Latching medical patient parameter safety connector and method

A socket for supporting an electrical plug coupled to a socket silo comprising:

• an inner surface operable to accept an outer surface of the plug when latches on the plug are in an at least partially retracted insertion position;
• a plurality of locking features on the inner surface of the socket operable to allow the latches to rebound away from the insertion position towards an extended position;
• and
• a locking surface disposed in at least one of the locking features, the locking surface being in contact with a corresponding locking portion on the pawl, the friction between the locking surface and the locking portion being used to restrict the pawl from exiting the locking feature, the locking surface being angled to customize a pullout force required to withdraw the plug from the socket.

A method for inserting an electrical plug into a socket containing a socket silo comprising:

• aligning an inner space formed by a sheath on a receiving end of the plug with a tower on the socket silo;
• moving the plug relative to the tower such that the tower moves into the inner space;
• pressing at least one conductive pin extending from a beveled surface formed on the plug in the inner space into a socket formed in a corresponding beveled interface surface on the tower;
• and
• applying force to the plug and socket to allow the beveled surfaces to align and mate.

A method for decoupling an electrical plug from a socket silo contained within a socket comprising:

• moving the plug relative to a tower of the silo such that the plug moves away from a support shelf of the silo on which the tower is disposed;
• pulling the plug away from the tower such that a beveled surface formed on the plug in an inner space of the plug decouples from a corresponding beveled interface surface on the tower;
• and
• disengaging at least one conductive pin extending from the beveled surface on the plug from a socket formed in the interface surface.