MR-Plug Connector with Movable Contact Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional plug connectors for magnetic resonance devices are prone to mechanical damage and liquid ingress, leading to corrosion and material brittleness, which compromises their reliability and ease of cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A liquid-proof, MR-compatible plug connector design featuring a first and second connecting part with a movable second contact plate that establishes contact only upon connection, utilizing a mechanical lifting apparatus to ensure galvanic separation and easy cleaning, and incorporating a diversion unit to prevent foreign substances from reaching the contact plates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If contact elements are arranged openly for easy connection, then ease of operation is improved, but mechanical damage and accidental touch contact increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connectionVSAvoidmechanical damage protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The contact elements are nested within a housing structure with contact openings that provide protected access. The socket includes an insulating body with contact elements pressed into it, arranged within recesses that allow connection while preventing direct touch and mechanical damage to the contact elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If contact elements are set back for protection, then mechanical damage protection is improved, but liquid ingress and cleaning difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical damage protectionVSAvoidcleaning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The problematic combination of setbacks and recesses that trap liquids is eliminated. The design extracts the harmful geometric features while maintaining protection through a different approach - contact elements are positioned within a housing that provides protection without creating liquid-trapping recesses, enabling easy cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible membrane or cover structure is used to provide protection while maintaining cleanability. The housing structure with controlled openings allows contact element protection without creating difficult-to-clean recesses, similar to how flexible seals provide protection while maintaining smooth surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If protective covers are added for liquid protection, then liquid ingress protection is improved, but device complexity and handling convenience decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid ingress protectionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function is merged into the housing structure itself rather than being a separate movable cover. The housing with its designed contact openings provides both structural support and liquid protection, eliminating the need for additional protective covers while maintaining simplicity and ease of handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If contact elements are arranged in recesses for protection, then accidental touch contact protection is improved, but liquid trapping and corrosion increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccidental touch contact protectionVSAvoidcorrosion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The design converts the potential harm of recesses by eliminating them. Instead of using recesses that trap liquids and cause corrosion, the contact elements are positioned in a way that provides protection from touch contact while maintaining smooth, drainable surfaces that prevent liquid accumulation and corrosion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS10310033B2Plug connector for use in a magnetic resonance device

Publication Date: 2019.06.04 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A plug connector is disclosed for use in a magnetic resonance device. The plug connector includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part, which are configured to be detachably connected to one another. The first connecting part includes a first contact surface and the second connecting part includes a first contact plate, a second contact plate, and a housing. The second contact plate is arranged to be moved relative to the housing. In a connected state, the first contact plate is arranged between the first contact surface and the second contact plate. The electrical plug connector includes a mechanical lifting apparatus, which is configured, when the first connecting part is being connected to the second connecting part, to move the second contact plate, e.g., relative to the housing, in the direction of the first contact plate.