Infusion Pump Module Connector Sealing Against Fluid Ingress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors for infusion pump systems are susceptible to mechanical damage, fluid ingress, and galvanic corrosion, leading to reduced reliability and increased maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
The development of a connector assembly featuring an elastomeric sealing structure with movable contacts and additional mechanical features such as hanger structures and anti-lift protrusions, which provides robust electrical connectivity while preventing fluid ingress and reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical connectors are used in infusion pump systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to mechanical damage, fluid ingress, and galvanic corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into separate functional components: an elastomeric sealing structure containing movable contacts, a frame with hanger structures for mechanical coupling, and a printed circuit board with electrical contacts. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while improving overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
An elastomeric sealing structure serves as an intermediary between the electrical contacts and the external environment, providing both electrical connectivity and fluid sealing. This intermediary component protects the electrical contacts from fluid ingress and mechanical damage while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional electrical connectors are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors increase due to fluid ingress and galvanic corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sealing structure functions as a flexible shell that encapsulates the electrical contacts and movable contacts, providing a fluid-tight barrier. This flexible sealing structure prevents fluid ingress while accommodating thermal expansion and mechanical deformation, eliminating galvanic corrosion risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly combines dissimilar materials including elastomers for sealing, metals for electrical contacts and frames, and plastic components for structural elements. This composite construction provides superior protection against fluid ingress and galvanic corrosion through material compatibility and sealing.
3Reliability
If the connector assembly includes an elastomeric sealing structure with movable contacts, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable contacts within the elastomeric sealing structure provide dynamic electrical connection capability, allowing the connector to maintain reliable electrical connectivity despite misalignment, vibration, or thermal expansion. This dynamic feature improves reliability while the modular design keeps manufacturing manageable.
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 enhances the structural load-bearing strength, reduces mechanical damage and fluid ingress, and facilitates easier inspection and cleaning, thereby improving the reliability and durability of the connector assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric sealing structure disposed in the central opening; and a plurality of contacts, each sealingly disposed in the elastomeric sealing structure, each arranged in contact with a corresponding one of the electrical contacts on the printed circuit, and each movable upon deformation of the elastomeric sealing structure
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly for a modular medical device is described herein. The connector assembly includes a main body, a printed circuit board, a frame, an elastomeric sealing structure, and a plurality of contacts. The printed circuit is disposed in the main body and has a plurality of electrical contacts. The frame is configured to be attached to the main body and includes a central opening. The elastomeric sealing structure is disposed in the central opening. The plurality of contacts are each sealingly disposed in the elastomeric sealing structure, each arranged in contact with a corresponding one of the electrical contacts on the printed circuit, and each movable upon deformation of the elastomeric sealing structure.