LVAD Connector Locking Mechanism for Secure Flange Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for connectors in implantable blood pump systems fail to securely and reliably engage with implantable controllers, particularly in transcutaneous energy transfer systems, leading to potential disconnection and operational instability.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism featuring a housing bore that tapers in diameter, a set screw disposed at an oblique angle with a threaded proximal portion and an elongate rod distal portion, and a retainer pin to prevent set screw removal, ensuring secure engagement with a connector's flange and providing tactile feedback through an atraumatic locking element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional locking mechanism is used for the connector, then the structure is simple, but the connector cannot be securely engaged and may disconnect accidentally
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a set screw for engagement, a retainer pin for retention, and a tapered housing bore for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, ensuring reliable connector engagement while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer pin is pre-positioned within the housing bore to engage the set screw before the connector is fully inserted. This preliminary action ensures that the set screw is retained in the engaged position and prevents accidental disconnection, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity
2Reliability
If the set screw is fully inserted to lock the connector, then secure engagement is achieved, but the set screw may be accidentally removed
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer pin is pre-positioned to engage the set screw before the locking action is completed. This ensures that once the set screw is inserted to lock the connector, it cannot be accidentally removed, providing both locking stability and operational security
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer pin acts as an intermediary element between the set screw and the housing. It provides an additional retention mechanism that prevents the set screw from being removed, thereby enhancing locking stability without directly interfering with the primary locking function
3Reliability
If the housing bore has a uniform diameter, then manufacturing is simpler, but the connector cannot be properly positioned and locked
Solution Approach 1:
The housing bore has a tapered geometry rather than a uniform diameter. This local variation in the bore's cross-sectional area provides a self-positioning feature that guides the connector into the correct position during insertion, improving positioning accuracy while the taper can be achieved through standard manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered housing bore creates a conical geometry that naturally guides the connector into proper alignment. This curved/tapered surface provides form-fit engagement that enhances positioning accuracy without requiring complex precision machining, as the taper angle can be optimized for self-alignment
4Reliability
If the set screw engages the connector with high force, then secure locking is achieved, but trauma or damage may occur to the connector
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer pin serves as an intermediary that provides retention through a distributed contact mechanism rather than a single high-force point. This reduces the risk of trauma to the connector while maintaining secure locking, as the retainer pin engages the set screw in a controlled manner
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer pin is pre-positioned to engage the set screw before excessive force is applied during the locking process. This beforehand cushioning prevents the set screw from being over-tightened or applied with traumatic force to the connector, thereby ensuring locking security while preventing damage
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism for a connector to an implantable controller includes a housing of the implantable controller defining a housing bore sized to receive the connector. A set screw is releasably coupled to the housing and disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the housing, the set screw being configured to engage at least a portion of the connector when the set screw is fully inserted within the housing to lock the connector within the housing.