Differential Signal Lines for Robotic Emergency Stop Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic systems performing critical operations face challenges in rapidly and reliably communicating emergency signals to multiple joints without adding additional communication lines, which can increase size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system uses pairs of electrical conductors for differential communication to transmit emergency signals as non-differential signals between nodes, allowing reliable communication without extra lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated communication lines are added for emergency signals, then reliability of emergency signal transmission is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing differential communication lines are made multi-functional by enabling them to carry both normal data signals and emergency signals. The system uses the same physical infrastructure for different purposes: differential mode for routine communication and common-mode voltage changes for emergency transmission, eliminating the need for separate dedicated emergency lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters of the existing communication lines dynamically. During normal operation, the lines function in differential mode for data transmission. When an emergency occurs, the system switches to using common-mode voltage changes on the same lines to transmit emergency signals, thus utilizing parameter variation to achieve multiple functions from a single infrastructure.
2Speed
If additional communication lines are added for emergency signals, then emergency signal transmission speed is improved, but system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication infrastructure is designed to serve dual purposes: the same cable harness and conductors that carry control and data signals during normal operation are also capable of transmitting emergency signals. This multi-functionality prevents any increase in system size while maintaining rapid emergency communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the emergency signal transmission function with the existing differential communication infrastructure. By combining these functions into a single physical medium, the system avoids the need for separate emergency wiring, thereby maintaining compact system size while ensuring fast emergency signal delivery through the shared communication channels.
3Reliability
If additional communication lines are added for emergency signals, then reliability of emergency signal transmission is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The communication lines are designed from the outset to perform multiple functions: carrying both normal operational signals and emergency signals through the same physical connection. This approach simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of components that need to be installed and connected, while still ensuring reliable emergency signal transmission through the multi-functional infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging emergency signal transmission with the existing communication infrastructure, the system reduces assembly complexity. The same cable harness and connectors used for normal operations are also used for emergency signals, eliminating the need for separate installation procedures and reducing manufacturing steps while maintaining high reliability through the integrated design.
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
Enables rapid and reliable transmission of emergency signals within robotic systems without the need for additional communication lines, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting an emergency stop signal between a first node and a second node of the multiple nodes of the medical system through a first differential signal interface by changing a common-mode voltage of the first differential signal interface between the first node and the second node
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic medical system can include a first node, a second node, and a first pair of electrical conductors for differential communication between the first node and the second node so that data signals are communicated between the first node and the second node as differential signals. The first node can include a first electrical circuit electrically coupled with the first pair of electrical conductors. The first electrical circuit can communicate emergency stop signals between the first node and the second node as non-differential signals over the first pair of electrical conductors.