Magnetic Auto-Alignment Connector for Safe Pogo Pin Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Misalignment or improper connection of microwave instruments to generators can lead to damage during microwave ablation procedures.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic auto-alignment system using magnets and pogo pins to ensure proper alignment and connection between a microwave generator and surgical instrument, preventing electrical contact when misaligned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connectors are used without alignment mechanisms, then the connection process is simple, but misalignment can occur causing damage to the microwave generator or instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment mechanisms with a magnetic field-based alignment system. Magnets embedded in both the generator connector and instrument connector create magnetic attraction forces that automatically guide and align the connectors during the connection process, eliminating the need for complex mechanical guides or alignment features while ensuring proper positioning before electrical contact is made.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary force between the generator connector and instrument connector. This magnetic field acts as a mediator that facilitates proper alignment by creating attractive forces between corresponding magnets in each connector, ensuring that the connectors are correctly positioned before the conductive elements make contact, thereby preventing misalignment damage.
2Ease of operation
If pogo pins are exposed to allow easy contact, then electrical connection is established easily, but misaligned contact can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary alignment through magnetic attraction before the pogo pins make electrical contact. The magnets in both connectors create attractive forces that guide the instrument connector into proper alignment with the generator connector, ensuring that the pogo pins are correctly positioned and will only contact their corresponding conductors when properly aligned, preventing misaligned contact damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses magnetic repulsion or controlled attraction to prevent premature or misaligned contact of the pogo pins. By carefully positioning the magnets, the system creates a magnetic field that either repels misaligned connectors or attracts only properly aligned ones, preventing harmful misaligned electrical contact before it can occur.
3Measurement precision
If magnets are added to provide alignment feedback, then proper alignment is confirmed, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-aligning and self-confirming functionality through the magnetic interaction between connectors. The magnets in both the generator connector and instrument connector automatically provide alignment guidance and confirmation through their magnetic attraction forces, eliminating the need for separate alignment indicators or additional complexity while ensuring precise alignment through the natural magnetic field interaction.
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
Prevents damage to the microwave generator and surgical instrument by ensuring proper alignment and preventing electrical contact during improper connections, with magnetic feedback indicating misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet of the generator connector is configured to cause the support base to move distally against the bias of the spring when the instrument connector is properly aligned with the generator connector and the instrument connector is in proximity to the generator connector
Implementation Method 2
The at least one spring is configured to bias the support base proximally within the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave ablation system includes a surgical instrument having an instrument connector and a microwave generator having a generator connector. The instrument connector includes a magnet and a plurality of conductors. The generator connector is configured to couple to the instrument connector and includes a housing, a support base, a magnet, at least one spring, and a plurality of pogo pins. The support base is operably coupled to the housing and configured to move longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the generator connector. The magnet is operably coupled to the support base and positioned to align with the magnet of the instrument connector. The spring is configured to bias the support base proximally within the housing. The pogo pins extend distally from the support base with each pogo pin being configured to align with a respective conductor of the plurality of conductors of the instrument connector.