Signal-Isolating Medical Cable Using Segmented Twisted Pairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices interfacing with multiple patient-applied parts experience signal interference due to the transmission of multiple signals, leading to noise in the system, which hampers effective communication and therapy delivery.
Innovation Solution
A signal-isolating cable with multiple twisted wire pairs of different gauges and conductive shields is used to connect multiple patient-applied parts, where higher gauge wires for higher power signals and lower gauge wires for lower power signals are separated with insulating jackets to reduce interference, and all shields are connected to a common ground to minimize noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple signals are transmitted through a single cable to multiple patient-applied parts, then the device complexity is reduced, but signal interference and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is segmented into multiple isolated twisted wire pairs, with each pair dedicated to a specific signal type (higher power or lower power). This segmentation prevents signal interference while maintaining a unified cable structure, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cable have different wire gauge qualities optimized for specific signal types. Higher gauge wires are used for higher power signals, while lower gauge wires are used for lower power signals. This local quality differentiation reduces signal interference while maintaining overall cable integration.
2Power
If higher gauge wires are used for higher power signals, then the current capacity is improved, but the cable complexity increases due to multiple wire types
Solution Approach 1:
The cable design provides universal functionality by integrating multiple wire pair types within a single standardized cable structure. Each twisted wire pair is configured for specific power levels, but all pairs follow the same construction principles and connection methods, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high current capacity where needed.
3Reliability
If conductive shields are added to reduce noise, then the signal integrity is improved, but the cable complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding is segmented to match the twisted wire pair structure, with each pair having its own conductive shield. This segmentation approach maintains signal integrity for each individual pair while allowing modular manufacturing and assembly, reducing the complexity increase that would result from comprehensive shielding.
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 cable effectively isolates multiple signals, reducing interference and allowing for reliable communication and therapy delivery between multiple patient-applied parts and external medical devices, enhancing the performance of medical systems by maintaining signal integrity and reducing system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The cable may include first and second types of twisted wire pairs. The second type of twisted wire pairs include wires that have a lower gauge and higher current capacity than the first type of twisted wire pairs.
Implementation Method 2
all shields are connected to a common ground to minimize noise
Implementation Method 3
higher gauge wires for higher power signals and lower gauge wires for lower power signals are separated with insulating jackets to reduce interference
Data Source
AI summary
A medical system may include an external medical device, at least two patient-applied parts, and a furcated cable having one proximal end configured to be connected to the external medical device and having at least first and second distal ends configured to be connected to the patient-applied parts. The cable may include first and second types of twisted wire pairs. The second type includes wires that have a lower gauge and higher current capacity than the first type. The cable may include at least four sets of twisted wire pairs, including at least two sets of twisted wire pairs of the first type and at least two sets of twisted wire pairs of the second type. Each of the first and second distal ends include a first type and a second type of twisted wire pairs.