Hinged Inline Connector Assembly for EEG Electrode Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies for electrodes fail to provide a secure and easy method for connecting electrode leads to EEG recording equipment, particularly in ensuring proper alignment and secure electrical contact.
Innovation Solution
An inline connector assembly with a hinged structure, featuring nonconductive polymeric body members and resilient conductive leaf springs that securely hold and align the electrode tail, allowing for easy insertion and secure electrical connection through a cooperating latch system and guide mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional connector assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but the electrode lead connection is not secure and alignment is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a body structure with resilient conductive members, a separate tail structure for the electrode lead, and a hinged cover with latch mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates a hinged cover that can pivot between open and closed positions, and a latch mechanism that dynamically transitions between locked and unlocked states. The resilient conductive members also provide dynamic contact pressure adjustment, ensuring reliable electrical connection while accommodating manufacturing tolerances.
2Reliability
If a secure connection mechanism is implemented, then electrical contact is reliable, but the insertion process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient conductive members automatically exert contact pressure on the tail structure upon insertion, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations. The latch mechanism on the hinged cover automatically engages when the cover is closed, securing the connection without requiring manual intervention beyond the initial insertion and cover closure.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment verification is added, then connection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is made of optically clear or translucent material, allowing visual inspection of the tail structure alignment with the conductive members through the cover itself. This eliminates the need for separate alignment verification components while maintaining manufacturing precision.
4Reliability
If resilient conductive members are used, then electrical connection is secure, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient conductive members are made from conductive polymeric material, which can be molded directly into the desired shape and spring characteristics through conventional plastic injection molding processes. This approach maintains ease of manufacture while providing the reliable electrical connection and contact pressure of traditional resilient contacts.
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
Facilitates easy insertion and secure electrical connection of electrode leads to EEG recording equipment, ensuring reliable signal transmission and easy alignment verification.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient conductive members may be leaf springs which are oppositely arranged and aligned along the bottom body member and which form a longitudinal spacing or the longitudinal channel to receive the inline tail of an electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An inline connector assembly having a bottom body structure and a top body structure hingedly connected thereto. The bottom body structure has a plurality of resilient conductive members to receive the conductive portions of the inline tail which is received in a longitudinal bore in the top body structure. A latch structure is provided to maintain the inline connector assembly in a closed position. An electrode tail guide and stop member are provided in the inline connector assembly for ease of electrode insertion and tail contact alignment.