Portable Medical Cable Hub With Locking Ports and Sensor Status Indicators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical devices face issues with cable tangling and disconnection during repositioning or movement, leading to interrupted communication and difficulty in identifying malfunctioning sensors during emergencies.

Innovation Solution

A hub system is used to secure and manage cables connecting accessory devices to a portable medical device, featuring ports, locking mechanisms, and indicators to prevent tangling and disconnection, with magnetic or mechanical couplings and elastic attachments to maintain connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cables are connected to the portable medical device, then the device can connect to multiple sensors and accessory devices, but the cables may become tangled or disconnected during repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A hub device is introduced as an intermediary component between the portable medical device and multiple sensors/accessory devices. The hub consolidates multiple cable connections into a single interface, preventing cable tangling while maintaining connectivity to multiple devices. The hub acts as a mediator that manages the physical arrangement of multiple cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is segmented into modular components: the portable medical device, the hub, and individual sensor/accessory devices. This segmentation allows the hub to independently manage cable routing and connections, isolating the cable management function from the main device and enabling flexible reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If cables are made longer to reach sensors at different locations, then connectivity is improved, but cables are more prone to tangling and disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of connectionVSAvoidcable tangling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hub serves as an intermediary that extends the effective connection range while managing cable length. By positioning the hub between the portable device and sensors at various locations, the system can achieve extended reach without proportionally increasing cable tangling risk, as the hub organizes and secures the cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If sensors or accessory devices need to be repositioned or replaced, then patient care can continue, but cable connections may be disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepositioning capabilityVSAvoidconnection continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable. The hub provides a stable anchor point that remains connected to the portable medical device, while individual sensor connections can be dynamically established, moved, or disconnected without affecting the main connection. This dynamic architecture supports sensor replacement while maintaining overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connectors and cables are used, then the device can interface with various sensors, but it becomes difficult to identify malfunctioning devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor compatibilityVSAvoidmalfunction identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The hub incorporates visual indicators such as colored LEDs or light-emitting elements that change color or illuminate to indicate the connection status of each sensor or accessory device. This allows operators to quickly identify which devices are properly connected and which may be malfunctioning, simplifying the detection process for multiple connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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

The hub system reduces cable tangling, prevents unexpected disconnections, and facilitates quick identification of malfunctioning devices, enhancing the efficacy of medical treatments and reducing confusion during emergencies.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic or mechanical couplings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20250387061A1Physical hub for cables of a portable medical device

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

Systems, devices, and methods for connecting one or more sensors to a portable medical device using a hub are described herein. In some implementations, an example hub includes a device port configured to connect the hub to the portable medical device, and a first port and a second port configured to connect the hub to a first sensor and a second sensor, respectively. In some implementations, an example hub includes a first holder and a second holder configured to couple to a first cable and a second cable. The example hub is attached to a patient support apparatus or a garment.