Self-Aligning Hub Connector Rack for Blind Medical Device Docking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting medical devices to modular racks are time-consuming and prone to human error due to the need for manual alignment of connectors, which can hinder proper engagement, especially when devices are stacked, obstructing the clinician's view and increasing logistical burdens.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning system featuring a modular rack with an electrified wiring harness, a connector plug, a connector shell seal, and a guiding system that allows tri-axial self-alignment of the connector receptacle on the device to the connector plug on the rack, facilitated by mechanical means and a bracket attached to the device, ensuring proper engagement without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual alignment of connectors is used, then connection can be established, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly incorporates self-aligning features including guide rails on the rack and corresponding guide slots on the device bracket, allowing the connector to automatically align and engage with the receptacle without manual intervention. The spring-loaded connector plug further enables automatic engagement by pushing against the receptacle to establish electrical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket serves as an intermediary component between the device and the rack, providing mechanical guidance through guide slots that interface with guide rails. This intermediary structure translates the device placement motion into precise connector alignment, bridging the gap between rough device positioning and precise electrical connection
2Area of stationary object
If devices are stacked on the rack, then space utilization is improved, but the clinician's view of connection interfaces is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The self-aligning connector system eliminates the need for clinician visualization of connection interfaces during the connection process. The automatic alignment and engagement mechanisms perform the connection task without requiring the clinician to observe or manually adjust the connector position, thereby resolving the visibility issue while maintaining stacked device configuration
3Reliability
If manual connection monitoring is required, then proper engagement can be ensured, but logistical burden on clinician increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification of proper engagement through its mechanical design. The guide rails and guide slots provide inherent alignment verification, while the spring-loaded connector plug automatically adjusts to ensure full engagement with the receptacle. This eliminates the need for separate manual monitoring steps, reducing operational complexity while maintaining connection reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for self-aligning and connecting a device to a modular rack. The system includes a device comprising a connector receptacle configured to receive a connector plug and a bracket fixed to the device, a modular rack comprising the connector plug and a shelf configured to receive the bracket and guide the shelf in a plurality of directions. When the bracket of the device is inserted into the shelf of the modular rack, the shelf travels in the plurality of directions to self-align the connector plug of the modular rack to the connector receptacle of the device to ensure engagement of the connector plug to the connector receptacle.