Movable Medical Device Connector for Splash Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical device arrangements fail to meet safety and aesthetic standards when used as individual devices, as they often have exposed electrical contacts and unsightly configurations, and cannot be easily converted between single and combined operations.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a movable connector that can transition from an active to a passive position, sealed in a liquid-tight manner, allowing easy conversion between single and combined operations, featuring a lift unit for easy movement and a covering mechanism for splash protection, along with a drive mechanism to automatically move the connector into the active position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is fixed in the active position for combined operation, then electrical connection is ensured, but splash protection and aesthetic requirements cannot be met when used as a single device
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to be movable between active and passive positions through a lifting mechanism. This dynamic configuration allows the device to adapt between single-device mode (connector retracted for splash protection) and combined-device mode (connector extended for electrical connection), resolving the contradiction between versatility and safety compliance
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into movable connector components and fixed housing portions. The connector can be independently positioned, allowing the system to maintain electrical connection capability while physically separating the connector from the main device body during single-device operation, thus achieving both adaptability and splash protection
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is movable between active and passive positions, then both single and combined operation are enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is designed to be manually operable by the user without requiring additional power sources or complex control systems. The simple lift unit allows users to easily transition the connector between positions, achieving versatile operation capability while minimizing the added complexity through self-service design
3Reliability
If the connector is retracted into the device body, then splash protection is improved, but accessibility for connection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions between retracted (for splash protection) and extended (for accessibility) states through a simple lifting action. This dynamic positioning ensures that when splash protection is needed, the connector is safely retracted, but when connection is required, it can be easily accessed by lifting it outward
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The device i.e. ultrasonic generator (2), has an electrical plug-in connector (8) connected with a complementary mating connector of another medical device i.e. high frequency generator (3). The electrical plug-in connector is arranged in an upwardly projecting manner in an active position. An elevation unit comprises a prismatic joint by which the plug-in connector is linearly movable from the active position into a passive position. The plug-in connector is arranged remote from the upper side of the device in the passive position, where the upper side is closed in a liquid-tight manner.