Medical Lead Connector Visual Insertion Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical device connectors lack effective visual feedback for confirming proper insertion of conductive leads, leading to potential improper connections that can affect the operation of cardiac rhythm management devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a moveable visual indicator within the lead receptacle that slides into a visible position when a conductive lead is properly inserted, providing clear and color-coded feedback through a clear end cap or mold layer, without adding significant insertion force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a moveable visual indicator is added to the lead receptacle, then verification of lead insertion becomes easier and more reliable, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded visual indicators (e.g., colored rings or bands) that become visible when the lead is properly inserted. The indicator changes from a hidden state to a visible colored state, providing immediate visual confirmation of correct insertion. This resolves the contradiction by adding reliability through clear visual feedback while keeping the structural addition minimal.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicator acts as an intermediary element between the lead insertion action and the verification process. Instead of requiring complex sensing or detection systems, a simple visual mediator (the colored indicator) communicates the insertion status to the user, achieving reliable verification without significant complexity increase.
2Ease of operation
If the visual indicator is made visible through a clear end cap or mold layer, then verification becomes easier, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the visual indicator directly into the connector housing or mold layer during the manufacturing process. The indicator is combined with the structural components rather than being a separate assembly step, allowing the visual verification feature to be incorporated into the standard molding or fabrication process without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If the visual indicator moves to a visible position upon lead insertion, then insertion verification becomes more reliable, but the risk of improper insertion may increase due to user reliance on visual feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements immediate visual feedback through the moveable indicator that responds to lead insertion. The indicator provides real-time confirmation of insertion status, allowing users to verify correct placement before proceeding. This feedback mechanism reduces improper insertion risk by enabling users to detect and correct insertion errors immediately rather than discovering them later during device operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector apparatus for a medical device includes connector apparatus of a medical device to provide electrical contact to at least one conductive lead, the apparatus comprising: at least one lead receptacle including an opening to receive the at least one conductive lead, wherein the at least one lead receptacle includes: at least a first electrode to contact the at least one conductive lead when the conductive lead is inserted into the lead receptacle; and a moveable visual indicator to be moved to become visible through the connector apparatus when the at least one conductive lead is inserted in the lead receptacle and contacts the at least one electrode.