Sealed Medical Imaging Connector Assembly for Fluid Ingress Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging device connector assemblies are prone to failure due to ingress of fluids such as bodily fluids, saline solutions, ultrasound gel, enzymatic cleaners, and disinfectants, as well as exposure to humid environments, which can damage electrical circuitry and connectors.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging device connector assembly featuring a front and back housing with internal frames, secured by screws, and gaskets between the housings and internal frames to prevent fluid ingress, along with a conical cable housing and ferrite tubes to shield against electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connector assembly uses traditional sealing methods, then the structure is simple, but fluid ingress damages electrical circuitry and connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into multiple sealed compartments using internal frames and gaskets. The first gasket seals between the front housing and front internal frame, while the second gasket seals between the back housing and back internal frame. This segmentation creates isolated sealed spaces that protect electrical components from fluid ingress.
Solution Approach 2:
Gaskets serve as intermediary sealing elements between the housings and internal frames. These gaskets create fluid-tight barriers that prevent direct contact between external fluids and the electrical circuitry, acting as a protective mediator layer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector assembly is exposed to sterilization processes, then the device can be reused, but fluid ingress during sterilization damages internal electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket seals are installed in advance between the housings and internal frames to create pre-established fluid barriers. This preliminary sealing action ensures that when sterilization fluids are applied, the electrical components are already protected by the pre-formed sealed environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed compartments created by the gaskets provide beforehand protection against fluid ingress during sterilization. The sealing structure is prepared in advance to cushion and prevent damage to electrical components from exposure to sterilization agents.
3Reliability
If the connector assembly uses multiple gaskets and internal frames, then fluid protection is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is segmented into modular sections with separate front and back internal frames, each with its own gasket seal. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of individual components that can be assembled together, improving ease of manufacture despite the multiple sealing elements.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A medical imaging device connector assembly (400) for connecting a medical imaging device (900) to a terminal of a medical imaging system (10) is provided. The medical imaging device connector assembly includes a first housing (410) including an opening (412) sized and shaped to receive at least one electrical connector (800), a second housing (420), a first internal frame (430) configured to be secured to the first housing, a second internal frame (440) configured to be secured to the second housing, and at least one printed circuit board (610, 620) disposed between the first internal frame and the second internal frame when the first internal frame is secured to the second internal frame.