Interchangeable Electrical Connector System for Patient Simulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient simulators lack the realism and additional simulated features needed for comprehensive patient care training, limiting their effectiveness in preparing medical personnel for diverse medical equipment scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An interactive education system with a patient simulator that includes a simulated body portion and an electrical connector system, featuring interchangeable magnetic-based interface components for EKG and defibrillation simulations, allowing for various connector configurations to interface with different medical equipment types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a patient simulator uses fixed electrical connectors for EKG and defibrillation, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different medical equipment types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal base structure that can accommodate multiple types of electrical connectors (EKG, defibrillation, and other medical equipment connectors). The base includes standardized mounting features and electrical pathways that support different connector types, allowing a single simulator to interface with various medical equipment without requiring separate dedicated connectors for each equipment type.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector system is divided into modular components: a permanent base structure integrated into the simulator and removable interface components that can be attached or detached. This segmentation allows the simulator to be configured for different training scenarios by swapping interface components while maintaining the core base structure, thus improving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a patient simulator includes multiple interchangeable electrical interface components, then the versatility and realism of training scenarios is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface components are pre-configured with specific connector types (EKG, defibrillation, etc.) and mounting features that align with standardized base receptacles. This preliminary configuration allows trainees to quickly identify and attach the correct interface component without complex alignment procedures or specialized tools, maintaining ease of operation while providing versatile training options.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure serves as an intermediary between the simulator's internal circuitry and various external medical equipment connectors. It includes standardized electrical pathways and mechanical mounting features that simplify the connection process, allowing different interface components to be swapped without requiring direct modification of the simulator's internal systems, thus maintaining operational simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a patient simulator uses removable electrical interface components, then the adaptability to different training needs is improved, but the reliability of electrical connections may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The interface components incorporate spring-loaded contact elements and curved mating surfaces that ensure consistent electrical contact pressure. The spring mechanism maintains reliable electrical connection throughout the removable interface component's service life, compensating for minor variations in attachment force or wear, thus preserving connection reliability despite the removable nature of the components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs magnetic attachment mechanisms in addition to or instead of purely mechanical connections for certain interface components. The magnetic force provides consistent holding strength and reliable electrical contact without requiring tight mechanical tolerances or complex locking mechanisms, enhancing both the reliability of the connection and the ease of component interchange.
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
Enhances the realism and versatility of patient care training by enabling simulations with multiple medical equipment types, providing a more comprehensive and realistic training experience for medical personnel.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical connector system may include a base, a magnetic component, a first electrical interface component, and a second electrical interface component. The magnetic component may be configured to provide a magnetic interaction with the first electrical interface component and the second electrical interface component.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides interactive education systems, apparatus, components, and methods for teaching patient care that allow for easy and efficient connection to electrical systems, including EKG systems and/or defibrillators, having different connector types. In some aspects, a patient simulator may include a simulated body portion and an electrical connector system. The electrical connector system may include a base fixedly secured to a portion of the simulated body portion. The base may be in electrical communication with EKG and/or defibrillation circuitry of the patient simulator. The electrical connector system may include first and second electrical interface components each configured to be removably coupled to the base and configured to interface with at least one of an EKG connector or a defibrillator connector. The first and second electrical interface components may be structurally different such that each is configured to interface with a different type of EKG and/or defibrillator connector.