Monitoring Cradle Assembly for Secure Arm-Mounted Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient monitoring systems face challenges in efficiently attaching and managing sensors and monitors, particularly in clinical settings, due to the complexity of cable connections and the need for secure, reliable, and versatile attachment mechanisms that accommodate different orientations and orientations of physiological monitoring devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of a modular electrocardiogram (ECG) device with a disposable and reusable portion that mechanically and electrically mate, along with a cradle system for physiological monitoring devices, and a blood pressure monitor with symmetrical port configurations to accommodate different arm orientations, ensuring secure and reliable attachment and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a modular design with disposable and reusable portions is implemented, then ease of operation and cable management are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for mechanical and electrical mating interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The ECG device is divided into a disposable portion (base with electrodes and cables) and a reusable portion (cover with electronics), allowing the disposable part to be easily attached and removed without complex tools, while the reusable part maintains permanent electronics
Solution Approach 2:
A cradle structure serves as an intermediary component that receives both the disposable and reusable portions, providing a standardized interface that simplifies the attachment process and cable management while distributing the mechanical complexity across multiple components
2Adaptability or versatility
If symmetrical port configurations are used to accommodate different arm orientations, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blood pressure monitor employs symmetrical port configurations where identical ports are positioned at symmetric locations, allowing the device to function correctly regardless of whether it is attached to the left or right arm, thereby achieving adaptability through deliberate symmetrical design
Solution Approach 2:
The symmetrical port design allows the same blood pressure monitor to serve multiple functions - it can be attached to either the left or right arm with identical functionality, eliminating the need for different versions for different orientations
3Reliability
If secure mechanical attachment mechanisms are implemented, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in attachment and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism incorporates movable locking tabs that can be easily actuated to engage or disengage the mechanical connection between the disposable and reusable portions, providing secure attachment when engaged but easy release when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical connector design allows the attachment and detachment operations to be performed by the user without requiring additional tools or complex procedures, with the locking mechanism automatically engaging upon attachment and releasing with simple user action
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for enabling a caregiver to secure a physiological monitoring device to an arm of a user can include the physiological monitoring device a cradle configured to removably secure to the physiological monitoring device and to the user's arm. The physiological monitoring device can include a first connector port configured to electrically connect to a first cable and a first locking tab movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The cradle can include a base, first and second sidewalls, a back wall connected to the base and the first and second sidewalls. The cradle can further include a first opening in the back wall configured to receive the first connector port and a second opening in the first sidewall configured to receive the first locking tab when the physiological monitoring device is secured to the cradle and the first locking tab is in the extended position.