Connector Shield for Medical Sensor Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic field-based medical positioning systems face interference from untwisted portions of twisted wire pairs, leading to signal noise and errors in position and orientation determination due to magnetic pickup, which existing techniques do not completely resolve.
Innovation Solution
A connector shield, formed from magnetically permeable materials like mu-metal, is used to shield the untwisted portion of twisted wire pairs, reducing susceptibility to magnetic fields and minimizing signal noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If twisted wire pairs are used for signal transmission, then signal integrity is improved, but the untwisted portions at connectors create magnetic pickup and signal noise
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetically permeable material (such as mu-metal or ferrite) is introduced as an intermediary component between the untwisted wire portions and the external magnetic field. This intermediary provides a low-reluctance path that shunts magnetic flux away from the wire pairs, thereby reducing magnetic pickup and signal noise while allowing the twisted pair configuration to maintain signal integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful magnetic field interaction into a beneficial effect by using the magnetically permeable material to attract and channel magnetic flux through a controlled path. The material's high permeability causes it to preferentially conduct magnetic flux, effectively shielding the wire pairs from external magnetic interference and transforming the previously harmful magnetic pickup into a directed flux pattern that does not interfere with signal transmission
2Object-affected harmful factors
If magnetically permeable shielding material is added to the connector, then susceptibility to magnetic fields is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of shielding the entire connector assembly, the invention applies magnetically permeable material only to the specific regions where untwisted wire portions are present and most susceptible to magnetic interference. This localized approach provides effective shielding precisely where needed while minimizing the addition of complexity to the overall connector structure
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetically permeable material is integrated within the existing connector housing structure, nesting the shielding function inside the already-present mechanical components. The permeable material can be formed as an internal feature of the connector body or as a separate component fitted within the housing, thereby providing shielding functionality without significantly increasing external dimensions or structural complexity
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
The connector shield effectively reduces signal noise and improves the accuracy of position and orientation determination by providing a low-reluctance path for magnetic flux, thereby enhancing the reliability of magnetic field-based medical positioning systems.
Implementation Method 1
A connector shield, formed from magnetically permeable materials like mu-metal, is used to shield the untwisted portion of twisted wire pairs
Implementation Method 2
providing a low-reluctance path for magnetic flux
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure can include a medical device assembly. The medical device assembly can comprise an elongate hollow cylindrical body that extends along a longitudinal axis. A distal cap portion can extend along the longitudinal axis. A proximal end of the distal cap portion can be connected to a distal end of the elongate hollow cylindrical body. A wire management port can be defined in the distal cap portion.