Sterile Drape Connector Assembly for Electrical Probe Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The need to breach the sterile barrier during surgical procedures to make electrical connections across a sterile field without compromising sterility.
Innovation Solution
A connection system comprising a sensor connector with a piercing element, a probe connector with various clamping mechanisms, and a tether to establish electrical connections across a sterile field, ensuring sterility is maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sterile drape is placed over a patient to establish a sterile field, then sterility is maintained, but electrical connections cannot be made across the sterile field
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the connection interface into two separate connectors: a sterile connector that remains on the sterile side of the drape and a non-sterile connector that remains on the non-sterile side. The tether is segmented into sterile and non-sterile portions, allowing electrical connections to be made independently on each side without breaching the sterile barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterile connector acts as an intermediary element that interfaces with the sterile field through the drape while the non-sterile connector interfaces with external equipment. The tether serves as a mediator transmitting electrical signals between the two connectors, enabling communication across the sterile boundary without physical breach.
2Ease of operation
If the sterile barrier is breached to make electrical connections, then electrical connections can be established, but sterility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into sterile and non-sterile components that operate independently. The sterile connector and its associated tether portion remain confined to the sterile field, while the non-sterile connector and tether portion remain outside the sterile field, eliminating the need to breach the sterile barrier for electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The drape acts as a flexible barrier that can accommodate the sterile connector interface without being breached. The connector design allows it to interface with the drape material itself, using the drape's flexibility to maintain the barrier while enabling electrical connectivity through controlled interfaces.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a directional clamp is used to connect the wire probe, then the wire probe is secured in a particular orientation, but the user has limited flexibility in probe orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism transitions from a fixed directional orientation to a dynamic adjustable orientation. The clamp can be rotated or repositioned along the wire probe to accommodate different angular requirements, allowing the system to adapt to various surgical configurations while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed with multi-functional capability to serve both as a secure anchor point and as an adjustable orientation device. It can accommodate wire probes at multiple angles and positions, making it universally applicable to different surgical scenarios without requiring multiple specialized clamps.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a non-directional clamp is used to connect the wire probe, then the user has flexibility in probe orientation, but the wire probe may not be securely held in the desired position
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism incorporates feedback through its design that allows the user to sense and adjust the probe position. As the clamp is adjusted to different orientations, the user can feel the engagement points and make real-time adjustments to ensure the wire probe is both securely held and properly oriented for the surgical procedure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Disclosed herein are connection systems for establishing electrical connections across a sterile field. An example connection system includes a sensor connector, a probe connector, and a tether having a first end connected to the sensor connector and a second end connected to the probe connector. The sensor connector includes a piercing element. The piercing element is configured to pierce a sterile side of a drape and establish a first electrical connection with a receptacle of a sensor when the piercing element is inserted into the receptacle. The probe connector includes a probe-connecting means configured for a user to establish a second electrical connection between an electrical contact of the probe connector and a wire probe. The tether is configured to convey electrical signals between the sensor connector and the probe connector. Also disclosed herein are methods of connection systems for establishing electrical connections across a sterile field.