Perineal Probe Interlocking Assembly for Lightweight Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perineal probes require long production times and high material input due to welding or bonding processes, leading to high costs and a heavy design that is easily expelled from the patient, making them unsuitable for 'standing' rehabilitation techniques.
Innovation Solution
A perineal probe design featuring interlocking couplings and a method of assembly using elastically deformable polymeric arms and a fiberglass printed circuit inner body, which allows for quick assembly, reduced material usage, and a lightweight structure, with conductive and insulating portions coupled for fluid-tight connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding or bonding processes are used to assemble electrodes, then connection reliability is improved, but production time increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into modular components (electrodes, insulating portions, junction element) that can be assembled through simple interlocking couplings without requiring welding or bonding, thus reducing production time while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking couplings are designed to automatically secure components together through mechanical engagement, eliminating the need for external joining processes like welding or bonding, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and production time
2Reliability
If welding or bonding processes are used to assemble electrodes, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe structure is segmented into standardized modules with complementary interlocking features that guide assembly, reducing the need for high mounting precision while maintaining secure connections
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking couplings are designed to self-align and self-secure components through mechanical engagement, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning and complex joining procedures
3Ease of manufacture
If over-molding is used to create a single body, then manufacturing steps are reduced, but material input increases and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is constructed from separate modular components rather than a single over-molded body, allowing for reduced material usage while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The probe uses composite construction with distinct materials for different functions (conductive electrodes, insulating portions, polymeric junction element) optimized for their specific roles, reducing overall material input compared to a monolithic over-molded structure
4Strength
If traditional probe design is used, then structural strength is maintained, but weight increases causing easier expulsion from patient
Solution Approach 1:
The probe uses thin-walled polymeric structures and flexible materials that provide sufficient structural strength for medical use while minimizing weight, preventing easy expulsion from the patient
Solution Approach 2:
The probe employs composite construction using lightweight materials (polymeric junction element, insulating portions) combined with conductive elements, achieving optimal strength-to-weight ratio for patient comfort and retention
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 results in a probe that is faster to produce, less expensive, lighter, and more stable during use, facilitating effective rehabilitation with reduced risk of expulsion.
Implementation Method 1
The junction element 3 comprises elastically deformable portions 31 apt to make the first interlocking coupling 4
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
Figure 3~3a
AI summary
A perineal probe (1) is provided mainly extending along a main axis and comprising at least two electrodes (2) protruding from the axial direction, spaced one another and electrically insulated along the axial direction and one junction element (3) being apt to mechanically connect the electrodes (2) and mainly extending along the main axis, in which at least one of the electrodes (2) comprises a seat for the junction element (3) apt to realize a first interlocking coupling between the junction element (3) and the seat, the junction element (3) comprising an inner cavity mainly extending along the main axis and elastically deformable portions apt to realize the first interlocking coupling, the probe (1) further comprising an inner body (5) apt to be inserted into the inner cavity and being apt to hinder the elastic deformation of the deformable portions of the junction element (3) in such a way as to prevent the release of the first interlocking coupling.