Bioelectric Signal Path Defect Detection via Impedance Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage measuring systems, particularly differential voltage measuring systems used for bioelectric signal measurement, face challenges in detecting signal path defects such as kinks and loose contacts in cables, which can reduce input impedance and increase interference, making it difficult to attribute interference issues and potentially leading to undetected cable failures during bioelectrical measurements.
Innovation Solution
A fault detection device and method that impresses a defined current onto a useful signal path and measures it on an interference signal path, using a signal path defect analysis unit to detect defects by checking if the current is within a predetermined measuring range, allowing for automatic detection of cable defects without requiring external service personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cables are made flexible and slim to improve handling, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of kinks and wire breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of cable defects by continuously monitoring the input impedance during normal operation. The evaluation unit detects changes in impedance that indicate kinks or wire breaks before they cause complete cable failure, allowing preventive action to be taken.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback about cable condition through impedance monitoring. The evaluation unit compares measured impedance values against reference values and provides real-time information about cable health, enabling operators to respond to deteriorating cable conditions.
2Reliability
If service personnel inspect cables regularly to detect defects, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically monitoring its own cable conditions through impedance measurements. The evaluation unit continuously assesses cable health without requiring external service personnel, enabling the system to detect and report defects autonomously.
3Measurement precision
If manual inspection with reference signals is used to detect cable faults, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own operational signals to detect cable defects rather than requiring external test equipment. The impedance monitoring utilizes the existing bioelectric signals or internal test signals already present in the measurement system, eliminating the need for separate reference signal generators and complex test setups.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables immediate detection of signal path defects, reducing the risk of using damaged cables and allowing for timely replacement, thereby ensuring the quality of bioelectrical measurements without the need for complex testing procedures or regular cable inspections.
Implementation Method 1
a first current application unit (31) for applying a defined current (IE1, IE2) to a first useful signal path (6a, 6b) and at least a first comparison unit (32) for checking whether the current (IE1, IE2) impressed on the first useful signal path (6a, 6b) lies within a measurement range
Data Source
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AI summary
Fault detection devices (40; 41; 42) for detecting signal path defects (D) in a voltage measurement system (1) for measuring bioelectrical signals (BS) with a number of useful signal paths (6a; 6b) and a signal measurement circuit (2) are described, as well as such a voltage measurement system (1).The fault detection devices (40; 41; 42) comprise at least the following components: - at least one current supply unit (31), wherein the current supply unit (31) is configured to induce a signal (IE1; IE2) on a first useful signal path (6a; 6b), - at least one first comparator unit (32), which checks whether the signal of the first useful signal path (6a; 6b) lies within a measuring range, - at least one first disturbance signal path (7S) for measuring a first disturbance signal (IRLD), - and a signal path defect analysis unit (30), which is configured to detect a signal path defect (D) in a useful signal path (6a; 6b) of the voltage measuring system (1) if the inducing signal (IE1; IE2) is not measured on the first disturbance signal path (7S) and the checked signal of the comparator unit (32) lies within the measuring range.Furthermore, appropriate methods for detecting signal path defects (D) in a voltage measurement system (1) for measuring bioelectrical signals (BS) are explained.