Removable Interposer Connector for Wear-Resistant Scope Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device systems face issues with wear and tear of controller ports due to repeated insertion and removal of scopes, leading to partial or intermittent operation, which can result in degraded performance and increased costs and risks during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a replaceable interposer assembly with a housing, electrical connectors, mechanical fasteners, and a latch system that allows for easy removal and replacement of medical device connectors, ensuring a reliable electrical and mechanical connection to the controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If scopes are repeatedly inserted and removed from the controller port, then the controller can be used for multiple procedures, but the controller port experiences wear and tear leading to connection degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a permanent controller and removable interposer assemblies. The interposer assembly acts as a separable component that absorbs wear from repeated connections, while the controller port remains protected. This segmentation allows the controller to maintain reliability while supporting multiple procedures through replacement of worn interposers rather than the entire system.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a scope connector is repeatedly connected and disconnected, then the scope can be used for multiple procedures, but the connection wear increases the opportunity for partial or intermittent operation
Solution Approach 1:
The interposer assembly serves as an intermediary component between the scope connector and the controller port. It provides a fresh, unworn connection interface for each scope attachment, ensuring reliable electrical and mechanical connections throughout the scope's usage duration. The interposer absorbs the wear from repeated connections, protecting the visualization system from degradation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the controller port wears from repeated connections, then the controller can continue to be used, but repair or replacement becomes necessary increasing costs and procedure duration
Solution Approach 1:
The interposer assembly is designed as a consumable, relatively low-cost component that can be easily replaced when worn. Instead of repairing or replacing the entire expensive controller system, users can interchange worn interposers with new ones, maintaining controller functionality at minimal cost and downtime. This approach treats the interposer as a disposable protective element.
4Manufacturing precision
If a proprietary connector design is used, then the system can be optimized for specific medical devices, but other medical devices cannot be connected to the same controller
Solution Approach 1:
The interposer assembly is designed with universal adaptability, allowing a single controller to work with multiple different scope types through interchangeable interposers. Each interposer can be configured with appropriate connectors for different device protocols and pin configurations, enabling one controller to serve multiple functions and accommodate various medical devices without modification.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to devices, systems, and methods for connecting or removing one or more interposer assemblies from a controller, replacing a used interposer assembly with a new interposer assembly, and connecting or removing a medical device from such an interposer assembly. The one or more interposer assemblies for connecting the medical device to a controller may comprise a housing defining a front-facing socket for removably receiving a connector of the medical device, and at least one electrical connector on a rear face of the housing, the at least one electrical connector for removable connection to the controller.