Multi-Orientation Medical Sensor Connector for Rapid Device Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional medical connectors are oriented in a single direction, leading to inconvenience and delays in patient care, as they require different types for various medical devices and monitors, necessitating time to identify and operate each type.
Innovation Solution
Development of multiple orientation connectors that can be inserted into monitor receptacles in more than one orientation, allowing for compatibility with various medical devices and monitors, and automatic orientation determination by the monitor based on interactions with sensors, enabling efficient coupling and data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional single-orientation connectors are used, then connector reliability is maintained, but operator convenience deteriorates and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with rotational symmetry to perform the same coupling function in multiple orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°), eliminating the need for operators to identify specific orientations or learn different connector types for different devices. The symmetric pin arrangement and housing geometry enable universal compatibility across multiple connection scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connector types are used for different medical devices, then device compatibility is improved, but device complexity and operator training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single connector design with rotational symmetry replaces multiple specialized connector types, enabling one connector to interface with various medical devices (pulse oximeters, EEG monitors, etc.) while maintaining compatibility through its ability to assume multiple functional orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple orientation-specific connectors into a single multi-orientation connector, consolidating what would have been separate components into one unified design that handles all connection scenarios.
3Productivity
If traditional connectors require specific orientation, then connection reliability is ensured, but patient care efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector enables rapid connection by accepting insertion in any rotational orientation, eliminating the time required for orientation identification and adjustment, thereby directly improving patient care efficiency in clinical settings.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for coupling a medical sensor to a medical monitor includes a first pin coupled and a second pin each electrically coupled to a first LED and to a second LED, respectively, of an emitter of the medical sensor. The connector includes a third pin electrically coupled to a cathode and a fourth pin electrically coupled to an anode of a detector of the medical sensor. The first pin and the second pin are arranged to have 180 degree symmetry relative to one another, and the third pin and the fourth pin are arranged to have 180 degree symmetry relative to one another.