Modular Electrical Connections With Latch Sensing for Safe Patient Care
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular patient care systems face safety risks due to improper module securing or accidental bumps, which can interrupt patient care. Additionally, these systems often handle high currents and are exposed to therapeutic or bodily fluids, leading to potential damage from moisture or electrical arcing at connection interfaces.
Innovation Solution
The modular patient care system employs a latch mechanism and electrical connectors with retention components to securely attach and detach modules, ensuring proper electrical connections while preventing arcing and corrosion. The system also includes a sensor to detect latch movement, enabling controlled power switching and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modules are mechanically coupled using releasable attachments to permit customization and exchange, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to improper securing or accidental bumps interrupting patient care
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic latch mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states based on sensor detection. The latch is normally locked to maintain reliable connection, but can be unlocked when the sensor detects intentional separation attempts, thus maintaining reliability while enabling controlled adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor provides feedback about the latch state and module connection status to the control system. This feedback loop enables the system to monitor connection integrity and respond appropriately, maintaining reliability by detecting and preventing improper disconnections while allowing intentional reconfiguration.
2Power
If electrical connectors are exposed to handle high currents and therapeutic or bodily fluids, then power and data exchange capabilities are improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to moisture damage or electrical arcing
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the electrical connector and the environment. When the latch is engaged, it provides mechanical protection and isolation for the electrical connector, preventing direct exposure to moisture and reducing the risk of electrical arcing while maintaining full electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect conditions that might lead to harmful effects (such as improper connection or exposure to fluids) and takes preventive action before damage occurs. The controlled locking mechanism prevents connection under adverse conditions, cushioning against potential moisture damage and electrical arcing.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic module for a modular patient care system is disclosed. The electronic module can include a housing having an attachment side configured to releasably attach to an adjacent electronic module. A latch mechanism can be configured to engage a catch member on the adjacent electronic module to secure the attachment side to the adjacent electronic module. An electrical connector positioned on the attachment side can be configured to electrically connect to an adjacent electrical connector on the adjacent electronic module. A sensor coupled to the housing can be configured to detect movement of the latch mechanism indicative of at least one of engagement or disengagement of the latch mechanism from the adjacent electronic module.