Unipolar Cannula Lateral Stimulation Cable Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unipolar cannulas lack flexibility in using both ultrasound and electrostimulation for cannula position detection, as existing designs are either permanently connected to electrostimulation, limiting their use without interference or requiring separate devices for each method.
Innovation Solution
A cannula design that allows optional attachment of a stimulation cable using an electrically insulating mounting part with a conductive contact element, enabling either ultrasound or electrostimulation use without altering the cannula's outer configuration, and allowing for easy detachment when not needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stimulation cable is permanently connected to the cannula, then electrostimulation capability is ensured, but the cannula cannot be used with ultrasound detection only and the stimulation cable interferes with conventional usage
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulation cable is divided into separate components: a mounting part that attaches to the cannula and a cable portion that can be connected or disconnected. This segmentation allows the stimulation functionality to be independently activated only when needed, eliminating the interference problem while maintaining reliability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting part is designed with resilient snap-locking arms that enable dynamic attachment and detachment. The snap-locking mechanism provides a secure connection when attached (ensuring reliability) while allowing easy removal when not needed (improving versatility). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by making the electrostimulation feature optional rather than permanent.
2Reliability
If the stimulation cable is permanently connected, then electrical contact is ensured, but the mounting structure affects the outer configuration and impedes handling
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting part is designed to be laterally attachable to the cannula body, extracting the stimulation components from the main cannula structure. This lateral attachment prevents interference with the cannula's outer configuration and handling characteristics, while the contact element still establishes reliable electrical contact with the cannula tube when attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting part attaches laterally to the cannula body rather than extending axially, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This lateral placement ensures that the mounting structure does not interfere with the cannula's outer configuration or handling, while the contact element reaches through the body part to establish electrical contact with the cannula tube.
3Ease of operation
If the contact element is exposed for electrical contact, then electrostimulation is enabled, but the contact element and wire connection become accessible and potentially hazardous to users
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting part serves as an intermediary structure that houses the contact element and wire connection. It provides a controlled interface where the contact element can establish electrical contact with the cannula tube while the insulating mounting part prevents direct user access to the conductive components, thereby eliminating the safety hazard.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting part is made of insulating material that completely covers the contact element and wire connection on its outer periphery. This insulating shell prevents user contact with the conductive components, eliminating the safety hazard while allowing the contact element to function properly through the insulating material.
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
Enables seamless switching between ultrasound and electrostimulation detection methods without interfering with the cannula's handling, maintaining conventional usage without electrostimulation, and ensuring reliable electrical contact when stimulation is desired.
Implementation Method 1
a mounting part made of an electrically insulating plastic is used, which can be mounted laterally on the body part
Implementation Method 2
The contact element and the wire may be permanently connected, e.g. by a solder joint, or may be connected to one another by a plug-in connection
Data Source
AI summary
The application provides a unipolar cannula that can have a metal cannula tube, a body part made of an electrically insulating plastic, attached to the proximal end of the cannula tube, a connector disposed on the body part for the introduction of a liquid into the cannula tube, and a stimulation cable, an electroconductive wire of which electrically contacts the cannula tube in the region of the body part. The stimulation cable can be mounted laterally on the body part by a mounting part made of an electrically insulating plastic, where the mounting part has an electroconductive contact element which is connected conductively to the wire, and where the contact element engages into a recess of the body part and contacts the cannula tube when the mounting part is mounted on the body part.