Plug Connector Handle Layout for Precise Steering and Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector parts for devices such as magnetic resonance imaging systems face challenges in handling, precise navigation, and efficient cleaning, particularly in medical environments.

Innovation Solution

A plug-type connector part with a handle element for intuitive handling and a socket-type connector part with a self-contained connector module, designed for easy assembly and cleaning, featuring a handle element for precise control and a connector module positioned above the insertion slot to minimize contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a plug-type connector part is designed without a handle element, then the structure is simpler, but handling and navigation precision are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling precisionVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into functionally independent parts: an insertion part with contact elements and a handle element. This segmentation allows the handle to be optimized for user interaction while the insertion part is optimized for electrical connection, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle element acts as an intermediary between the user and the insertion part. It provides a user-friendly interface for gripping and maneuvering the connector, while being functionally separate from the contact elements, thus improving handling without complicating the core connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the connector module is positioned below the insertion slot, then assembly is simpler, but contamination and signal distortion increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecontaminationVSAvoidmodule positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector module is repositioned from a horizontal arrangement (below the insertion slot) to a vertical arrangement (above the insertion slot). This dimensional change in positioning allows the contact elements to be shielded from contamination sources while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If the handle element is integrated closely with the insertion part, then structural integrity is improved, but cleaning accessibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning easeVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is segmented into a handle element and an insertion part that are functionally distinct. This segmentation creates physical separation that allows the insertion part with contact elements to be accessed and cleaned independently, while the handle serves as a separate handling interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle element is extracted as a separate functional component from the insertion part. This extraction allows the insertion part to be designed with cleaning accessibility in mind, while the handle provides the necessary structural integrity for user interaction without interfering with cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3931915B1Plug-type connector part with a handle element for steering the movement
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
  • EP3931915B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3931915B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3931915B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A plug-type connector part is described. The plug-type connector part comprises a rear part and an insertion part attached to or integrally formed with the rear part. The insertion part extends from the rear part in a mating direction of the plug-type connector part, the insertion part comprising a plurality of contact elements. The plug-type connector part comprises a handle element attached to or integrally formed with the rear part. The handle element is located opposite of the insertion part and faces the insertion part, with an interspace between the handle element and the insertion part.