Rectangular Medical Connector Assembly With Sealed Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical and medical connector assemblies face issues with intermittent electrical connections due to wear and interference from repeated use, fluid exposure, and limited clearance, leading to premature deterioration and the need for frequent replacement.
Innovation Solution
A rectangular electrical connector assembly with a latching mechanism, featuring a plug and receptacle design that provides increased clearance between contacts, minimizes cross-talk, and includes a sealing mechanism to protect against fluids and dust, allowing for secure and reliable communication of data, power, or fluids over extended usage cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If circular connector assemblies are used, then compact design is achieved, but electrical interference and cross-talk occur due to limited clearance between contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a circular connector configuration to a rectangular connector configuration. This asymmetric shape change increases the clearance between adjacent contacts, reducing electrical interference and cross-talk while maintaining compact overall dimensions. The rectangular geometry allows for optimized contact spacing that prevents signal interference.
2Ease of operation
If connector assemblies are repeatedly engaged and disengaged, then operational flexibility is improved, but wear and friction cause deterioration after thousands of cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates friction-reducing coatings or surface treatments on the contact surfaces and mating interfaces. This beforehand protection measures reduces wear during repeated engagement and disengagement cycles, extending the connector's operational life beyond typical deterioration thresholds while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies surface parameters such as roughness, hardness, or material composition of contact surfaces to reduce friction and wear. By changing these surface parameters, the connector can withstand thousands of engagement cycles without deterioration, maintaining both operational flexibility and durability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If connector assemblies are designed for fluid resistance, then protection against fluids is improved, but sealing mechanisms may interfere with electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connector into separate sealed housing sections and internal contact areas. The sealing mechanism is segmented to protect against fluid penetration while maintaining clear, interference-free electrical contact paths. This segmentation allows fluid resistance and electrical connection quality to be optimized independently.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly is disclosed. A rectangular plug and rectangular receptacle engage to provide a sealed and durable connector. The electrical connector assembly provides electric, fluid, data and other suitable information suitable for surgical, medical or other device applications. A latch is used to secure the plug with the receptacle and prevent the plug from being easily removed from the receptacle. The connector is substantially sealed to prevent fluid, dust particles and/or other matter from entering the components and damaging the connector assembly.