mechanical connections and arced contact portions on conducting pins to increase contact point density and ensure optimal electrical contact through self-adjusting forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional two-surface connection mechanism is used, then the connector structure is simple, but the contact point density cannot be increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact point densityVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a conventional two-surface connection mechanism to a three-dimensional mechanical connection structure. The floatable conducting pins are arranged in multiple layers and orientations, utilizing vertical and angular dimensions to pack more contact points within the same footprint area, thereby increasing contact point density without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The conducting pins are designed with floatable, elastic properties that allow them to dynamically adjust their positions and contact forces. This self-adjusting mechanism enables the pins to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations, maintaining reliable electrical contact while allowing for higher contact point density in a compact arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If multiple connectors are employed to increase transmission points, then the contact point quantity increases, but the space occupied increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of contact pointsVSAvoidspace occupied
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple contact point arrays into a single integrated connector housing. The first and second contact point groups are merged into one connector body, with floatable conducting pins bridging between them. This consolidation achieves the equivalent of multiple connectors while occupying less space, as the shared housing and interleaved pin arrangement maximize space utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested arrangement where floatable conducting pins are positioned within cavities formed by the contact point groups. The pins are nested between the first and second contact point groups, allowing maximum packing density. This nesting approach enables more contact points to be contained within a reduced overall connector volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If conventional rigid contacts are used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the electrical contact effect is suboptimal due to uneven contact heights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical contact effectVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the conducting pins from rigid to elastic/flexible. This parameter change allows the pins to deform and self-adjust to uneven contact surfaces, ensuring optimal electrical contact across all contact points regardless of manufacturing variations in contact point height or flatness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The floatable conducting pins possess self-adjusting capabilities through their elastic properties. When assembled, the pins automatically adjust their own positions and contact forces to achieve optimal electrical contact without requiring precision manufacturing or complex adjustment mechanisms. The pins self-compensate for manufacturing tolerances in the contact point groups

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively increases contact point density, ensures optimal electrical contact, and reduces space requirements by using a 3D mechanical connection with floatable conducting pins that exert perpendicular forces, overcoming issues of uneven contact heights and deformation.

Implementation Method 1

by the design of the floatable conducting pin, the conducting pin exhibits a better elastic performance, and a contact force is guaranteed, so that an optimal electrical contact effect can be achieved

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10224654B1Connection device with floatable self-adjusting contacts and connecting method thereof
Publication Date: 2019.03.05 NEXTRONICS ENGINEERING CORP
  • US10224654B1 patent drawing
  • US10224654B1 patent drawing
  • US10224654B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A connection device with floatable self-adjusting contacts includes a first main body, a plurality of first and second contact point groups, a second main body, and a plurality of conducting boards (pin boards). The first and second contact groups are respectively disposed on the first and second bodies. The floating board is disposed on the second main body in a floating manner. The conducting board has an insulated main body and a plurality of conducting pins which are disposed on the insulated main body in a floating manner. The conducting pin has a first conducting portion contacting the first contact point, and a second conduct portion contacting the second contact point. The first and second conduct portions respectively have an arc-shaped periphery and an elastic arm. The conducting pins can respectively self-adjust to achieve an optimal downward contacting pressure.