Patent ID: 7641480

Claim:
A multi-wire barrel connector for coupling a signal wire bundle from a controller console to a hand-operated catheter assembly, the barrel connector comprising: a female connector component having a cylindrical cavity, the female connector component comprising: a set of wire fingers disposed within the cylindrical cavity, the set of wire fingers providing points of termination for a set of signal lines; a guide peg disposed on a surface of the cylindrical cavity at a point proximate an opening of the cylindrical cavity; a male connector component having a substantially cylindrical shape having a non-uniform transverse cross-section radius, the male connector component comprising: a set of signal leads disposed along arcs of a cylindrical surface of the male connector component, the set of signal leads being disposed along a majority of a length of the male connector component; a slot defined within a surface of the male connector component, the slot being arranged to accept the guide peg and constrain the relative positions of the male connector component and female connector component during engagement, the slot comprising a first segment running lengthwise along the male connector and a second segment guiding rotational engagement between the set of wire fingers and the set of signal leads; and wherein rotational lock structures incorporated into the female and male connector components ensure full engagement between the male connector and female connector component is maintained after rotating the male connector and female connector components into a fully engaged relationship; and wherein the set of signal leads is provided by at least a second flex circuit, and wherein signal leads for the first and second flex circuits are disposed on opposite sides of the male connector component and wherein the male connector component comprises first and second semi-cylindrical subcomponents, and wherein the first flexible circuit and second flexible circuit are carried by respective ones of the first and second semi-cylindrical components.