Patent ID: 12233271

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed.

Referring toFIGS.1-2, a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (“WCD”) system includes a WCD latching connector system that is partially integrated with a WCD monitor. The WCD system may include additional elements, including a plurality of electrodes configured for connection to a patient and to the WCD monitor, and a harness or vest for positioning the electrodes on the body of the patient.

The WCD monitor shown inFIG.3includes an enclosure assembly that is configured to protect defibrillator electronics contained therein (electronics are partially shown inFIG.4). The enclosure assembly may be a multi-piece assembly that includes a housing, a front cover, and a rear cover. The housing generally lies in between the front cover and the rear cover. The housing, the front cover, and the rear cover may each be constructed from one or more durable materials capable of withstanding shocks, abrasions, and other forces likely to be encountered when the WCD monitor is worn by a patient. In the non-limiting embodiment ofFIGS.1-4, the enclosure assembly is primarily constructed of one or more plastics, for example acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and/or polycarbonate.

Referring again toFIG.2, the WCD latching connector system includes a connector and a receptacle configured to form a shielded physical and electrical connection therebetween. The connector has one or more latches, a shield (such as a metal shield), and a connector overmold. The receptacle extends through an outer wall of the WCD monitor, and includes a chamber having one or more electrical connections. The receptacle houses a shield (such as a metal shield) and a latch configured to engage the one or more latches on the connector.

In use, the WCD latching connector system may electrically and physically connect, for example, patient-facing electrodes and the WCD monitor. Other applications are contemplated. The WCD latching connector system incorporates water seals to resist ingress of water. The connector may be removably inserted into the receptacle, where it engages the WCD monitor as shown in the partial section view ofFIG.4. When the connector is inserted into the receptacle, a latch of the receptacle engages a latch of the connector, locking the connector to the receptacle. To remove the connector, a button on the WCD monitor is depressed, thereby unlatching the connector from the receptacle and enabling removal of the connector from the connector.

In an embodiment, the button includes a membrane (e.g., an elastomeric membrane) to prevent water from entering the receptacle, and in particular a chamber within the receptacle. In an embodiment, the WCD latching connector system includes one or more high voltage (HV) connections for defibrillation therapy along with one or more low voltage connections. In an embodiment, the WCD latching connector system includes a mating shield connection in the connector and receptacle that ensures the LV and HV signals remain intact in electrically noisy environments. In an embodiment, the WCD latching connector system includes a latching system as described above that locks the connector to the receptacle and requires a button to be depressed in order to unlatch the connector to remove the connector. An embodiment may have any single or combination of the above features. In an embodiment, the WCD latching connector system includes a connector overmold to create a water seal on the WCD housing system when inserted into the receptacle to further resist liquid from entering the receptacle chamber.

FIGS.5-15generally show an exemplary connector of the WCD latching connector system ofFIGS.1-4.FIGS.16-26generally show another exemplary connector of a WCD latching connector system of the present disclosure.

Advantages of the disclosed WCD latches connector system include actively locking the connector into the receptacle of the WCD monitor, electrically shielding the LV and HV connections to improve signal quality and sealing the receptacle chamber from water ingress.

Having described and disclosed the various embodiments above with respect to the claimed subject matter, some further details may be described below.

Referring back toFIGS.1and2, some shown features may be described in further detail. For example, as shown inFIG.1, the WCD system100may include a WCD connector102coupled with a WCD monitor104. Turning now toFIG.2, the WCD connector102may be shown separated from the WCD monitor104exposing one or more tabs202on the WCD connector102. The WCD connector102may couple with the WCD monitor104via a receptacle204incorporated into the WCD monitor104. The WCD connector102may be coupled to the WCD monitor104by inserting the WCD connector102into the receptacle204, where one or more tabs202on the WCD connector102may facilitate securely coupling the WCD connector102with the WCD monitor104.

InFIG.2, the receptacle204may include latching features208. Additionally, shown on a corner proximate to the receptacle204may be a button210. The latching features208may be configured to facilitate latching of the WCD connector102with the WCD monitor104. For example, inFIG.2, the one or more tabs202may be configured to engage the latching feature208such as, but not limited to, a slide and catch mechanism. That is, the WCD connector104may be pushed into the receptacle204, where the one or more tabs202may mechanically engage with the latching features208with the latching features208engages the one or more tabs202helping to prevent removal of the WCD connector102from the receptacle204forming a water resistance seal and an electrically shielded connection. As shown, the WCD connector102may be released from the WCD monitor104by depressing the button210, which may actuate the latching features208to release the one or more tabs202facilitating removal of the WCD connector102from the receptacle204. Accordingly, the one or more tabs202may be part of the latching system with a complimentary latching receiver (latching features208) included in the WCD monitor104to facilitate a relatively sealed coupling of various electrical coupling components.

Referring back toFIG.4, some shown features may be described in further detail. InFIG.4, the WCD latching connector system400includes a WCD connector402and a WCD monitor404. As shown, the WCD connector402may be coupled with the WCD monitor404by inserting the WCD connector402into a receptacle406. Additionally, shown inFIG.4, the WCD connector402may have a shield, a connector shield408with the WCD monitor404having a shield of its own, a monitor shield410. The connector shield408and the monitor shield410may be configured to facilitate shielding of the connection between the WCD connector402and the WCD monitor404.

The connector shield408may be made of metals such as, but not limited to, magnesium-zinc alloy, aluminum alloy, or zinc alloy. In one example, the connector shield408may be made of a die cast zinc alloy part with nickel plating to help facilitate corrosion resistance. One the WCD monitor404, the monitor shield410may also be made of metals such as, but not limited to, magnesium-zinc alloy, aluminum alloy, zinc alloy, beryllium-based alloys. In one example, the monitor shield410may be made of beryllium copper alloy, which may also facilitate corrosion resistance. Additionally, the beryllium copper alloy may facilitate reduction of fatigue of the monitor shield410due to deflection during engagement with the connector shield408(e.g., the monitor shield410may deflect and spring back for many cycles of engagement with the connector shield408). The connector shield408and the monitor shield410may facilitate shielding of various electrical coupling components, thereby facilitating shielding of the electrical signals from noise and various artifacts, in accordance with various embodiments.

Another feature shown inFIG.4may be some baffle like structures412to facilitate prevention of ingress of water as described. As may be appreciated, the ingress of water or water prevention may be expressed as Ingress Protection (e.g., IP or IPX rating). In accordance with the present disclosure, the IP rating may be between IPX2 and IPX4. That is, the WCD connector402and the WCD monitor404may have an IP rating of IPX2 to IPX4, respectively.

As previously described, the non-limiting embodiment ofFIGS.1-4, the enclosure assembly is primarily constructed of one or more plastics, for example acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and/or polycarbonate. For example, briefly turning back toFIG.2, the latching features208inside the receptacle204of the WCD monitor104may be made of a combination of plastic type material such as, but not limited to, a Polyoxymethylene based engineered thermoplastic (e.g., Derlin® available from Dupont de Nemours, Inc.), Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) (e.g., glass filled PBT), Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS), and/or any combination thereof. The choice of the above example plastic type materials may be based, at least in part, on consideration for how the plastic type materials may interact with one another. For example, the referring to the latching connector system (e.g., one or more tabs202and latching features208), some of the moving parts of the latching feature208may be made of PBT, while the other parts may be made of Derlin®. This combination may help to reduce the potential for chemical bonding (e.g., between the plastic parts) or covalent bonding. Embodiments of the WCD latching connector system may include combinations and sub-combinations of features described or shown in the drawings herein, including for example, embodiments that are equivalent to: providing or applying a feature in a different order than in a described embodiment, extracting an individual feature from one embodiment and inserting such feature into another embodiment; removing one or more features from an embodiment; or both removing one or more features from an embodiment and adding one or more features extracted from one or more other embodiments, while providing the advantages of the features incorporated in such combinations and sub-combinations. As used in this paragraph, feature or features can refer to the structures and/or functions of an apparatus, article of manufacture or monitor, and/or the steps, acts, or modalities of a method.

Referring back toFIG.9, in the head on view of the WCD connector102, electrical connection pins may be clearly shown. The electrical connection pins may include two high voltage connection pins902and 13 low voltage connection pins904. As shown, each of the two high voltage connection pins902may be separated by a first plastic feature908. The 13 low voltage connection pins904may be collectively separated by a second plastic feature910. The first and second plastic features908and910may be configured to facilitate control of creepage and clearance distances between each of the two high voltage connection pins902and between the two high voltage connections pins902with the 13 low voltage connection pins904. InFIG.9, the overall layout of the two high voltage connection pins902and the 13 low voltage connection pins904may be in a shape that may be described as a trapezoidal type shape906(e.g., approximately a right trapezoidal shape). The 13 low voltage connection pins904(i.e., the second plastic feature910) may have a layout that substantially follows the trapezoidal type shape906with the two high voltage connection pins902being aligned along a sloping side912of the trapezoidal type shape906. In accordance with various embodiments, the layout of the two high voltage connection pins902and the 13 low voltage connection pins904including the first plastic feature908and the second plastic feature910in the trapezoidal type shape906helps facilitate control of creepage and clearance distances along with a relatively small form factor. As previously described, the connector shielding408(shown inFIG.4) may be configured to substantially surround the electrical connection pins902and904. It should be appreciated that number of pins for the both the high voltage connections pins902low voltage connection pins904may vary based at least, in part, on the application (e.g., type of wearable medical device). That is, the number of electrical connection pins may vary (e.g., two high electrical connection pins and 7 or more electrical connection pins), and accordingly, the claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.

FIGS.27-30illustrates various views of a WCD connector, in accordance with a non-limiting example. In the non-limiting examples shown inFIGS.27-30, the WCD connector may have example dimension to facilitate distances between the various components. For example, the non-limiting dimensions shown inFIGS.27-30may help facilitate management of arching and electrostatic discharge in dielectric materials. Accordingly, the example dimensions shown inFIGS.27-30may facilitate clearance and creepage distances of the electrical connection pins (e.g., the high voltage connection pins902), as described above with respect toFIG.9. Additionally, in order to facilitate management of arching and electrostatic discharge in dielectric materials, the materials for the various components of the WCD connector102may include dielectric materials such as, but not limited to, low density polyethylene, polymide, etc. It should be appreciated that example dimensions shown inFIGS.27-30may vary based, at least in part, on the number of electrical connection pins electrical connection pins902and904(shown inFIG.9), and accordingly, the example dimensions shown inFIGS.27-30are but an example and is not limiting to the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG.31is a block diagram illustrating components of a defibrillator device, which may be used with various embodiments. These components may be, for example, components of a WCD system100and400(shown inFIGS.1and4).

The defibrillator device3100may be some of the above examples of one or more WCD systems100and400intended for use by a user3180. The defibrillator device3100may typically include a defibrillation port3110, such as a socket in housing3101(e.g., latching connector system inFIGS.1-4). The defibrillation port3110may include nodes3114and3118. One or more electrodes3104and3108, which may be plugged into the defibrillation port3110, so as to make electrical contact with nodes3114and3118, respectively. It may also be possible that the electrodes3104and3108may be connected continuously to the defibrillation port3110, etc. Either way, the defibrillation port3110may be used for guiding via the electrodes3104and3108to a person3180an electrical charge that may have been stored in the defibrillator device3100, as described herein.

The defibrillator device3100may also have an ECG port3119in the housing3101(e.g., WCD monitor104and400inFIGS.1-4), for receiving ECG cables3109. The ECG cables3109may facilitate sensing of an ECG signal (e.g., a 12-lead signal or from a different number of lead signals). Moreover, a defibrillator-monitor could have additional ports (not shown), and the other component3125may be configured to filter the ECG signal (e.g., application of at least one filter to the signal to help facilitate removal of artifacts such as, but not limited to, chest compression due to chest compressions being delivered to the person).

The defibrillator3100also may include a measurement circuit3120. The measurement circuit3120may receive physiological signals from the ECG port3119, and also from other ports, if provided. The circuit3120may render detected physiological signals and their corresponding information. The information may be in the form of data, or other signals, etc.

If the defibrillator3100is configured as a WCD type device (shown inFIGS.1-4), ECG port3119may not be present. The measurement circuit3120may obtain physiological signals through the nodes3114and3118instead, when the electrodes3104and3108are attached to the person3180. In these cases, a person's ECG signal may be detected as a voltage difference between the electrodes3104and3108. Additionally, the impedance between the electrodes3104and3108may be detected, among other things, whether the electrodes3104and3108have been inadvertently disconnected from the person3180.

The defibrillator3100may also include a processor3130. The processor3130may be implemented in a wide variety of manners for causing actions and operations to be performed. Some examples may include digital and/or analog processors such as microprocessors and digital-signal processors (DSPs), controllers such as microcontrollers, software running in a machine environment, programmable circuits such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Field-Programmable Analog Arrays (FPAAs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), and so on or any combination thereof.

The processor3130may include a number of modules. One example module may be a detection module532, which may detect outputs from the measurement circuit3120. The detection module3132may include a VF detector. Accordingly, the person's detected ECG may be utilized to help determine whether the person is experiencing ventricular fibrillation (VF).

In another example module may be an advice module3134, which may provide advice based, at least in part, on outputs of detection module532. The advice module3134may include an algorithm such as, but not limited to, Shock Advisory Algorithm, implement decision rules, and so on. For example, the advice may be to shock, to not shock, to administer other forms of therapy, and so on. If the advice is to shock, some defibrillator examples may report the advice to the user, and prompt them to do it. In other examples, the defibrillator device may execute the advice by administering the shock. If the advice is to administer CPR, the defibrillator3100may further issue prompts for administrating CPR, and so forth.

The processor3130may include additional modules, such as module3136for various other functions. Additionally, if other component3125is provided, it may be operated in part by processor3130, etc.

In an example, the defibrillator device3100may include a memory3138, which may work together with the processor3130. The memory3138may be implemented in a wide variety of manners. For example, the memory3138may be implemented such as, but not limited to, nonvolatile memories (NVM), read-only memories (ROM), random access memories (RAM), and so forth or any combination thereof. The memory3138may can include programs for the processor3130, and so on. The programs may include operational programs execution by the processor530and may also include protocols and methodologies that decisions may be made by advice module3134. Additionally, the memory3138may store various prompts for the user3180, etc. Moreover, the memory3138may store a wide variety of information (i.e., data) such as, but not limited to information regarding the person.

The defibrillator3100may also include a power source3140. In order to facilitate portability of defibrillator device3100, the power source3140may include a battery type device. A battery type device may be implemented as a battery pack, which may be rechargeable or not be rechargeable. At times, a combination of rechargeable and non-rechargeable battery packs may be utilized. Examples of power source3140may include AC power override, where AC power may be available, and so on. In some examples, the processor3130may control the power source3140.

Additionally, the defibrillator device3100may include an energy storage module3150. The energy storage module3150may be configured to store some electrical energy (e.g., when preparing for sudden discharge to administer a shock). The energy storage module3150may be charged from the power source3140to an appropriate level of energy, as may be controlled by the processor3130. In some implementations, the energy storage module3150may include one or more capacitors3152, and the like.

The defibrillator3100may include a discharge circuit3155. The discharge circuit3155may be controlled to facilitate discharging of the energy stored in energy storage module3150to the nodes3114and3118, and also to electrodes3104and3108. The discharge circuit3155may include one or more switches3157. The one or more switches3157may be configured in a number of manners such as, but not limited to, an H-bridge, and so forth.

The defibrillator device3100may further include a user interface3170for the user3180. The user interface3170may be implemented in a variety of manners. For example, the user interface3170may include a display screen capable of displaying what is detected and measured, provide visual feedback to the user3180for their resuscitation attempts, and so forth. The user interface3170may also include an audio output such as, but not limited to, a speaker to issue audio prompts, etc. The user interface3170may additionally include various control devices such as, but not limited to, pushbuttons, touch display, and so forth. Additionally, the discharge circuit3155may be controlled by the processor3130or directly by the user3180via the user interface3170, and so forth.

Additionally, the defibrillator device3100may include other components. For example, a communication module3190may be provided for communicating with other machines and/or the electrodes. Such communication may be performed wirelessly, or via wire, or by infrared communication, and so forth. Accordingly, information may be communicated, such as person data, incident information, therapy attempted, CPR performance, ECG information, and so forth.

It should be appreciated after review of this disclosure that it is contemplated within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure that the claimed subject matter may include a wide variety of clips, materials, mechanical shapes, etc. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is not limited in these respects.

In some portions of the description, illustrative implementations of the disclosure may have been described with reference to the elements of the components described with respect toFIGS.1-31. However, the described embodiments are not limited to these depictions. More specifically, some elements/components depicted inFIGS.1-31may be omitted from some implementations detailed herein. Furthermore, other elements not depicted inFIGS.1-31may be used to implement example apparatuses detailed herein.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The present application may reference directions, e.g., top, bottom, front, back, left, and right. These references are intended only to aid in understanding of the embodiments, and do not limit the orientation, location, position, of any feature of the embodiments, or otherwise limit the scope of the present disclosure.

The present application may also reference quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also, in this regard, the present application may use the term “plurality” to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the term “plurality” is meant to be any number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The terms “about,” “approximately,” “near,” etc., mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C,” for example, means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all further possible permutations when greater than three elements are listed.

The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as claimed.