Medical Coupling Unit Sensor Detection Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical coupling units are not versatile enough to support multiple vital sign measurements across various care scenarios, requiring multiple dedicated connectors and limiting their use in next-generation wearable monitoring platforms that need to be compact and adaptable.
Innovation Solution
A generic medical coupling unit with a limited number of electrical contacts that can detect the presence, type, and orientation of connected sensors, allowing for multiple vital sign measurements, including ECG and SpO2, through a single connector interface, and incorporating protection circuitry for safety and compatibility with different sensor configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple dedicated connectors are used for different vital sign measurements, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal connector design where a single coupling unit with multiple electrical contacts can accommodate different sensor types (ECG, SpO2, temperature, etc.) through one standardized interface. The connector includes detection circuitry that automatically identifies the connected sensor type and configures the appropriate measurement channels, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated connectors while maintaining measurement reliability through proper signal routing and protection circuitry.
2Volume of moving object
If a single generic connector is used for multiple sensor types, then device compactness is improved, but detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates preliminary detection functionality that automatically identifies the connected sensor type and orientation before measurement begins. The detection circuitry evaluates impedance characteristics and voltage signals on specific contacts to determine sensor presence, type, and correct orientation, ensuring precise measurement configuration is established in advance rather than requiring manual setup or risking incorrect connections.
3Ease of operation
If connector orientation is not detected, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector includes automatic orientation detection that provides feedback to the system about how the sensor is connected. The detection circuitry monitors voltage and impedance on specific electrical contacts to determine if the sensor is correctly oriented, and can trigger visual or audible feedback to guide the user into the correct orientation, ensuring reliable measurements while maintaining ease of operation through automatic detection rather than requiring manual orientation verification.
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 compact, reversible, and safe electrical signal transmission for various vital sign measurements, ensuring compatibility and operational safety across different care scenarios, including during defibrillation treatments, while supporting forward compatibility and efficient resource utilization.
Implementation Method 1
by evaluating the impedance and/or voltage between predetermined electrical contacts
Implementation Method 2
by evaluating the impedance and/or voltage between predetermined electrical contacts
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a medical coupling unit for electrical signal transmission between the medical coupling unit (1, 1a, 1b) and a medical sensor (2, 2a) coupled to the medical coupling unit. The medical coupling unit comprises a coupling-side connector (10) comprising a plurality of first electrical contacts (11) in or on a first surface (12) and a plurality of second electrical contacts (13) in or on a second surface (14) opposite the first surface, and a connector interface (15) for analyzing electrical signals available at one or more of the plurality of first and second electrical contacts (11, 13) to detect one or more of presence of a medical sensor coupled to the medical coupling unit, the type of medical sensor coupled to the medical coupling unit, and the orientation of a sensor-side connector of a medical sensor coupled to the medical coupling unit. The present invention relates further to a sensor-side connector (20).