Modern therapeutic systems for the treatment of weight loss for both health and aesthetic purposes are evolving to help people live a better life.
To achieve the necessary results, medical devices need to ensure long-lasting, constant and high-level performance with reliable components able to support harsh conditions.
An FDA approved manufacturer was in the early stages of developing a body contouring system that uses externally applied low temperatures to cause fat cells to die and be absorbed into the body. For this product, the manufacturer required a custom cable connection that would allow the applicator to control the system; combining power, reliable signal, and fluid connections with an easy to operate locking device.
A custom solution was needed to include the holes for the colder fluid connectors, whilst still providing high reliably, consistently and the resilience to withstand multiple mating cycles. The manufacturer turned to Smiths Interconnect, an industry-leading provider of technically differentiated electronic components with experience serving a broad range of sectors, to meet these stringent requirements.
Customisable modular connectors
The ideal foundation for this custom cable connection came in the form of Smiths Interconnect’s L Series of high-density modular connectors. This series offers the required standard power and signal modules, but in a custom connector assembly it could also be combined with industry standard fluid connectors to supply the cold fluid needed for the body contouring system.
The L series has been proven to work in demanding applications that require durability and an extended operating life, with high current contacts up to 200 A. Like many other Smith’s Interconnect products, it utilities Hypertac® hyperboloid contact technology, which boasts high mating cycles up to 100,000 with low insertion and extraction mating forces. The innovative design provides consistent contact, ensuring higher current ratings, as well as unsurpassable immunity to shock and vibration. The standard L series ½ turn jackscrew module provided the manufacturer with the simple locking and unlocking mechanism required for the therapeutic system.
In addition to everything that the standard series offers, the modular nature of the L series makes it ideal for customisation and allows many contacts to be configured into a single frame. The frames come in a variety of lengths, including a basic frame with two side rails and two end caps, in addition to the more complex variations that comprise jackscrews, backshells, or cable clamps. This enables manufacturers to “mix and match” standard signal and power contacts into a unique assembly without the added cost and extended lead-time of custom tooling. These modular connectors are ideal for small volumes when developing a new therapeutic technology, and the assembly can be integrated into a custom connector for future high-volume requirements.
Benefiting from experienced partnerships
Smiths Interconnect’s reliable custom solutions are perfect for developing new therapeutical solutions as they offer the cost-effectiveness and design flexibility that manufactures require. Smiths Interconnect is able to work with its customers to fix technical issues, forming partnerships that manufacturers can benefit from throughout the entire development and production process.
For more information about the L series, or to find out how Smiths Interconnect can help you with your next project, download the brochure below.
