Humidifier Connector Using Data-Line Power and Serial Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Respiratory and surgical humidifiers face challenges in efficiently managing power and data transmission within their systems, leading to complexity, user error, and reduced reliability due to the need for multiple power and data lines, which can result in increased production costs and setup times.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a connector with a first power line, a second power line, and a data line that allows serial communication between the control circuit and digital devices, enabling parasitic power supply to digital devices over the data line, thus eliminating the need for additional power wires and enhancing system reliability through redundant temperature sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power and data lines are used in the connector, then power and data transmission capabilities are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to increased wiring complexity and user error potential
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication functions into a single differential data line. The connector includes only a data line that serves dual purposes: transmitting digital communication signals and providing parasitic power to digital devices. This merging eliminates the need for separate power lines, reducing connector complexity while maintaining both power and data transmission capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The data line is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. It serves as both a communication channel for serial data transmission and a power delivery path for parasitic powering of digital devices. This multi-functionality allows the system to operate with minimal wiring, improving ease of operation while maintaining full adaptability for power and data needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power and data lines are used in the connector, then power and data transmission capabilities are improved, but ease of operation worsens due to increased risk of user error and setup complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By merging power and data functions into a single line, the patent reduces the number of connection points users must manage. The connector requires only one electrical connection (the data line), eliminating the risk of users incorrectly connecting multiple power lines or data lines. This simplification dramatically improves ease of operation while maintaining full functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs parasitic powering where digital devices draw power from the data line itself rather than requiring separate power connections. This self-service approach allows devices to be powered automatically upon connection, eliminating the need for users to manage separate power switches or connections, thereby improving ease of operation.
3Loss of information
If a data line is added to the connector, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity and production costs worsen due to additional wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data communication function with the power transmission function in a single differential data line. This approach adds communication capability without requiring additional separate wiring for power, as the same data line provides both functions. The result is improved data communication capability without proportional increases in device complexity.
4Device complexity
If parasitic power supply over data line is implemented, then number of power wires is reduced, but reliability of power supply may worsen due to shared line usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power and data functions in a single differential line, reducing the number of power wires to minimal requirements. The differential nature of the line provides noise immunity and stable power delivery despite the dual function, maintaining reliability while simplifying the wiring structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory or surgical humidifier comprising a heater base and an electrical connector. The heater base is configured to receive a humidifier chamber and supply humidified gases to a breathing tube when coupled with the chamber. The heater base also comprises a control circuit. The electrical connector is provided for electrically coupling the control circuit to a breathing tube. The electrical connector comprises a first power line, a second power line, and a data line configured to allow serial communication between the control circuit and one or more digital devices. Also provided is a humidifier system, a breathing tube, a humidifier chamber and an electrical connector for a humidifier.