Cross-over Switch for Signal Sum and Difference Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
In minimally invasive medical procedures, transferring multiple signals from a measurement site to a distant location is challenging due to limited access, requiring a reduction in the number of conductors to minimize catheter diameter, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
The use of cross-over switches connected between multiple signal sources allows for the transmission of multiple signals over a minimal number of conductors by generating linear combinations of signal sums and differences, which are then analyzed by a processor to recover the original signals, enabling simultaneous sampling and transfer of signals via a single pair of conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple conductors are used to transfer multiple signals simultaneously, then signal transfer capability is improved, but catheter diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple signal transfer functions are merged into a single conductor by transmitting linear combinations of signals (sums and differences) simultaneously over one conductor, eliminating the need for separate conductors for each signal
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-over switches periodically alternate between direct and crossed configurations at a frequency much higher than the signal frequencies, enabling time-multiplexed transmission of multiple signals through linear combinations without losing signal integrity
2Ease of operation
If the number of conductors is reduced to minimize catheter diameter, then ease of patient access is improved, but signal transfer capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter representation of signals by transmitting linear combinations (sums and differences) instead of original signals directly, allowing multiple signals to be encoded and recovered from a single conductor's transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The processor uses knowledge of the switch configurations to mathematically recover the original signals from the linear combinations, creating a feedback loop that maintains signal integrity despite the reduced conductor count
3Productivity
If cross-over switches are used to generate linear combinations of signals, then signal transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Cross-over switches serve as intermediary devices that transform multiple input signals into linear combinations suitable for single-conductor transmission, while the processor acts as a secondary intermediary to recover the original signals through mathematical analysis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Apparatus, including a first signal source (S1) for generating a first signal and a second signal source (S2) for generating a second signal. A cross-over switch (70) is connected between the two sources so as to generate in a direct switch configuration a sum of the first and second signals and in a crossed switch configuration a difference between the first and second signals. The apparatus includes a processor which is configured to receive the sum and the difference and to recover the first signal and the second signal therefrom.