Pogo Pin Sensor Connector Locking for Secure Medical Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical sensor connectors often fail to ensure proper and secure attachment, leading to incorrect connections and accidental disconnections during non-invasive physiological monitoring, which can compromise the accuracy and reliability of bodily function measurements.
Innovation Solution
A connector and sensor assembly design featuring a low-profile structure with retractable electrical contacts and a lock mechanism that prevents incorrect attachment, allowing for easy connection and release while ensuring secure engagement, and accommodating various sensors with different bodily function measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a connector design allows easy connection and release, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental disconnections
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic lock structure that transitions between locked and unlocked states. The lock structure includes a lockable component that can be actuated to engage with a sensor assembly, providing secure connection during use, and can be deliberately actuated again to release for removal. This dynamic mechanism ensures the connector remains securely attached during physiological monitoring while allowing intentional removal when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector accommodates various sensors with different configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with universal features that enable it to accommodate multiple sensor types and configurations. The lock structure and electrical contact arrangement are configured to work with various sensor assemblies having different numbers and positions of electrical contacts. This multi-functional design allows a single connector type to serve multiple physiological monitoring applications without requiring specialized connectors for each sensor variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector structure is segmented into distinct functional components including the lock structure, electrical contacts, and sensor assembly interface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall compatibility with various sensor types. The modular approach enables the connector to adapt to different sensor configurations without requiring complete redesign of the entire connector assembly.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If retractable electrical contacts are used to reduce wear, then durability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable electrical contacts incorporate a spring mechanism that provides cushioning and compliance during engagement. The spring-loaded design allows the contacts to flex and absorb misalignment forces during insertion, reducing wear on the contact surfaces. This beforehand cushioning through elastic deformation protects the electrical contacts from damage due to manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations.
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 provides a secure, easy-to-use, and versatile connector system that prevents incorrect attachments and accidental disconnections, ensuring reliable signal transmission and reducing wear on sensor surfaces, thus enhancing the accuracy and durability of physiological monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of retractable electrical connectors can extend from the first surface
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Various connector and sensor assemblies are described. In some embodiments, the connector and sensor assembly comprises a connector and a sensor assembly. The connector can have an opening that has a first surface and second surface that are opposite each other. The connector can have a plurality of retractable electrical connectors that extend from the first surface and a lock structure that is located on the second surface. The sensor assembly is comprised of a body portion and a proximal end. The proximal end has a top side and a bottom side. The top side includes a plurality of electrical contacts that is configured to interact with the plurality of retractable electrical connectors. The bottom side includes a key structure that is configured to interact with the lock structure in the connector.