Luer Lock Catheter Connector Embedded Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods face challenges in making suitable electrical contact with printed electrical conductors on catheters, particularly due to the temperature sensitivity of catheter materials, which complicates soldering processes.
Innovation Solution
A catheter design featuring a connector with embedded electrical conductors that mechanically contact a conductor track on a printed circuit board, allowing for secure electrical connections using thermoplastic materials that can withstand the necessary temperatures, combined with a Luer lock connector for fluid introduction and electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soldering is used to connect electrical conductors to electrical terminals, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the temperature-sensitive plastic materials of the catheter are damaged due to high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal soldering process with a mechanical connection system. Electrical conductors are embedded in the catheter shaft and make direct mechanical contact with contact elements on the connector, eliminating the need for high-temperature soldering that would damage the plastic catheter materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary embedded conductor system within the catheter shaft that bridges the gap between the distal sensor and the proximal connector. This embedded conductor acts as a mediator that transmits electrical signals without requiring direct soldering to the temperature-sensitive catheter materials.
2Reliability
If complex procedures and soldering processes are used to lay electrical conductors, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductors are pre-embedded within the catheter shaft during manufacturing, establishing the electrical pathway before final assembly. This preliminary action simplifies the overall manufacturing process by eliminating complex post-assembly soldering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical conductor embedding with the catheter shaft manufacturing process itself. The conductors are integrated into the shaft structure during formation, combining multiple manufacturing steps into one and reducing overall complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional connectors are used for fluid introduction, then the inflation/flushing function is achieved, but electrical connectivity is not integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides fluid introduction for balloon inflation/flushing and also serves as the electrical connection interface. The contact elements within the connector establish both fluid flow paths and electrical contacts through the same structural component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the fluid connector and electrical connection interface into a single integrated component. The connector structure simultaneously handles fluid introduction and establishes electrical contact with the embedded conductors, eliminating the need for separate electrical connectors.
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
This design enables safe, inexpensive, and reliable electrical connections between printed conductors and circuit boards, enhancing the functionality of catheters by integrating inflation/flushing functions with electrical connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
the material of the connector is a thermoplastic polymer
Implementation Method 2
the at least one electrical conductor mechanically contacts a conductor track of a printed circuit board which is embedded in the material of the connector, so that the at least one electrical conductor and the at least one conductor track are electrically conductively connected
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a catheter (1) comprising: an outer shaft (10) extending from a proximal end section (10a) to a distal end section of the outer shaft (10) and having an outer surface (10b), and a connector (2) connected to the proximal end section (10a) of the outer shaft (10), which is designed to form a fluid-conducting flow connection with a corresponding further connector. According to the invention, the connector (2) has a material with which the proximal end section (10a) of the outer shaft (10) is surrounded, wherein at least one electrical conductor (11) is printed on the outside (10b) of the outer shaft (10), wherein the at least one electrical conductor (11) contacts a conductor track (12) of a printed circuit board (3) which is embedded in the material of the connector (2), so that the at least one electrical conductor (11) and the at least one conductor track (12) are electrically connected.