Quadrant Connector Rack Mount for Reorientable Patient Monitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rack mount systems for patient monitor and physiological patient parameter measurement devices lack flexibility in orientation and secure electrical coupling, limiting their usability and compatibility in various healthcare settings.
Innovation Solution
A modular rack mount system with a mount connector that allows detachable coupling of physiological patient parameter measurement devices in both vertical and horizontal orientations, featuring quadrants with specific pin-outs for redundant coupling configurations and keying mechanisms to ensure secure electrical connections between patient monitors and devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rack mount system uses fixed stationary orientations, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different mounting configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple quadrants (first quadrant, second quadrant, third quadrant, fourth quadrant), each capable of independent engagement. This segmentation allows the connector to accommodate devices in different orientations (vertical or horizontal) by engaging only the necessary quadrants, thereby providing mounting flexibility without requiring complete redesign of the entire connector system.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack mount system is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate patient monitor devices in multiple orientations (vertical or horizontal). The connector system with its multiple quadrants and keying mechanisms provides a universal interface that can adapt to different device configurations and mounting scenarios, eliminating the need for orientation-specific connector designs.
2Ease of operation
If detachable coupling is implemented for reorientation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of electrical coupling may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Keying mechanisms are implemented with asymmetric features (first key, second key, third key, fourth key) that correspond to specific quadrants. These asymmetric keying features ensure that devices can only be coupled in the correct orientation, preventing misalignment and ensuring reliable electrical contacts. The asymmetry provides mechanical guidance and ensures proper engagement while allowing easy detachment and reorientation when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple quadrants with different pin-outs are used, then the adaptability to different device configurations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different quadrants of the connector are assigned different pin-outs tailored to specific device types or orientations. For example, the first quadrant may have a first pin-out configuration optimized for vertical mounting, while the second quadrant has a second pin-out configuration for horizontal mounting. This local differentiation allows each quadrant to be optimized for its specific function, providing device compatibility without requiring the entire connector to be overly complex.
Data Source
AI summary
A System of mated connectors includes a connector having one or more connector quadrants comprising electrical contacts and a mating connector detachably secured to the connector. The mating connector includes one or more mating quadrants and electrical contacts. The mating connector configured to provide electrical coupling to the connector detachably secured thereto. The electrical contacts of a first quadrant of connector quadrants have a first predetermined pin-out and the electrical contacts of a second quadrant of the connector quadrants have a second predetermined pin-out. The electrical contacts of each quadrant of a first pair of the mating quadrants have the first predetermined pin-out and the electrical contacts of each quadrant of a second pair of the mating quadrants have the second predetermined pin-out.