Floating Connector Assembly for Microwave Surgical Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of coaxial and non-coaxial connectors in microwave surgical devices requires precise alignment, leading to increased manufacturing costs and reduced production yields due to the need for high tolerances, which is undesirable for disposable surgical instruments.
Innovation Solution
A floating connector assembly with at least one connector floatably mounted within a single housing, allowing for movement to compensate for spacing and angular variations, enabling the use of commonly available connectors without precise manufacturing tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If coaxial and non-coaxial connectors are integrated into a single housing with fixed mounting, then connector alignment is achieved, but manufacturing tolerances must be very high which increases manufacturing costs and reduces production yields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making one connector floatably mounted within the housing rather than fixedly mounted. This floating connector can move dynamically to compensate for spacing variations and misalignments between connectors, eliminating the need for high manufacturing precision while maintaining proper electrical connections. The floating mounting allows the connector to self-adjust during assembly, resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and manufacturing cost.
2Manufacturing precision
If coaxial and non-coaxial connectors are integrated into a single housing with fixed mounting, then connector alignment is achieved, but production yields are reduced due to high tolerance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The floating mounting mechanism allows connectors to dynamically adjust their positions to accommodate normal manufacturing variations. This eliminates the need for rework or rejection of components that would otherwise fail strict tolerance checks, thereby maintaining high production yields while ensuring proper connector alignment through self-adjustment rather than precision manufacturing.
3Ease of manufacture
If commonly available connectors are used in a single housing, then cost is reduced, but spacing variations cause binding and interference among connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The floating mounting provides the necessary dynamic adjustment capability for commonly available connectors to accommodate spacing variations without causing binding or interference. The connector can move within a limited range to achieve proper alignment during coupling, ensuring reliable electrical connections while maintaining cost-effectiveness by using standard off-the-shelf components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the floating connector to change its position parameters (spacing and orientation) within a controlled range. This adjustment capability enables the use of standard connectors with normal tolerances while maintaining coupling reliability, as the connector can adapt its position to match the mating connector on the generator.
Data Source
AI summary
A floating connector adapted for use with microwave surgical instruments is presented. The disclosure provides for the use of cost-effective and readily available non-floating connectors in a floating housing which can compensate for dimensional variations and misalignments between the connectors. Multiple connectors of varying types can therefore be used within a single support housing without requiring the costly precision manufacturing processes normally associated with such multiple connector assemblies. The floating connector is suitable for use with electrical connections as well as fluidic connections.