Floating Medical Connector Assembly for Misalignment Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical device connectors are prone to damage during connection and separation due to inaccurate angle alignment, and they often require additional communication interfaces that increase complexity and occupy space.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a floating connection mechanism between two housings, with terminals including power supply, signal, and ground terminals, and a circuit board with electric wires bundled into multiple cables to enhance flexibility and reduce resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the connector uses a fixed rigid connection structure, then the connection stability is improved, but the connector and port are easily damaged during connection and separation when the angle is inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoiddamage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector housing is designed to float relative to the port housing within a defined range, transforming the rigid fixed connection into a dynamic adjustable connection. This allows the connector to automatically align with the port during connection, preventing damage from angle mismatches while maintaining stable electrical contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The floating connection mechanism provides a cushioning effect by allowing relative movement between the connector housing and port housing. This cushioning absorbs the shock of misalignment during connection, preventing direct impact damage to the electrical terminals and housing structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional communication interfaces are added to the connector, then the communication capability is improved, but the device complexity and space occupation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector integrates multiple functions including power supply terminals, signal transmission terminals, and communication interfaces into a single unified structure. This merging of functions allows the connector to provide comprehensive connectivity (power, data, and communication) through one interface rather than requiring separate connectors for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed as a multi-functional universal interface that can simultaneously handle power transmission, signal transmission, and digital communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full communication capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4572033A1Connector for medical device, connector assembly, and anesthesia machine system
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC
  • EP4572033A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4572033A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4572033A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a connector for a medical device, a connector assembly, and an anesthesia machine system. The connector for a medical device includes: a first housing, including a first end and a second end opposite each other; a second housing, the second end of the first housing being configured to be floatingly connected within the second housing, and the first end being exposed out of the second housing; and terminals, provided on the first end of the first housing, the terminals including a power supply terminal and a signal terminal.