Q: What is the greatest design challenge when it comes to developing mobile medical device technology?
Connectors are one of the greatest design challenges for mobile medical technology due to the vast performance differences resulting from their base contact material, size, and cost. Base contact material is the most crucial element to consider when specifying external interface connectors because it determines how robustly and reliably the connector will perform, which is especially important for mobile medical devices that experience frequent handling, mating and unmating, and exposure to harsh environmental hazards. However, there is a compromise between high-reliability, long lifecycle performance and a low price point. Cost also becomes a concern when physical space is at a premium, as in mobile medical devices, which typically demand smaller, lighter, and multifunctional electronics. The size of a connector needs to be both small enough to meet the necessary dimensional specifications and robust enough to satisfy the unique application demands. Striking the right balance between base metal material, size, and cost when specifying a connector is essential in designing mobile medical device technology. Ruggedized, single piece compression contacts provide an ideal solution by enabling high reliability, enhanced design flexibility, and long lifecycle solutions in harsh mobile medical applications.