Smiths Interconnect introduces Hypergrip connector range

Ensuring patient safety is paramount for medical device manufacturers. As the demand for disposable medical devices increases, driven by the risks and costs linked to reprocessing, alongside growing environmental regulations, the need for safe, reliable, and cost-effective single-use connectors is becoming ever more pressing. This trend is also motivated by the necessity to minimise cross-contamination risks and maintain high standards of hygiene in medical environments. However, creating disposable connectors that match the durability and functionality of reusable ones remains a challenge.

To address this need, Smiths Interconnect has introduced a new disposable receptacle connector to expand its Hypergrip Series. These circular connectors, renowned for their high reliability and specifically designed for medical applications, now include a disposable version that retains the premium features of the existing series while offering a cost-effective solution for limited-use or single-use applications.

The new disposable Hypergrip receptacles deliver the same electrical performance as their reusable counterparts but are designed for applications requiring up to 30 mating cycles. They maintain the series' key benefits, including reliability, regulatory compliance, and ease of use, within a disposable format.

These disposable receptacles complement the recently launched disposable plug versions, enhancing the versatility of the Hypergrip® Series. The new connectors are available in 12 (HG2) and 33 (HG4) contact configurations and are ideal for high-volume production, supporting applications such as patient monitoring, therapeutic devices, and minimally invasive treatments.

The receptacles provide robust electrical performance, including insulation resistance, dielectric withstand voltage, current handling, and low-level current resistance. Additionally, they achieve at least IPX4 protection with potting or over-moulding.

“Disposable connectors play a crucial role in ensuring safety and hygiene in medical settings by providing single-use solutions that help mitigate the risk of cross-contamination,” said Mark Kelleher, VP and General Manager of the Connectors Business Unit at Smiths Interconnect. “We usually focus on designing connectors that are not only safe and reliable but also easy to use and efficient for healthcare professionals.”

The new disposable receptacles meet stringent medical standards, including finger-proofing to IEC60601, flammability rating to UL94, and compliance with most sterilisation methods.

Key features of the new receptacles include:

• Extended cycle life compared to current disposable options, with a minimum of 30 cycles
• Colour coding for easy visual identification during mating
• Breakaway design that is backwards compatible with unshielded HG2 and HG4 plugs, supporting all six keying options.
• Compatibility with both disposable and reusable HG plugs.
• RoHS III-compliant materials.

This latest addition to the Hypergrip series offers a practical, high-quality solution for the growing need for disposable medical connectors.