Smart Catheter Ring Connector for Solderless Handle Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for connecting circuits in smart catheters are time-consuming and costly due to the need for cutting, soldering, and welding fragile wires, resulting in a lack of robustness in the handle assembly.
Innovation Solution
A handle assembly with a ring connector that establishes a solderless electrical connection by coaxially aligning with the smart catheter's outer surface circuits, eliminating the need for fragile wires and associated processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If small wires are used to establish electrical connection with the circuit in the smart catheter, then electrical connection is achieved, but the handle assembly lacks robustness and the manufacturing process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the small, fragile wires from the electrical connection system. Instead of using traditional wire-based connections, the invention employs a ring connector that directly contacts the circuit on the catheter surface, removing the intermediate wire component that causes fragility and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring connector serves as a new intermediary component between the handle assembly and the smart catheter circuit. This mediator provides a more robust connection method compared to small wires, as it distributes mechanical stress across a larger contact area and eliminates the need for delicate wire manipulation during assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple cutting, soldering, and welding processes are used to connect wires to electrical contact pads, then electrical connection is established, but the manufacturing process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical and thermal processes (cutting, soldering, welding) with a simpler mechanical insertion process. The ring connector is designed to be inserted over the catheter and make electrical contact through direct physical contact, eliminating the need for heat-based joining methods and precise wire cutting.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit is pre-integrated onto the catheter surface during catheter manufacturing, and the ring connector is pre-configured with electrical contact points. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid assembly where the connector simply needs to be positioned and secured, without requiring complex real-time manufacturing operations.
3Reliability
If small, fragile wires are used to establish electrical connection, then connection to the circuit is achieved, but the resultant handle assembly lacks robustness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function with the structural support function into a single ring connector component. This unified design eliminates the separate wire, connector, and mounting structure that would otherwise be needed, simplifying the system while improving robustness through integrated load-bearing and electrical contact capabilities.
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 simplifies assembly, reduces costs, and enhances the robustness of the handle assembly by providing a more reliable electrical connection.
Implementation Method 1
A ring connector is co-axially aligned with the smart catheter and is disposed in radially surrounding relationship with a portion of the outer catheter surface to dispose the ring connector in electrical communication with the circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A handle assembly for a smart catheter includes a housing extending along an axis from a proximal end to a distal end. A smart catheter extends through the housing and along the axis from a receiving end to a distal tip that extends outwardly from and terminates in spaced relationship with the distal end of the housing. The smart catheter includes an outer catheter surface extending annularly about the axis between the receiving end and the distal tip. At least one circuit is disposed along said outer catheter surface and extends between said receiving end and said distal tip. A ring connector is co-axially aligned with said smart catheter and disposed in radially surrounding relationship with a portion of the outer catheter surface to dispose the ring connector in electrical communication with the circuit.