How to choose the right connector for medical equipment
The design of medical devices is highly dependent on efficient underlying electronic interconnect systems. Therefore, the design of the connector and the selection of the correct connector are essential
When designing medical equipment, engineers will face many challenges and extremely complex choices that will not occur in other industries. Medical devices need to be durable and reliable, and the conditions of use are often very stringent, including liquids, sterilization, physical interference and electromagnetic interference, as well as extremely high insertion and removal times.Such medical devices are highly dependent on the effectiveness of the underlying electronic interconnection system. The design of the connector is an integral part of the design process, and choosing the right connector is critical.
Decide on the applicable options
The first thing an engineer must consider is to decide whether to use an off-the-shelf connector, a hybrid version, or a customized solution. Off-the-shelf products are already on the market and are available in a variety of configurations. Engineering investment and tooling investment required for such products tends to be low, but the lead time is long and the unit cost is high. Hybrids provide customized overmolded features on existing connectors. Compared to off-the-shelf products, these products improve performance and aesthetics, while design costs and engineering costs are lower compared to fully customizable connectors, but lead times are longer. Customized products are products designed and manufactured for a specific customer, device or application. Using a custom connector will make it easier to integrate components or electronic components, as well as add marking or logo. Initial investments in engineering and mold making are generally higher, but depending on the volume, such solutions will be more cost effective in the long run.An off-the-shelf connector with a customizable package shape clearly identifies which input port can be connected
Consider each application
In many cases, customized or hybrid solutions are more popular than off-the-shelf solutions, especially if there are special considerations.
For example, in a disposal room where dozens or more different cables and connectors are used at the same time, medical personnel are at risk of misconnection of cables and equipment. Off-the-shelf connectors can be equipped with overmolded outer casings that clearly indicate which connector is connected to which device.
When the patient's heartbeat is stopped, the equipment used on the patient usually needs to withstand a defibrillation pulse of 5,000 to 8,000 volts. In this case, insulation, spacing, materials and air gaps can be customized to meet the specific needs of the application.
Other examples of customized solutions include designing the connector to prevent incompatibilities at the time of insertion. Or, considering ergonomics, the ideal medical interconnect system is large enough to be easily manipulated by the intended user and can be inserted intuitively.
Understand the process
In a hybrid or custom medical connector, the design, mold, and manufacturing process typically takes four to eight months. Early in the design process, the team clearly defined the requirements, including electrical (voltage, cardiac shock, bandwidth/data rate, etc.), machinery (cable diameter, ergonomics, expected bending life, desired insertion force, and pull-out Efforts, etc., as well as environmental (sealing and intrusion protection, cleaning, disinfection, etc.) and other considerations.
Once the specifications have been determined and a consensus has been reached on the design work (including the physical model), the prototype can be started.
When choosing a hybrid or customized medical connector, teamwork between all relevant units is very important. This makes it possible to create medical devices that are excellent enough to perform in the field and that meet all mechanical and electrical requirements, including connectors and cable assemblies.
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