Medical Connector Sensor Assembly for Tag-Free Device Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to identify medical devices connected via device connectors without relying on RFID tags or barcodes, leading to inefficiencies in device recognition.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly is used to detect the dimensions of connector ends of medical devices when connected, enabling identification of device types based on these dimensions without requiring communication or identification numbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID tags or barcodes are used to identify medical devices, then device identification capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from separate components (RFID tags, barcodes) and integrates it into the connector structure itself. The connector's physical dimensions and geometry encode device type information, eliminating the need for additional identification components while maintaining identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection, mechanical coupling, and device type identification through its dimensional characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by combining what were previously separate components into a single integrated structure.
2Measurement precision
If RFID tags or barcodes are used to identify medical devices, then device identification capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for separate RFID tags or barcode labels, which are additional manufacturing steps and materials. The identification information is embedded directly in the connector's molded geometry, reducing component count and assembly complexity while lowering material and labor costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector's dimensional encoding provides a low-cost, disposable identification method that eliminates expensive RFID tags or barcode scanning infrastructure. Each connector inherently carries its identification through its physical dimensions, requiring no additional active components or complex reading systems.
3Measurement precision
If communication between devices and readers is required for identification, then device identification capability is improved, but system complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector performs self-identification through its physical dimensions, automatically providing device type information to the sensing system without requiring active communication protocols, data transmission, or software processing. The identification is passive and inherent to the connector's geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic communication systems (RFID readers, barcode scanners, data protocols) with a mechanical sensing system that detects connector dimensions. This substitution eliminates complex communication infrastructure in favor of simpler mechanical or optical dimension sensing.
4Measurement precision
If communication between devices and readers is required for identification, then device identification capability is improved, but identification time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector's identification information is pre-encoded in its physical dimensions during manufacturing. When connected, the sensing system immediately detects these dimensions and identifies the device type without requiring data transmission, protocol handshaking, or software processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the entire communication and data processing sequence required by RFID or barcode systems. Identification occurs instantaneously through direct dimensional measurement, rushing through what would otherwise be a multi-step communication process to achieve immediate device recognition.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor assembly may include a sensor surrounding a connector of a medical device. The sensor may be configured to detect a dimension of an end of another connector of another medical device when the another connector of the another medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device. A system may include the sensor assembly and one or more processors programmed and/or configured to determine a type of the another medical device based on the detected dimension. A method may include detecting, with a sensor surrounding a connector of a medical device, a dimension of an end of another connector of another medical device when the another connector of the another medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device; and determining a type of the another medical device based on the detected dimension.