Connector Selection Scheme For Medical Equipment.

Connector selection scheme for medical equipment.

Connectors are widely used in medical equipment, including medical care equipment and treatment equipment, etc. Medical connectors are equivalent to the joints of the human body, connecting the associated parts through specific tools. Such tools are indispensable and play a very important role.

The medical connector is composed of high-quality parts, with long service life, good robustness, strong anti-interference ability, and can be used under strong vibration or impact.

The design of medical equipment is highly dependent on the efficient underlying electronic interconnection system. Therefore, it is very important to design and choose the right connector.

Connectors are ubiquitous in medical devices: imaging, therapy, minimally invasive surgical devices, implanted electronics, patient monitors, and sensors, etc.

The choice of interconnection technology for a particular application is a critical first step. In the past, multifunctional devices may require an infinite number of connectors. Now, connector options typically combine copper power and signal cables, fiber optics, fluid or gas connections, and even rf antenna interfaces, all in a single integrated interface.

So choosing the right connector is crucial.

There are three common options for connectors: Off-the-shelf connectors, hybrid connectors (generic + custom), and custom solutions.

Off-the-shelf connectors are already on the market and are available in a variety of configurations. Quantity tooling investment required for these products was often lower. However, lead times were too long and unit costs were also too high.

Hybrid connector on the existing connector provides customized overmolded. These products offer improved performance and aesthetic value compared to off-the-shelf products, with lower design and engineering costs compared to fully customized connectors, but the lead times also too long.

Custom solutions are products designed and manufactured for a particular customer, device, or application. It will be easier to integrate components or electronic components with custom connectors and to give marking or logo. The initial investment in engineering and tooling is generally higher, but such solutions are more cost-effective in the long run, depending on volume.

Therefore, before considering the connector scheme, the designer should identify each connection type, namely, plate-to-plate, line-to-plate, line-to-line, panel installation or in-line end connection. In addition, the designer should also identify whether it is socket through-hole end connection or surface installation end connection. And clearly specify the configuration of the relevant cables. Example: a cable is used for electrocardiogram, defibrillator, power supply, signal, fiber or some combination of the above, which will determine the diameter, length, shape, and material of the cable.

Considering multiple applications, customized or hybrid solutions are preferred over off-the-shelf solutions, especially where there are some special considerations.

For example, in a disposal room where dozens or more different cables and connectors are used simultaneously, medical personnel are at risk of disconnecting cables and equipment. Off-the-shelf connectors can be equipped with plastic-coated cases of different colors, and this hybrid product can clearly mark which connector is connected to which device.

In patients with cardiac arrest patients, the use of the equipment usually requires tolerated cardiac shock pulse of 5000 to 8000 volts defibrillation pulse. In this case, insulation, spacing, materials and air gaps can be customized to meet the specific requirements of the application.

Therefore, most designers will consider using custom and hybrid connector solutions that fit perfectly with applications and reduce errors. Moreover, we can customize the most suitable connector components according to different application environments and different equipment requirements. Improve the efficiency of medical equipment.

The application of the medical connector is very extensive, and practical very strong is very necessary equipment. With the development of medical equipment, the connector will also develop, is closely linked, but also indispensable. In fact, from the whole connector field, it has brought great effect on industrial automation and accelerated industrial automation.