Rotatable Electrical Connector With Internal Contacts and Secure Mating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors for medical devices pose safety hazards due to external contacts and require larger incisions, increasing infection risk and necessitating specific orientations for mating.
Innovation Solution
A small-diameter plug with internal contacts, a receptacle with spring-loaded retention arms, and a connection detection sensor, allowing omnidirectional mating and minimizing skin incision size while ensuring electrical safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external contacts are used in the plug, then electrical connection is achieved, but electrical shock hazard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional connector design by placing electrical contacts inside the plug body rather than on the exterior. The receptacle contains spring-loaded contacts that engage with internal plug contacts, completely enclosing all conductive elements. This inversion eliminates exposed electrical contacts that could pose shock hazards while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
2Ease of operation
If a larger diameter plug is used, then easier connection is achieved, but incision size increases and infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: a compact plug body containing electrical contacts, a receptacle with retention mechanism, and spring-loaded engagement elements. This segmentation allows the plug diameter to be minimized to only what is necessary for the electrical contacts and cable passage, rather than requiring a larger diameter for external contact surfaces or manual manipulation features.
3Reliability
If specific orientation is required for mating, then proper contact alignment is achieved, but connection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design elements to ensure proper alignment without requiring specific orientation during connection. The receptacle includes a single asymmetric spring-loaded contact that engages with a corresponding feature on the plug, creating a self-aligning mechanism that guides proper mating regardless of initial orientation.
4Reliability
If retention mechanism is added, then connection security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded contacts that automatically engage when the plug is inserted into the receptacle. The spring force provides both the retention force to maintain connection and the release mechanism when the plug is pulled, eliminating the need for separate retention components or complex control systems.
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 minimizes the risk of electrical shock and infection by using internal contacts, reduces incision size, and enables easy, secure connections without requiring specific orientations.
Implementation Method 1
The receptacle includes an ejection spring and one or more retention arms. When the plug is plugged into the receptacle, the plug is pushed to compress the ejection spring, which causes the spring-loaded retention arms to lock into place, retaining the plug in the receptacle.
Implementation Method 2
the spring-loaded retention arms to lock into place, retaining the plug in the receptacle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The disclosed invention concerns various embodiments of an electrical connection comprised of a plug and receptacle. The plug and receptacle able to electrically interconnect in a manner allowing the plug to rotate within the receptacle where the connection is ensured by a retention mechanism within the receptacle which removably engages a recess about the exterior of the plug. Electrical interconnectivity between the plug and receptacle formed to mitigate exposure of the conductive contacts with the exterior environment. The mating between the plug and receptacle also able to employ a connection detection sensor which is able to provide notification through connection with external equipment if a plug is secured within the receptacle.