This application relates generally to electrical connectors. More specifically, this application relates to self-aligning and self-engaging electrical connectors that are configured to connect implantable medical devices and data acquisition systems.
Neurological studies of a test subject can involve a sensor, a connector, and a data acquisition system. The sensor detects neurological activity and transmits it through a connector to a data acquisition system. A researcher then uses the data acquisition system to analyze the neurological activity of the test subject. In one type of neurological study, the sensor is in the form of an implantable medical device that is implanted into the brain of a test subject, often a laboratory animal. An electrical connector is used to transmit detected neurological activity from the implanted medical device in the form of electrical signals to the data acquisition system.
During neurological studies, it can be challenging for the researcher to attach the connector to the implanted medical device of the laboratory animal in order to begin a test. The laboratory animal is frequently mobile and attaching the connector requires restraining the animal sufficiently to first align both halves of the connector and then engage both halves of the connector to complete the electrical connection. This can lead to frustration on the part of the researcher and can stress the laboratory animal. This problem is often compounded by the fact that the researcher is wearing gloves and/or other protective gear that reduces the researcher's dexterity and makes aligning and engaging both halves of the connector even more challenging. Additionally, once the connector is engaged, there is the possibility that the laboratory animal will exert excessive force on the connector and the attached tether. This can lead to injury to the laboratory animal and/or to damage or dislocation of the implanted medical device.
This application describes self-aligning and self-engaging electrical connectors for connecting implantable medical devices with data acquisition systems. This application also describes systems containing such self-aligning and self-engaging electrical connectors, and methods of using such electrical connectors. The self-aligning and self-engaging electrical connector includes a base that is electrically connected to the implantable medical device. The base includes a base contact surface with a plurality of base magnets arranged on a base contact surface. The plurality of magnets are arranged to form a unique non-symmetrical pattern. The base also includes a plurality of base electrical contacts arranged on the base contact surface and a base interface configured to electrically connect the plurality of base electrical contacts to the implantable medical device. The self-aligning and self-engaging electrical connector also includes an adaptor that is connected to the data processing unit. The adaptor includes an adaptor contact surface that is configured to mate with the base contact surface. The adaptor contact surface has a plurality of adaptor magnets arranged on the adaptor contact surface. The adaptor magnets are arranged such that the polarities of the plurality of adaptor magnets mirror the unique non-symmetrical pattern of the base magnets. The adaptor also includes a plurality of adaptor electrical contacts arranged on the adaptor contact surface with the adaptor contacts arranged to mate with the base electrical contacts. The adaptor also includes an adaptor interface configured to electrically connect the plurality of adaptor electrical contacts to the data acquisition system. The unique non-symmetrical pattern allows the base contact surface and the adaptor contact surface to self-align when in close proximity. The plurality of magnets allows for the base and adaptor to self-engage and for the implantable medical device and the data acquisition system to be connected.
Additionally, in some implementations, the self-aligning and self-engaging electrical connector system includes an implantable medical device, an electrical processing unit, a base, and an adaptor. The base is electrically connected to the implantable medical device and includes a base contact surface with a plurality of base magnets arranged on a base contact surface. The plurality of magnets are arranged to form a unique non-symmetrical pattern. The base also includes a plurality of base electrical contacts arranged on the base contact surface with one or more of the base magnets configured as base electrical contacts. The base also includes a base interface configured to electrically connect the plurality of base electrical contacts to the implantable medical device. The adaptor is connected to the data processing unit and includes an adaptor contact surface that is configured to mate with the base contact surface. The adaptor contact surface has a plurality of adaptor magnets arranged on the adaptor contact surface. The adaptor magnets are arranged such that the polarities of the plurality of adaptor magnets mirror the unique non-symmetrical pattern of the base magnets. The adaptor also includes a plurality of adaptor electrical contacts arranged on the adaptor contact surface with the adaptor contacts arranged to mate with the base electrical contacts. One or more of the adaptor magnets is further configured as adaptor electrical contacts. The adaptor also includes an adaptor interface configured to electrically connect the plurality of adaptor electrical contacts to the data acquisition system. The unique non-symmetrical pattern allows the base contact surface and the adaptor contact surface to self-align when in close proximity. The plurality of magnets allows for the base and adaptor to self-engage and for the system to connect the implantable medical device and the data acquisition system.
Furthermore, in some implementations, this application describes methods for connecting an implantable medical device and a data acquisition system using a self-aligning and self-engaging electrical connector system. The method includes implanting an implantable medical device in a test subject, providing a data acquisition system, providing a base, providing an adaptor and connecting the base and the adaptor to connect the implantable medical device and the data acquisition system. The base is electrically connected to the implantable medical device and includes a base contact surface with a plurality of base magnets arranged on a base contact surface. The plurality of magnets are arranged to form a unique non-symmetrical pattern. The base also includes a plurality of base electrical contacts arranged on the base contact surface with one or more of the base magnets configured as base electrical contacts. The base also includes a base interface configured to electrically connect the plurality of base electrical contacts to the implantable medical device. The adaptor is connected to the data processing unit and includes an adaptor contact surface that is configured to mate with the base contact surface. The adaptor contact surface has a plurality of adaptor magnets arranged on the adaptor contact surface. The adaptor magnets are arranged such that the polarities of the plurality of adaptor magnets mirror the unique non-symmetrical pattern of the base magnets. The adaptor also includes a plurality of adaptor electrical contacts arranged on the adaptor contact surface with the adaptor contacts arranged to mate with the base electrical contacts. One or more of the adaptor magnets is further configured as adaptor electrical contacts. The adaptor also includes an adaptor interface configured to electrically connect the plurality of adaptor electrical contacts to the data acquisition system. The adaptor and the base are connected by bringing the base contact surface and the adaptor contact surface into close proximity allowing the base contact surface and the adaptor contact surface to self-align and to self-engage to connect the implantable medical device and the data acquisition system.
Moreover, in some implementations, this application describes a connection system that can comprise a first connector containing first connecting elements with both positive and negative polarities, a second connector containing second connecting elements configured to match with the first connection elements, with each second connecting element having a polarity opposite the matching first connecting element and a slip compensation feature located between the first and second connectors and configured to reduce or prevent a variable contact spacing between first connecting elements and second connecting elements along the z-axis, with the first or second connector containing a geometrical feature configured to retain the slip compensation feature. In some embodiments, one or more of the first or second connecting elements can comprise magnets. In other embodiments, the magnets can comprise transition metals, rare-earth elements, lanthanide elements and combinations thereof. In yet other embodiments, one or more of the first connecting elements or second connecting elements can be raised relative to the first connector or second connector with one or more matching second connecting elements or first connecting elements being recessed relative to the first connector or the second connector, and with one or more raised first connecting elements or second connecting elements being configured to mate with the one or more matching second connecting elements or first connecting elements. In some embodiments, one or more of the first connecting elements can be disposed within a recess in the first connector, with the first connecting element further comprising a conductive wire configured to bias the first connecting element along the z-axis to overcome the variable contact spacing. In another embodiment, the slip compensating feature can further comprise an anisotropically conductive membrane disposed between the first connector and the second connector, with the anisotropically conductive membrane configured to deform to overcome the variable contact spacing. In yet another embodiment, the system can further comprise a breakaway configuration configured to disengage the first connector and the second connector when a threshold of force is applied to either the first connector or the second connector. In some embodiments, one or more of the first or second connecting elements can comprise magnets and the threshold of force can be adjusted between a minimum and maximum threshold by decreasing or increasing a total of magnets used. In other embodiments, the system can further comprise an implantable medical device electrically connected to the first connector and a data acquisition system electrically connected to the second connector.
Lastly, in some implementations, this application describes kits for electrically connecting an implantable medical device and a data acquisition system. The kit includes a base and an adaptor. The base is electrically connected to the implantable medical device and includes a base contact surface with a plurality of base magnets arranged on a base contact surface. The plurality of magnets are arranged to form a unique non-symmetrical pattern. The base also includes a plurality of base electrical contacts arranged on the base contact surface with one or more of the base magnets configured as base electrical contacts. The base also includes a base interface configured to electrically connect the plurality of base electrical contacts to the implantable medical device. The adaptor is connected to the data processing unit and includes an adaptor contact surface that is configured to mate with the base contact surface. The adaptor contact surface has a plurality of adaptor magnets arranged on the adaptor contact surface. The adaptor magnets are arranged such that the polarities of the plurality of adaptor magnets mirror the unique non-symmetrical pattern of the base magnets. The adaptor also includes a plurality of adaptor electrical contacts arranged on the adaptor contact surface with the adaptor contacts arranged to mate with the base electrical contacts. One or more of the adaptor magnets is further configured as adaptor electrical contacts. The adaptor also includes an adaptor interface configured to electrically connect the plurality of adaptor electrical contacts to the data acquisition system. The unique non-symmetrical pattern allows the base contact surface and the adaptor contact surface to self-align when in close proximity. The plurality of magnets allows for the base and adaptor to self-engage and for the system to connect the implantable medical device and the data acquisition system.
The following description can be better understood in light of the Figures, in which:
The Figures illustrate specific aspects of the electrical connectors and systems containing them. Together with the following description, the Figures demonstrate and explain the principles of the methods and structures. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same element, and thus their descriptions will not be repeated. As the terms on, attached to, or coupled to are used herein, one object (e.g., a material, a layer, a substrate, etc.) can be on, attached to, or coupled to another object regardless of whether the one object is directly on, attached, or coupled to the other object or there are one or more intervening objects between the one object and the other object. Also, directions (e.g., above, below, top, bottom, side, up, down, under, over, upper, lower, horizontal, vertical, “x,” “y,” “z,” etc.), if provided, are relative and provided solely by way of example and for ease of illustration and discussion and not by way of limitation. In addition, where reference is made to a list of elements (e.g., elements a, b, c), such reference is intended to include any one of the listed elements by itself, any combination of less than all of the listed elements, and/or a combination of all of the listed elements.
The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan will understand that the described self-aligning and self-engaging electrical connectors and associated methods of making and using the devices can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, the self-aligning and self-engaging electrical connectors and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the described devices and methods and can be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry. For example, while the description below focuses on methods for making and using the self-aligning and self-engaging electrical connectors for connecting implantable medical devices with data acquisition systems, they can be used with virtually any other type of electrical connections including consumer electronics, electrical connections requiring a safe disconnection feature after an established threshold force has been exceeded, electrical connections in low light conditions, electrical connections in low hand dexterity conditions, and electrical connections to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities.
The electrical connectors comprise any suitable component to connect an implantable medical device with a data acquisition system. In the illustrated embodiments, one half of the connector is connected to an implantable medical device and the other half of the connector is attached to a data acquisition system.
The base 110 further comprises a plurality of base electrical contacts 130. The base electrical contacts 130 can be arranged on the base contact surface 115 with any desired configuration. In some embodiments, the base electrical contacts 130 can be arranged on the base contact surface 115 to ensure proper alignment of the electrical connector 10. The base 110 also comprises a base interface 140 that can be configured to electrically connect the base electrical contacts 130 to the implantable medical device 100.
As shown in
In some configurations, the adaptor magnets 170A, 170B can be arranged such that their polarities mirror those of the base magnets 120A, 120B when the base contact surface 115 and the adaptor contact surface 165 are attached or connected to each other. For example, the magnetic north polarity of a base magnet 120A can be paired with the magnetic south polarity of an adaptor magnet 170B. Likewise, the magnetic south polarity of a base magnet 120B can be paired with the magnetic north polarity of an adaptor magnet 170A. In this fashion, a base magnet 120A is magnetically attracted to an adaptor magnet 170B and a base magnet 120B is magnetically attracted to an adaptor magnet 170A. Similarly, a base magnet 120A is magnetically repulsed by an adaptor magnet 170A and a base magnet 120B is magnetically repulsed by an adaptor magnet 170B.
The polarities of the magnets 120A, 120B, 170A, 170B can be arranged in any non-symmetrical pattern such that there is only one orientation in which the base 110 and the adaptor 160 can mate that is consistent with all of the magnetic attractions between the respective magnets 120A, 120B, 170A, and 170B. In the event of a potential misalignment of the base 110 and the adaptor 160 as they are brought into close proximity, the respective magnetic attractions and magnetic repulsions allow the base 110 and the adaptor 160 to self-align with respect to each other. Due to the non-symmetrical pattern of the polarities of the magnets, the base 110 and the adaptor 160 can self-align in the x, y, and z axes and also through a rotational theta axis, allowing the base 110 and adaptor 160 to self-align. Once the base 110 and adaptor 160 have self-aligned, the magnetic attraction of the paired polarities of the magnets 120A, 120B, 170A, 170B draws the base 110 and the adaptor 160 together to mate the base contact surface 115 and the adaptor contact surface 165 to self-engage the connector 10.
As depicted in
The adaptor 160 further comprises an adaptor interface 190 that can be configured to electrically connect the adaptor electrical contacts 180 with the data processing unit 150. This connection can be made using any electrical connection.
In some configurations, the contact surfaces of the base 110 and the adaptor 160 can be configured to engage and align with each other. Accordingly, these contact surfaces can have any desired geometric shape, recessing, and/or male/female connections to improve alignment and engagement. As described in greater detail below, in other embodiments, the contact surfaces of the base 110 and the adaptor 160 can be configured to allow for a break away configuration that allows for disconnection of the electrical connector 10 when a certain threshold of force is applied.
In some embodiments, the base magnets 120 and the adaptor magnets 170 can comprise strong, permanent magnets comprising transition metals, alloys of rare earth elements and/or lanthanide elements. The magnets can include neodymium magnets and samarium-cobalt magnets. The magnets can include magnets comprising Nd2Fe14B, Nd2Fe14B, SmCo5, and/or Sm(Co,Fe,Cu,Zr)7. In some cases, the magnets can comprise a rare earth magnet that is plated or coated to improve electrical conductivity. In other cases, the magnets can comprise a rare earth magnet that is plated or coated to improve biocompatibility. In other embodiments, the magnets can comprise ferrous magnets or alnico magnets. In yet other embodiments, the magnets can comprise ferrous based magnets, alnico based magnets and rare earth magnets. In some embodiments, the magnets can comprise electromagnets. In other embodiments, the magnets can comprise electromagenet comprising a ferromagnetic core.
In
The height 200 of the raised base magnet 120B and the corresponding depth of the recessing of the adaptor magnet 170A can be configured such that, within the tolerances of manufacturing the corresponding components, the height 200 can approximate the recessing of the adaptor magnet 170A to minimize the variable contact spacing 205. The raised and recessed configuration can also allow for some slip compensation in the x and y axes as well to overcome variability in the diameters of the base magnet 120B and the adaptor magnet 170A due to variability in manufacturing. In these embodiments, the adaptor magnet 170A can be configured at the most recessed portion of the recessing. In other embodiments, though, the recessed adaptor magnet 170A can be configured to line all of the inner surfaces of the recessing. In yet other embodiments, the recessed adaptor magnet 170A can be configured to line only a portion of the inner surfaces of the recessing.
In some embodiments, a conductive coating 135 can be used in the electric connector 10. Thus, the combination base magnet 120B and base electrical contact 130 can be configured with a conductive coating 135. As well, the combination adaptor magnet 170A and adaptor electrical contact 180 can be configured with a conductive coating 185. The conductive coating 135 may comprise a conductive metal such as gold, tin, platinum, silver, metal alloy of nickel and titanium (nitinol), surgical steel, nickel, non-corroding metals, and/or metal alloys. The conductive coating 135 may also comprise a biocompatible material such as gold, conductive plastic, silver, metal alloy of nickel and titanium (nitinol), surgical steel, nickel, non-corroding metals, and/or metal alloys.
In other embodiments, the combination base magnet 120B and base electrical contact 130 can also be configured to have some range of motion along the x and y axes. The relative size and/or shape of the base magnet 120 and the recessing can be configured to adjust this range of motion along the x and y axes. The size and/or shape and the interaction of the overhanging rim 118 and the protruding rim 125 can be configured to adjust this range of motion along the x and y axes. This range of motion along the x and y axes can be adjusted to minimize the variable contact spacing 205 and to adjust for variability in manufacturing of the corresponding components. In some configurations, the combination base magnet 120 and base electrical contact 130 can be configured with conductive coating 135. As well, the combination adaptor magnet 170A and adaptor electrical contact 180 can configured with a conductive coating 185 which can be substantially similar to conductive coating 135.
As depicted in
In the embodiments depicted in
In some embodiments, the thickness of the conductive membrane 210 is configured to correspond to the heights 200, 202 and the corresponding variable contact spacing 205. The thickness of the conductive membrane 210 is configured such that, within the tolerances of manufacturing the corresponding components, it approximates the variable contact spacing 205. In other embodiments, the deformability of the conductive membrane 210, the density of gold threads 215, and the gauge of the gold threads 215 are configured to minimize the variable contact spacing 205 and/or to maximize electrical current flow between base 110 and adaptor 160.
In other embodiments, the z-axis slip compensating features that utilize a conductive membrane 210 can be configured to be used with matching pairs of base and adaptor magnets 120, 170. In yet other embodiments, the z-axis slip compensating features that utilizes a conductive membrane 210 can be configured to be used with integrated units of combination base magnets 120/base electrical contacts 130 and/or with integrated units of combination adaptor magnets 170/adaptor electrical contacts 180.
In operation, the base magnets 120 and the corresponding adaptor magnets 170 serve to self-align and self-engage the connector 10 and to enable electrical connection. The quantity, density, arrangement, and ratio of magnets 120, 170 to electrical contacts 130, 180 can be varied to manipulate the strength of the magnetic attraction between the base 110 and the adaptor 160. Likewise, the quantity, arrangement, and ratio of integrated combination magnet/contact units to electrical contacts 130, 180 can be varied to manipulate the strength of the magnetic attraction between the base 110 and the adaptor 160. A ratio of more magnets to electrical contacts results in a stronger magnetic attraction between base 110 and adaptor 160, while a ratio of less magnets to electrical contacts results in a weaker magnetic attraction between the base 110 and the adaptor 160. As well, the spacing between the magnets 120 on the base contact surface 115 can be increased or decreased to vary the magnetic attraction. The spacing between the magnets 170 on the base contact surface 165 can also be increased or decreased to vary the magnetic attraction.
In some embodiments, the strength of the magnetic attraction can be varied to allow for a breakaway configuration that allows for disconnection of the base 110 and the adaptor 160 when a force exerted between the base 110 and the adaptor 160 exceeds the threshold of the magnetic attraction. This breakaway configuration allows for the electrical connector 10 to self-disconnect, preventing injury or damage to the test subject, the implantable medical device 100, and/or the data acquisition system 150. The breakaway configuration is useful for a highly mobile or active test subject that might move beyond the extent of the adaptor interface or any tether system. Rather than the test subject being injured from possible jerking of the adaptor interface or any tether system, the breakaway configuration disconnects the connector 10. In some embodiments, the breakaway configuration avoids injury to the test subject, and damage or dislodging of the implantable medical device 100 is thereby avoided or minimized.
The strength of the magnetic attraction in the breakaway configuration can be adapted to the desired size and mobility of the test subject, as well as the nature and location of the implantable medical device 100. In some configurations, the breakaway configuration can allow for self-disconnection of the base 110 and the adaptor 160 when a force exerted between the base 110 and the adaptor 160 can be greater than a force equivalent to the body weight of a test subject. In other embodiments, the force can be greater than a force equivalent to 1% of the body weight of a test subject. In yet other embodiments, the force can be greater than a force equivalent to 50% of the body weight of a test subject. In some embodiments, the force can be greater than a force equivalent to 100% of the body weight of a test subject. In other embodiments, the force can be greater than a force equivalent to 200% of the body weight of a test subject. In yet other embodiments, the force can be greater than a force equivalent to 400% of the body weight of a test subject. In some embodiments, the force can be greater than a force equivalent to 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100% of the body weight of a test subject. In other embodiments, the force can be greater than a force equivalent to 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, or 400% of the body weight of a test subject. In yet other embodiments, the test subject can be a rodent and the force can be greater than a force equivalent to between about 50% and 400% of the body weight of the rodent. In some embodiments, the test subject can be a human and the force can be greater than a force equivalent to between about 1% and 50% of the body weight of the human.
The breakaway configuration can also be configured to allow a different threshold of force for a lateral disconnection of the connector 10 as compared to a straight-on disconnection. A lateral disconnection refers to the base contact surface 115 and the adaptor contact surface 165 sliding with respect to each other substantially along the planes of the contact surfaces 115, 165 (along the x and y axes). A straight-on disconnection refers to a disconnection in which the base contact surface 115 and the adaptor contact surface 165 are disconnected by moving the contact surfaces 115, 165 substantially perpendicular to one another (along the z-axis). The threshold of force for a lateral disconnection can be greater than, the same as, or different than a straight-on disconnection.
In some configurations, the contact surfaces 115, 165 can incorporate ridges, knurled edges or other structures to aid the break-away configuration to allow for self-disconnection. As well, the connector 10 can contain a quick-release mechanism to allow for easy disconnection of the connector 10. The quick-release mechanism can comprise a wedge that is activated to disconnect the base 110 and the adaptor 160 by forcing the base 110 and the adaptor 160 apart. The quick-release mechanism can also contain a mechanism that is rotated to disconnect the connector 10.
The electrical connector 10 can also comprise a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can allow an operation (i.e., a researcher) to lock the connector 10 to defeat the breakaway configuration. The locking mechanism can also be unlocked to activate the breakaway configuration.
The base 110 is attached to the implantable medical device 100 through a base interface 140. The base interface 140 is also configured to electrically connect the plurality of base electrical contacts 130 to the implantable medical device 100. The base 110 also includes a base contact surface 115 and a plurality of base magnets 120A and 120B. The plurality of base magnets 120A and 120B are arranged on the base contact surface 115 such that the polarities of the plurality of the base magnets 120A and 120B form a unique non-symmetrical pattern. In this example, base magnets 120A are arranged such that the magnetic north polarities are exposed on the base contact surface 115. Base magnets 120B are arranged such that the magnetic south polarities are exposed on the base contact surface 115. The base 110 further comprises a plurality of base electrical contacts 130. The base electrical contacts 130 are arranged on the base contact surface 115. In some embodiments, the base magnets 120 can also be configured as base electrical contacts 130.
In
The adaptor 160 further comprises a plurality of adaptor electrical contacts 180 that are arranged on the adaptor contact surface 165 to mate with the base electrical contacts 130. When the base 110 and the adaptor 160 mate, the base electrical contacts 130 contact the adaptor electrical contacts 180 such that individual electrical connections are established between the base electrical contacts 130 and the adaptor electrical contacts 180. Each individual base electrical contact 130 is assured to establish an electrical connection with its respective partner adaptor electrical contact 180 because the base 110 and adaptor self-align and self-engage in the one unique orientation. In some embodiments, the adaptor magnets 170 can also be configured as adaptor electrical contacts 180. The adaptor 160 further comprises an adaptor interface 190 that is configured to electrically connect the plurality of adaptor electrical contacts 180 to the data processing unit 150.
In some embodiments, the implantable medical device 100 can comprise a sensing or stimulating implanted device, microelectrode array, CerePort Array, NeuroPort Array, Omnetics Array, ICS-96 Array, UEA, ECOG, ATLASNeuro Probe, micro-ECOGs, implanted electrodes with embedded data acquisition, light stimulation, and electrical stimulation and/or drug delivery systems. In other embodiments, the data acquisition system 150 can comprise a patient cable, data visualization for Cerebus, NeuroPort, CerePlexE, Digital Lynx 16SX, Digital Lynx SX-M, Digital Lynx 4SX, NSP, CereplexA, CerePlexM, and/or other similar devices and systems. In yet other embodiments, the system 150 can comprise stimulation or delivery systems. In some embodiments, the system 150 can comprise stimulation or delivery systems configured to stimulate or deliver via light, chemical means, sound waves, electrical signals, and/or magnetic signals.
The method also includes providing a data acquisition system 150, as shown in box 402. The data acquisition system 150 can include any of the systems described herein, as well as any other data acquisition system.
As shown in box 403, the base 110 is provided and connected to the medical device 100. In this process, the base 110 can be configured as described above and includes a base contact surface 115, the base magnets 120 are arranged on the base contact surface 115 so that the polarities of the base magnets 120 form a unique non-symmetrical pattern, the base electrical contacts 130 are arranged on the base contact surface 115 with one or more of the base magnets 120 further configured as base electrical contacts 130, and then the base interface 140 is configured to electrically connect the plurality of base electrical contacts 130 to the implantable medical device 100.
As shown in box 404, the adaptor 160 is provided and connected to the data acquisition system. In this process, the adaptor 160 includes an adaptor contact surface 165, the adaptor contact surface 165 configured to mate with the base contact surface 115, the adaptor magnets 170 are arranged on the adaptor contact surface 165 so that the polarities of the adaptor magnets 170 mirror the pattern of the polarities of the base magnets 120, the adaptor electrical contacts 130 are arranged on the adaptor contact surface 165 to mate with the base electrical contacts 130, with one or more of the adaptor magnets 170 further configured as adaptor electrical contacts 180, and the adaptor interface 190 is configured to electrically connect the adaptor electrical contacts 180 to the data acquisition system 150.
As shown in box 405 of method 400, the adaptor 160 and the base 110 are then connected by bringing the base contact surface 115 and the adaptor contact surface 165 into close proximity allowing the base 110 and the adaptor 160 to self-align. The unique non-symmetrical pattern of polarities cause the respective attractive and repulsive magnetic forces of the magnets 120, 170 to self-align the base 110 and the adaptor 160 with respect to each other along the x, y, and z axes and also through a rotational theta axis. Once the base 110 and adaptor 160 have self-aligned, the magnetic attraction of the paired polarities of the magnets (120A to 170B, and 120B to 170A) draws the base 110 and the adaptor 160 together to mate the base contact surface 115 and the adaptor contact surface 165, thereby self-engaging the connector. With the connection established, the electrical connection between the base electrical contacts 130 and the adaptor electrical contacts 180 is completed and the signals representing the detected neurological activity can be processed by the data acquisition system 150.
The self-aligning and self-engaging electrical connector can have several useful features. First, the electrical connector allows for a connection to be made without the need for any force to be exerted to mate the connectors because of the self-engaging configuration of the connector. The self-engaging feature also allows for the connector to be engaged by simply bringing the base 110 and the adaptor 160 into close proximity. The paired base magnets 120 and adaptor magnets 170 exert an attractive magnetic force to draw the contact surfaces 115, 165 of the base 110 and adaptor 160 together and cause the contact surfaces 115, 165 to contact, thereby self-engaging the connector. An operator does not need to exert any force to engage the base 110 and the adaptor 160, nor does the operator need to take any additional steps to further secure the connector after it has self-engaged. This self-engaging function allows for the connection to be made rapidly while minimizing injury to the test subject, damage to the implantable medical device 100, and frustration to the operator.
Second, the self-aligning configuration of the connector enables the operator to easily connect the implantable medical device 100 of a mobile, wiggling test subject to a data acquisition system 150. The self-aligning configuration of the connector enables the base 110 and the adaptor 160 to quickly self-align as the connection is being made. This reduces the amount of time that the test subject must be restrained to ensure proper alignment, also reducing the amount of stress and possibility of injury to the test subject and reducing the frustration of the operator who often suffers from reduced dexterity due to wearing gloves, and/or other protective gear and can often be subject to low light conditions or reduced visibility conditions.
Third, the breakaway configuration allows for the connector to self-disconnect when a certain threshold of force on the base 110 and the adaptor 160 has been reached. This breakaway configuration allows for the connector to self-disconnect, preventing injury or damage to the test subject, the implantable medical device 100, and/or the data acquisition system 150. This breakaway configuration is useful for a highly mobile or active test subject that might move beyond what the extent of the adaptor interface 190 or any tether system may allow. Rather than the test subject being injured from possible jerking of the adaptor interface 190 or any tether system, the breakaway configuration disconnects the connector. Injury to the test subject, and damage or dislodging of the implantable medical device 100 is avoided. The strength of the magnetic attraction in the breakaway configuration can be adapted to the size and mobility of the test subject and the nature and location of the implantable medical device 100.
In addition to any previously indicated modification, numerous other variations and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this description. The appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the information has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred aspects, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, form, function, manner of operation and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. Also, as used herein, the examples and embodiments, in all respects, are meant to be illustrative only and should not be construed to be limiting in any manner.