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, transmitting 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 transmit both normal data signals and emergency signals. The system uses the same physical infrastructure for both purposes, with emergency signals being superimposed on or transmitted through the differential pairs already in use for data communication, thereby avoiding additional dedicated lines while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency signal transmission function is merged with the existing differential data communication function. By combining these functions into a single communication infrastructure, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated emergency lines, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring emergency signals can be transmitted reliably through the shared medium
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 differential communication lines serve dual purposes: normal data communication and emergency signal transmission. This multi-functionality allows emergency signals to leverage the existing high-speed differential infrastructure without requiring additional physical space for separate dedicated lines, thus maintaining transmission speed while avoiding system size increase
3Reliability
If additional communication lines are added for emergency signals, then reliability of emergency signal transmission is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By making the existing differential communication lines multi-functional, the system achieves reliable emergency signal transmission without requiring additional components, cables, or connectors. This approach reduces manufacturing costs by utilizing already-installed infrastructure for both data and emergency communications, eliminating the need for separate dedicated emergency signal lines
Solution Approach 2:
The merging of emergency signal transmission with existing data communication lines reduces the total component count and simplifies the manufacturing process. Fewer physical lines and components mean lower material costs and simpler assembly procedures, while still maintaining the reliability needed for emergency signal transmission
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 safety 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.