Critical components for a range of industries, the important goal of an electrical connector is to join conductors to create a stable circuit. But with multiple types of connectors available in differing shapes, sizes, and specifications, there is certainly no ‘one size fits all’ approach. This is well-reflected in the broad product portfolio of Smiths Interconnect, an established leader in the connector field.
The company’s portfolio comprises a range of solutions that cater to the needs of multiple markets, and grows larger every year with innovative new releases. Most recently, Smiths Interconnect announced the expansion of its HyperGrip® connector series for the medical market. In light of the news, Medical Device Network shines a spotlight on the new HyperGrip® Flex products for medical devices.
Introducing HyperGrip® Flex connectors for medical devices
As part of the highly respected Smiths Group, Smiths Interconnect is known for quality and safety – both attributes that make the company a trusted supplier to the medical market. The company’s successful Hypertac® technology brand is behind many of its premium interconnect solutions, meaning those that are ideal for the safety-critical applications of the medical device industry. Renowned for reliability and high-performance, the Hypertac® brand utilises advanced hyperboloid contact technology to satisfy the most demanding of performance requirements.
Under this brand, HyperGrip® is a popular series of circular plastic connectors specifically designed for medical applications. The connectors are well known in the industry for their reliability and ease-of-use. Their push/pull latching design provides speedy, one-hand disconnects, whereas the front or rear panel mount receptacle design of the HyperGrip® products allows users to mount the harness from inside or outside of the device enclosure. Another important feature of the HyperGrip® product family is their unique keying system, which offers users the versatility of six different keyable positions.
“The new HyperGrip® Flex embeds all benefits of the existing HyperGrip® connector within a cost-effective design for standard cycle life applications,” says Mark Kelleher, Vice President and General Manager of the Connectors Business Unit at Smiths Interconnect. “Our advanced keying system allows customers to build connectors with six different keyed versions of the same standard connector, reducing lead time and inventory.”
Manufactured for safety and quality
HyperGrip® Flex is designed to meet medical industry requirements such as finger-proofing to IEC60601, flammability rated to UL94 V0, and compliance with most sterilisation methods. The connector’s high-density screw machined contacts – with 0.4mm diameter socket contacts – are manufactured with a high-speed turning process before thorough testing and quality checks.
Furthermore, the machined contacts ensure low level contact resistance (LLCR), standard industry cycle life of at least 2,000 cycles, and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) III compliance.
The machined crimp contact also allows for high volume and lower costs with its simplified ‘Crimp and Poke’ assembly, compared to the traditional nested solder contacts. In addition, HyperGrip® Flex connectors mate and de-mate smoothly due to their low insertion and extraction forces.
