Electrosurgical Socket Module Mechanical Terminal Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical socket modules require time-consuming soldering processes for connection assembly, which increases assembly time and risks errors, and do not adequately ensure electrical connections' durability under temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A socket module design featuring form-fitting and/or force-fitting connection means with contact areas that eliminate the need for wiring, using a circuit board connected in a positive and/or non-positive manner, reducing assembly time and potential errors by ensuring secure mechanical and electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soldering processes are used to connect terminals in socket modules, then electrical connections can be established, but assembly time increases and potential sources of error arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the soldering process (thermal/chemical joining method) with a mechanical connection system consisting of connecting elements that have contact areas for positive and/or frictional engagement with terminals. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for soldering while maintaining reliable electrical connections, thereby reducing assembly time and eliminating soldering-related errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the soldering process entirely from the assembly procedure by introducing separate connecting elements that mechanically bridge terminals. The connecting elements are pre-formed with contact areas that engage with terminals through positive locking and/or friction, removing the time-consuming soldering step while preserving electrical connectivity.
2Reliability
If soldering processes are used to ensure connection durability, then electrical connections can withstand temperature fluctuations, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex soldering process with a simpler mechanical connection system using connecting elements that engage terminals through positive locking and/or friction. This mechanical system achieves comparable or superior durability under temperature fluctuations while significantly reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow them to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of terminals during temperature fluctuations. The frictional and positive locking mechanisms maintain reliable electrical connections despite dimensional changes, providing durability without requiring complex thermal compensation designs.
3Reliability
If multiple connecting cables are used inside the housing to establish electrical connections, then complete electrical connectivity can be achieved, but the number of components and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple connecting cables into integrated connecting elements that directly bridge terminals within the housing. These connecting elements incorporate multiple contact areas that simultaneously establish multiple electrical connections, eliminating the need for separate cables and reducing overall component count while maintaining complete electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support, establish electrical connections through multiple contact areas, and accommodate thermal variations. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized components including several connecting cables, terminals, and mounting fixtures.
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 significantly reduces assembly time by up to 75% and enhances the reliability of electrical connections, avoiding soldering-related issues and ensuring durability under temperature fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a first contact area of which is positively and/or frictionally connected to the first contact of the first terminal and a second contact area of which is positively and/or frictionally connected to the first contact of the second terminal
Implementation Method 2
positive-locking and/or force-locking connection eliminates at least some of the wiring required for the connections
Implementation Method 3
The circuit board has a third contact area that positively and/or frictionally connects the first terminal to the circuit board
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a socket module for an electrosurgical device, wherein the socket module comprises a housing (10), at least two terminals (11, 12) each with two contacts (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b), and at least one first connecting element (13) that electrically connects a first contact (11a) of the first terminal (11) to a first contact (12a) of the second terminal (12), wherein the first connecting element (13) has two contact areas (13a, 13b), of which a first contact area (13a) is positively and/or force-fit connected to the first contact (11a) of the first terminal (11) and a second contact area (13b) is positively and/or force-fit connected to the first contact (12a) of the second terminal (12), and wherein a circuit board (15) is arranged in the housing (10) which is electrically connected to the first terminal (11), wherein the circuit board (15) has a third contact area (15a, 15b),which connects the first terminal (11) to the circuit board (15) in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner.