Small-Bore Connector with Integrated Electrical and Optical Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Luer fittings lack integrated electrical and optical communication capabilities, limiting their functionality in medical applications beyond fluid and gas transfer.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating conductive elements, such as electrical lead wires and optical fibers, into small-bore connector devices to enable electrical and optical communication with external devices, enhancing their functionality for medical applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional connectors are used for small-bore catheters, then connection strength may be adequate, but the connector diameter becomes too large and the connection mechanism too complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: an outer connector portion with external threading, an inner connector portion with internal threading, and a barrier device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall connection strength with reduced complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner connector portion is nested within the outer connector portion, with the inner portion featuring internal threading that receives the outer portion's external threading. This nested configuration enables a compact connector assembly that achieves adequate connection strength through threaded engagement without requiring complex external mechanisms.
2Strength
If conventional connectors are used for small-bore catheters, then connection strength may be adequate, but the connector diameter becomes too large
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connector into outer and inner portions with complementary threading, the design achieves sufficient connection strength through direct threaded engagement between segments, eliminating the need for large-diameter structural components and enabling compatibility with small-bore catheters.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration of the inner connector portion within the outer connector portion maximizes space utilization and minimizes the overall connector diameter while maintaining connection strength through the threaded interface between the nested components.
3Length of stationary object
If a connector is designed for small-bore catheters, then connector diameter is reduced, but the connection mechanism becomes overly simple and may compromise reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design with outer and inner connector portions provides multiple engagement points through external and internal threading, creating a redundant connection system that enhances reliability while maintaining a compact diameter suitable for small-bore catheters.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded interface between the outer and inner connector portions acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the compact small-bore design into a reliable connection, mediating between the reduced diameter constraint and the requirement for connection reliability through precise threaded engagement.
4Reliability
If complex connection mechanisms are used, then connection reliability may be improved, but the device becomes difficult to assemble and increase procedural time
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented connector design with clearly defined outer and inner portions featuring complementary threading simplifies the assembly process by providing intuitive alignment and engagement, reducing procedural time while maintaining connection reliability through the straightforward threaded connection mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector device includes a connector. An electrical lead wire is positioned in the connector. The electrical lead wire is configured to provide communication between the connector device and an external device. In certain embodiments, the electrical lead wire includes a contact point on a surface of the connector for electrically coupling the connector device to the external device. In addition to or as an alternative to the electrical lead wire, the connector device may include an optical coupling or channel in the connector configured for optical light transmission between the connector device and the external device.