Spring-Loaded Pin Plunger Connector for Multi-Contact Medical Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical connectors for multi-contact electrode devices are bulky, unreliable, and prone to disconnection during seizures, due to their large size, clumsy design, and inadequate contact mechanisms, which can lead to inaccurate data collection and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A streamlined medical connector with a pivotable design and spring-loaded pin plunger devices that securely engage the plural-contact tail, minimizing space and ensuring reliable electrical connections by using a channel for the multi-wire cable and epoxy-like substance for sealing, and featuring a grip flange for easy operation and a lock tab for secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connector is designed with multiple contacts for multi-contact electrode devices, then the electrical connection capability is improved, but the connector size increases making it bulky and clumsy
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a nested structure where the first elongate member with multiple contacts is received within the second elongate member. This nesting arrangement allows multiple contacts to be integrated in a compact configuration, enabling the connector to maintain multi-contact capability while minimizing overall size and avoiding bulkiness.
2Ease of operation
If a connector is designed to be small and slim for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of electrical connection may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector applies local quality by providing a grip flange at the external end of the first elongate member. This localized feature enhances ease of operation by providing a convenient gripping surface for insertion and manipulation, while the internal contact structures maintain their integrity and reliability for electrical connections. The slim profile is preserved in the main body while the grip flange adds operational convenience.
3Ease of manufacture
If a connector uses traditional contact mechanisms, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the contact reliability deteriorates during involuntary motions such as seizures
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs spring-loaded pin plunger devices that provide dynamic contact mechanisms. These spring-loaded plungers can accommodate involuntary motions and seizures by maintaining constant contact pressure through their elastic properties. The springs allow for movement and compression while maintaining reliable electrical connection, making the contact mechanism resilient to external disturbances.
4Reliability
If a connector is designed with secure closure to withstand seizure motions, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector merges multiple functions into integrated structures. The lock tab on the first elongate member engages with the locking surface on the second elongate member to provide secure closure. The grip flange is integrated into the first elongate member structure. These combined features provide secure closure and ease of operation without requiring separate complex mechanisms, thus maintaining reliability while controlling device complexity.
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 connector provides a compact, reliable, and secure electrical connection that withstands involuntary motions, ensuring consistent data collection and improved contact reliability between the electrode tail and conductors.
Implementation Method 1
The spring-loaded pin plunger devices have pins projecting into and at least partially across the tail-receiving void
Implementation Method 2
having a channel for a multi-wire cable and epoxy-like substance for sealing
Data Source
AI summary
An improved electrical connector for connecting a multi-contact medical electrode device with a plural-contact tail. Having a tail-receiving first elongate member with a tail-receiving void and a second elongate member. The second elongate member has a nesting surface and an array of electrical conductors which are spring-loaded pin plunger devices. The spring-loaded pin plunger devices having movable pins that project into and at least partially, preferably halfway, across and into the tail-receiving void. The device is configured such that the spring-loaded pin plunger devices extend at an angle substantially parallel to the movement of the tail-receiving void at the point the pin tips enter therein. The distal end of the second elongate member has an opening through which a multi-wire electrical cable extends. The second elongate member also has a channel in alignment with the opening that has therein the multiple wires of the electrical cable.