Fluid Resistant Locking Connector for Ventricular Assist Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connectors for ventricular assist devices are not suitable for implantation due to potential fluid ingress and unsuitable latching mechanisms, which can lead to corrosion and infection, and may not prevent unintended decoupling.

Innovation Solution

A fluid-resistant electrical connector with an elongated coupling member and a retention member that can be moved between a coupling and decoupling position to prevent unintended decoupling, and includes seals to inhibit fluid ingress, suitable for use with implantable medical devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing electrical connectors are used for implantable devices, then connection and disconnection operations are simple, but fluid ingress occurs leading to corrosion and infection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to fluid ingressVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate first and second connector assemblies with distinct functions. The first assembly contains electrical contacts and coupling member, while the second assembly contains the retention member. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall fluid resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A retention member is introduced as an intermediary element between the two connector assemblies. This retention member engages with both assemblies to secure the connection and prevent fluid ingress, acting as a mediator that enhances reliability without requiring complete redesign of the entire connector structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If existing latching mechanisms are used, then the connector can be easily assembled, but unintended decoupling cannot be prevented in the implanted environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of unintended decouplingVSAvoidease of assembly and disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retention member is designed to be movable between a first position that accommodates coupling and a second position that blocks decoupling. This dynamic design allows the connector to transition between assembled and disassembled states while preventing unintended decoupling during implantation, maintaining both reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retention member can be moved by the operator to engage or disengage the coupling member without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. The design allows the connector to self-secure once assembled, preventing unintended decoupling while maintaining simple operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If existing electrical connectors are used, then power transfer is established, but corrosion and infection risks increase due to fluid ingress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against corrosion and infectionVSAvoidfluid ingress into connector

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assemblies are designed with housing structures that form sealed enclosures around the electrical contacts and coupling members. These housing structures act as flexible barriers that prevent fluid ingress while allowing the electrical function to operate, protecting against corrosion and infection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful element (fluid access path) is extracted from the connector design by creating sealed barriers. The retention member and housing structures remove the possibility of fluid reaching the electrical contacts, effectively taking out the vulnerability to corrosion and infection while maintaining power transfer functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10124101B2Fluid resistant locking electrical connector for ventricular assist devices

Publication Date: 2018.11.13 TC1 LLC

AI summary

A fluid resistant electrical connector for an implantable medical device includes a first connector assembly and a second connector assembly. The first connector assembly includes a first housing, an elongated coupling member, and first electrical contacts distributed around the coupling member. The second connector assembly includes a second housing, second electrical contacts, and a retention member. The second housing has a coupling member receptacle and a retention member receptacle. The coupling member receptacle is shaped to accommodate a distal portion of the coupling member. The retention member is partially accommodated by the retention member receptacle and movable between an insertion configuration accommodating coupling of the first and second connector assemblies and a retention configuration retaining the coupling member to prevent inadvertent uncoupling of the electrical connector.