Sliding Interference-Fit Cord Connector for Stable Medical Power Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connections for medical devices, such as electrosurgical devices, are prone to breaking due to inadequate mechanical stability, leading to potential patient harm from sudden disconnections during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a cord-side and device-side connector with a mechanical interference fit, utilizing protrusions and slots for secure slidable engagement, ensuring stable electrical and mechanical connection between the electrical cord and medical device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a universal pin and mating receptacle connection is used, then the connection is easy to manufacture and assemble, but the connection is susceptible to breaking under mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a cord-side connector and a device-side connector that can be separately manufactured and assembled. Each connector has specific engagement features (protrusions and recesses) that simplify manufacturing while ensuring reliable connection when assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The cord-side connector is received within a recess of the device-side connector, creating a nested structure. The protrusions on the cord-side connector engage with corresponding recesses in the device-side connector, providing both ease of assembly and mechanical strength through the nested configuration.
2Strength
If a coaxial cable connection is used, then the connection strength is improved, but the connection becomes too strong and cannot break under inadvertent forces, potentially causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connection allows for controlled movement and flexibility through the sliding engagement of protrusions within recesses. This dynamic design provides sufficient strength for normal use while allowing the connection to give way under excessive force, preventing damage to the electrosurgical device or power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the connection are optimized by changing the parameters of the engagement features. The protrusions and recesses are designed with specific dimensions and materials that provide adequate strength for operational reliability while maintaining the ability to disconnect under abnormal conditions, thus preventing damage.
3Ease of operation
If a magnetic connection is used, then the connection is easy to disconnect, but the connection is too easy to break accidentally, potentially causing harm to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connection is replaced with a mechanical sliding connection using protrusions and recesses. This mechanical system provides controlled ease of disconnection through the sliding mechanism while ensuring reliable connection during normal use, eliminating the risk of accidental disconnection that could harm the patient.
4Device complexity
If a friction-based universal pin connection is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the connection reliability is compromised due to susceptibility to breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into cord-side and device-side components with specific engagement features. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of each part while the combined structure provides enhanced reliability through the interlocking protrusion-recess mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector components may utilize composite materials or material combinations that provide both mechanical strength and flexibility. The protrusions and recesses are designed with material properties that ensure reliable connection while maintaining ease of manufacture and assembly.
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
Provides a stable and reliable connection that withstands inadvertent forces, preventing accidental disconnection and ensuring consistent power delivery to medical devices during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one protrusion and the at least one slot are configured to form a mechanical connection through an interference fit upon slidable receipt of the at least one protrusion into the at least one slot
Implementation Method 2
the cord-side conductive portion and the device-side conductive portion are configured to be in contact with each other upon formation of the interference fit
Data Source
AI summary
A system for electrically and mechanically connecting an electrical cord and a medical device includes: a cord-side connector including a cord connecting surface, a cord-side conductive portion, and at least one protrusion extending from an intermediate surface; and a device-side connector including a device connecting surface, a device-side conductive portion, and a recess configured to slidably receive the cord-side connector in a sliding direction, the recess including at least one slot configured to slidably receive the at least one protrusion to guide the cord-side connector in the recess in the sliding direction, where the at least one protrusion and slot are configured to form a mechanical connection through an interference fit upon slidable receipt of the at least one protrusion into the at least one slot, and the cord-side conductive portion and the device-side conductive portion are configured to contact each other upon formation of the interference fit.