Magnetic Connector Detection for Medical Sensor Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting the attachment of medical sensor devices to host devices are prone to wear, costly, and may pose safety risks due to strong magnetic fields or require complex optical detectors.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic detection mechanism using a magnetic field generator and detectors on the host device, combined with magnetizable parts on the sensor device, to detect attachment and convey additional information through magnetic field changes, ensuring low power consumption and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If electromagnetic signals are used for device detection, then detection capability is provided, but electromagnetic interference with medical equipment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic detection systems with a magnetic field-based detection system. Instead of using electromagnetic signals that can interfere with medical equipment, the invention uses permanent magnets attached to devices and detects their position through magnetic field sensing, thereby eliminating electromagnetic interference while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces permanent magnets as intermediary objects between the detection system and the medical devices. These magnets serve as passive markers that can be detected by magnetic sensors without emitting electromagnetic radiation, thus mediating the detection process without causing interference
2Measurement precision
If magnetic sensors are placed throughout the surgical site to improve detection accuracy, then detection precision improves, but device complexity and surgical time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic detection system into discrete segments - individual permanent magnets attached to specific surgical devices and corresponding magnetic sensors placed at strategic locations. This segmentation allows for targeted detection without requiring a dense array of sensors throughout the entire surgical site, reducing complexity while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional magnetic field sensing to detect device position and orientation. By measuring magnetic field vectors in multiple dimensions, the system can accurately locate devices with fewer sensors compared to traditional two-dimensional detection methods, thereby improving precision without proportionally increasing sensor quantity
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
The method provides a safe, low-cost, and reliable detection of sensor device attachment without moving parts, allowing for efficient power and communication connections while minimizing patient risk.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor detects a magnetic field of the permanent magnet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3B
Figure 3C~3D
AI summary
Various methods and devices are provided for detecting a device connection based on a magnetic signature. In one example, a host device includes a connector configured to connect to a medical sensor device, a magnetic detection unit positioned proximate the connector and including a magnetic field generator and one or more magnetic field detectors, and a memory storing instructions executable by a processor to determine a magnitude of a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator based on output from the one or more magnetic field detectors and in response to detecting a change in the magnitude of magnetic field that is greater than a threshold change, establish a connection with the medical sensor device.