Connector Accessory Detection Using Impedance and Data Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting medical device accessories are prone to errors due to environmental conditions and mechanical deformations, leading to false connections and potential safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A dual-step detection method using complex accessory data, where first accessory data is stored in an electric component and second data in a non-volatile memory, ensuring reliable authentication and power application only when both data sets match, preventing unwanted voltage application and ensuring correct accessory connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a simple detection method is used to detect accessory connection, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of detection deteriorates due to environmental conditions and mechanical deformations causing false connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection process is divided into multiple sequential steps: first detecting accessory presence through basic electrical connection, then verifying accessory identity through impedance measurement, and finally authenticating accessory legitimacy through complex data verification. This segmentation transforms a single unreliable detection into a multi-stage verification process that eliminates false connections while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection actions before enabling power supply. The detection device first checks for accessory presence, then verifies impedance characteristics, and only after successful verification does it proceed to apply supply voltage. This preliminary action sequence prevents false connections from causing harmful effects by establishing verification protocols before power is activated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If voltage is applied immediately upon connection to ensure power supply, then productivity is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to potential sparks and electrical hazards from false connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical hazards
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a verification protocol that prevents voltage application until accessory legitimacy is confirmed. The detection device measures impedance characteristics and verifies complex data stored in the accessory before enabling power supply. This preliminary counter-measure eliminates the harmful effect of sparks and electrical hazards that would occur with immediate power application to unverified accessories.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the accessory. It mediates the power transfer by first verifying accessory legitimacy through impedance measurement and data authentication, then controlling the application of supply voltage. This intermediary function ensures that power is only supplied to authenticated accessories, preventing electrical hazards while maintaining efficient power delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If environmental protection measures are enhanced to prevent false detection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional protection mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidprotection mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical protection mechanisms with electrical field-based detection. Instead of using physical seals or mechanical interlocks to prevent false connections, the detection device uses impedance measurement and electrical signal analysis to verify accessory legitimacy. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while enhancing detection reliability by using inherent electrical properties of the accessory for authentication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory itself provides authentication information through its electrical impedance characteristics and stored complex data. The detection device reads these self-contained identifiers without requiring external verification mechanisms. This self-service approach allows the accessory to prove its legitimacy through its own electrical properties, reducing the need for additional protection mechanisms in the main device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enhances the reliability of accessory detection, preventing false connections and ensuring patient safety by eliminating environmental disturbances and misuse, while allowing for efficient power management through sequential detection steps.

Implementation Method 1

the electric component is an impedance, an inductance, a capacitor or a circuit including several of such elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

the electric component is an impedance, an inductance, a capacitor or a circuit including several of such elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductance: Inductor

Implementation Method 3

the electric component is an impedance, an inductance, a capacitor or a circuit including several of such elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2497162B2Connector
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 PHILIPS INTPROP & STANDARDS GMBH
  • EP2497162B2 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly comprising a main device and an accessory, which can be connected by a safe connector and a safe detection method. According to the invention, the assembly comprises: - a main device (2), - an accessory (3) connectable to the main device (2), - the accessory (3) comprising an accessory connector (4) for mating with a device connector (5) of the main device (2), - the accessory connector (4) and the device connector (5) each comprising one or more supply contacts (7) for transmitting electric power from the main device (2) to the accessory (3), - the main device (2) comprising a detection device (9), which, if connecting the accessory (3) to the main device (2), receives complex accessory data stored by the accessory (3) and which by positive evaluation of the complex data enables applying a supply voltage at the one or more supply contacts (7) of the device connector (5).