Depolarizer Plugs for Medical Device Connection Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical instruments often require frequent connection and disconnection of peripheral devices, leading to potential misconnection and improper operation, which can result in physical harm, incorrect diagnosis, or damage to the instruments.
Innovation Solution
The use of plugs with depolarizers that emit depolarized light in response to polarized light, allowing a connection system to detect parameters such as light intensity, wavelength, time delay, and decay time to ensure correct connection and activation of medical devices, preventing operation with incorrect or missing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If frequent connection and disconnection of peripheral devices is performed, then adaptability and versatility of the medical instrument is improved, but the risk of misconnection and improper operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses polarized light and depolarizers to create optical signals that change their polarization state based on the plug type. The connection system detects these polarization changes to identify and verify the correct peripheral device connection, using optical property changes rather than mechanical indicators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection verification methods with an optical detection system. Instead of relying on mechanical interlocks or visual color codes, the system uses polarized light interaction with depolarizers to create detectable optical signals that identify plug types and verify proper connection
2Reliability
If connection verification systems are added to medical instruments, then connection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system uses a universal optical detection mechanism that can identify multiple plug types through their distinct polarization characteristics. A single light source and detector system can differentiate between various peripheral devices based on the polarization state changes induced by their respective depolarizers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polarized light as an intermediary carrier of information between the plug and the detection system. The depolarizers on the plugs modify the polarization state of the light, creating an optical code that the connection system decodes to identify plug types without direct mechanical interaction
3Reliability
If depolarizers and detection systems are implemented, then proper connection verification is improved, but manufacturing complexity of plugs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent verifies connection accuracy by detecting changes in light polarization parameters. Different plug types are assigned different polarization characteristics (different depolarizer properties), and the connection system measures these parameter changes to verify proper connection and prevent incorrect connections
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
Ensures proper connection and activation of medical devices, reducing the risk of injury, incorrect readings, and damage by verifying the correct attachment of peripheral devices before operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one depolarizer configured to emit depolarized light in response to polarized light impinged thereon
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides plugs of cables or tubes including at least one depolarizer, configured to emit depolarized light in response to polarized light impinging thereon and arranged such light emitted from the at least one depolarizer and passed through a polarizing element optically orthogonal to the impinging polarized light can be detected by a connection system.