Medical Device Connector Identification via Mixed RF Waveforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device control systems face challenges in ensuring safe and effective operation due to potential misconnections caused by similar-looking connectors, particularly in environments with users having vision limitations or dexterity issues, and are susceptible to electromagnetic interference, which can lead to unsafe device interactions.
Innovation Solution
A medical device control system that employs a connector with an identification device generating a characteristic response to a mixed radio frequency waveform, allowing the controller to differentiate and configure the medical device safely, while being tolerant to external noise sources by operating within a frequency range of 80 kHz to 300 kHz, reducing sensitivity to electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed frequency sensing signal is used for device identification, then the system operation is simple, but the system is highly susceptible to electromagnetic interference and external noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static fixed-frequency sensing signal into a dynamic spread spectrum signal that continuously varies its frequency across a wide band (80 kHz to 300 kHz). This dynamic frequency variation allows the system to avoid stationary interference patterns and external noise at specific frequencies, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and interference susceptibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the sensing signal from a fixed value to a dynamically varying parameter across a wide frequency range. By modulating the sensing signal frequency according to a spread spectrum code, the system maintains operational simplicity while achieving robustness against electromagnetic interference through parameter variation.
2Ease of operation
If similar-looking connectors are used for universal compatibility, then the ease of operation improves, but the risk of misconnection and hazardous interactions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification system between the physical connector and the control system. This intermediary consists of identification components embedded in connectors and corresponding detection circuits in controllers that exchange unique identification signals. This intermediary layer enables universal physical compatibility while ensuring logical verification of device compatibility, thereby preventing misconnections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the control system detect the identification signal from the connected device, verify its compatibility, and provide appropriate feedback control. The system continuously monitors the identification response and can alert users or prevent operation if incompatible devices are connected, thus maintaining reliability alongside ease of operation.
3Reliability
If extensive marking and physical features are added to connectors, then misconnection prevention improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical marking systems (colors, shapes, text) with an electronic identification system using electromagnetic signals. Instead of modifying the physical connector structure with complex markings, the system uses simple embedded identification components that communicate device identity through electrical signals, thereby preventing misconnections without increasing mechanical complexity.
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 system effectively prevents misconnections and ensures safe operation by generating unique responses to different medical devices, enhancing user safety and reducing interference susceptibility, thus providing a robust and reliable communication method in diverse medical environments.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing arrangement is configured to emit a sensing signal for detecting a characteristic response from the identification device, wherein the characteristic response is between 80 kHz and 300 kHz
Data Source
AI summary
Present invention relates to a medical device control system (100) comprising a medical device (120) and a controller device (110) configured to control the operation of the medical device (120), the medical device control system (100) further comprising a coupling assembly (300) for connecting the medical device (120) and the controller device (110). The coupling assembly (300) comprises a connector (330) and a connecting member (310), the connector (330) being connectable to the connecting member (310) for forming a connection through said connector (330) and connecting member (310). The coupling assembly (300) comprises an identification device (390), said identification device (390) being adapted to generate a characteristic response associated with the controller device (110) or the medical device (120). The medical device control system comprises a sensing arrangement (420) being configured to emit a sensing signal (S) in the form of a mixed radio frequency waveform by combining a carrier signal (C) and a mixing signal (M) for detecting the characteristic response.