Medical Device Console EMI Sensing for Reliable Control Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical devices and their operating consoles are susceptible to electromagnetic interference from sources like electrosurgical knives and cellular devices, leading to malfunctions and delayed responses, and existing interference mitigation methods are costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An operating console equipped with sensors to detect electromagnetic interference signals, an analysis apparatus to process these signals, and a microprocessor to determine control commands based on both electrical and interference signals, storing a history of these signals for troubleshooting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hardware filters and shielding foils are used to avoid electromagnetic interference, then interference immunity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference immunityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces hardware-based interference mitigation (mechanical/electrical filters and shielding) with a software-based solution. The analysis apparatus uses signal processing algorithms to detect and filter electromagnetic interference from control signals, eliminating the need for complex hardware filters and shielding foils while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from passive hardware filtering to active software-based parameter analysis. The analysis apparatus monitors signal characteristics (amplitude, frequency, timing) and dynamically adjusts processing parameters to distinguish valid control signals from interference, reducing device complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If hardware filters and shielding foils are used to avoid electromagnetic interference, then interference immunity is improved, but expenditure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference immunityVSAvoidexpenditure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes expensive hardware components (hardware filters, shielding foils, specialized interference-resistant circuits) with software-based signal processing in the analysis apparatus. This reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining or improving interference immunity through intelligent signal analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses standard, inexpensive microprocessors and software algorithms in the analysis apparatus instead of costly specialized hardware components. The software-based solution can be updated and adapted without replacing physical components, reducing both initial expenditure and long-term maintenance costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If analog or digital filtering of electrical control signals is applied, then interference is reduced, but response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference reductionVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces analog filtering circuits with digital signal processing in the analysis apparatus. The microprocessor analyzes control signals using software algorithms that can quickly identify and filter interference without the inherent delay of analog filter circuits, maintaining fast response times while reducing interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The analysis apparatus performs preliminary analysis of incoming control signals to identify interference patterns before processing valid commands. By detecting and flagging interference early in the signal processing chain, the system can quickly discard corrupted signals and respond to valid signals without delay, maintaining fast response times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 responsiveness and reliability of medical devices by accurately determining control commands while accounting for interference, facilitating easier troubleshooting and reducing the impact of electromagnetic interference.

Implementation Method 1

a number of sensors (10) for detecting electromagnetic interference signals (E, B) from the area surrounding the operating console (3)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12471860B2Operating console of a medical device having interference-signal identification

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

An operating console of a medical device has input elements configured to generate electrical control signals as a result of actuation of the input elements by an operator of the medical device. The operating console has an analysis apparatus, which is connected to the input elements to receive the electrical control signals. The analysis apparatus is configured to determine control commands configured to drive the medical device based on the electrical control signals. It has an interface configured to output the control commands to the medical device. The operating console has a number of sensors configured to detect electromagnetic interference signals from the area surrounding the operating console. The analysis apparatus is connected to the sensors to receive characteristic quantities for the electromagnetic interference signals detected by the sensors. It is configured to process the characteristic quantities.