Infusion Pump Connector Assembly With Elastomeric Sealing Contacts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors for infusion pump systems are susceptible to mechanical damage, fluid ingress, and galvanic corrosion, making them undesirable for use in medical fluid administration systems.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly featuring an elastomeric sealing structure with movable contacts and additional features like male and female hanger structures, anti-lift structures, and a perimeter seal to prevent fluid ingress and enhance structural load-bearing strength, reducing the risk of mechanical damage and corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical connectors are used in infusion pump systems, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the connectors are susceptible to mechanical damage, fluid ingress, and galvanic corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastomeric sealing structure that forms a flexible barrier around electrical contacts. This elastomeric material creates a fluid-tight seal while accommodating mechanical movement and deformation, protecting the electrical contacts from fluid ingress and mechanical damage without compromising electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly combines multiple materials with complementary properties: elastomeric sealing material for fluid protection, conductive materials for electrical contacts, and structurally robust materials for the frame and housing. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of electrical conductivity, fluid resistance, and mechanical durability.
2Reliability
If conventional electrical connectors are used, then electrical connectivity is provided, but the connectors suffer from galvanic corrosion in medical fluid environments
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sealing structure serves as an intermediary barrier between the electrical contacts and the medical fluid environment. This intermediate layer prevents direct contact between dissimilar metals and corrosive fluids, eliminating the conditions necessary for galvanic corrosion while maintaining electrical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric sealing creates a protected, inert environment around the electrical contacts, isolating them from the corrosive medical fluid atmosphere. This sealed environment prevents exposure to moisture and electrolytes that would otherwise facilitate galvanic corrosion reactions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an elastomeric sealing structure with movable contacts is implemented, then protection against fluid ingress and mechanical damage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple protective functions into a single integrated elastomeric sealing structure. This unified component simultaneously provides fluid sealing, mechanical protection, and contact movement accommodation, reducing the need for separate protective components and simplifying the overall assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric sealing structure performs multiple functions: it seals against fluid ingress, protects contacts from mechanical damage, allows for contact movement during connection/disconnection, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
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 provides robust electrical connectivity, increased structural strength, reduced susceptibility to mechanical damage and fluid ingress, faster drying after cleaning, and minimized galvanic corrosion, ensuring reliable operation in medical fluid administration systems.
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.