Monolithic Spring Contact Ring for Stable Repeated Pin Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring contact elements in medical technology are complex, prone to errors, and costly to manufacture, often failing to maintain a stable electrical connection after repeated use.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic spring contact ring with elastically deformable belt-shaped spring elements, featuring two curved connectors and bends, which form a continuous connection between the outer ring and the spring elements, ensuring a large contact surface and stable electrical connection even after multiple insertions and removals of a contact pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If spring contact elements consist of several components, then they can be manufactured with standard parts, but they are more susceptible to errors and complicated to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (outer ring, spring elements, connectors, and isolation elements) into a single monolithic structure made from one piece of elastic material. This eliminates assembly errors and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the functional benefits of having separate components for isolation and connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic structure is segmented into functional zones: outer ring for structural support, spring elements for elastic deformation and connection, connectors for attachment, and isolation elements for electrical insulation. This segmentation within a single piece achieves both manufacturing simplicity and functional reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spring contact elements use multiple components, then they can provide functional separation, but they are more prone to errors and complex to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements (spring elements, isolation elements, connectors) are merged into a single monolithic component made from elastic material, reducing structural complexity while preserving functional separation through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the monolithic structure have different properties: spring elements are designed for elastic deformation, isolation elements for electrical insulation, and connectors for mechanical attachment. This local differentiation achieves functional separation without increasing overall structural complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the spring contact ring uses a monolithic design, then manufacturing is simpler and more cost-effective, but the contact stability after repeated use must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic structure incorporates dynamic spring elements that can elastically deform during contact pin insertion and removal. This dynamic capability allows the contact ring to accommodate repeated use while maintaining stable electrical connection, ensuring long-term durability despite the simplified monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are pre-designed with elastic properties to absorb mechanical stresses from repeated insertions and removals. This beforehand cushioning protects the monolithic structure from wear and damage, ensuring connection durability over time.
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 solution enables a simple, cost-effective, and highly reliable spring contact ring that maintains a stable electrical connection with minimal deformation of the inner diameter, ensuring reliable performance in medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
elastically deformable belt-shaped spring elements... essentially only radial deformation forces act on the spring elements when a cylindrical contact pin is inserted into the spring contact ring
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a monolithic spring contact ring, preferably for use in a medical electrode, comprising an outer ring and a plurality of elastically deformable belt-shaped spring elements, each comprising two curved connectors which form a continuously running, gap-free connection between the outer ring and the respective spring element, wherein the spring elements each extend continuously from the first connector to the second connector via a first bend, a central part of the spring element and a second bend, wherein the middle part comprises a front side which points in the direction of the central axis of the outer ring.