Monitor Docking Detection for Diode Power Gating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bi-directional diodes in patient monitors and monitor mounts are always powered on, leading to reduced lifetime due to unnecessary consumption when not in use or during docking processes.
Innovation Solution
A docking interface system that includes magnetic field sensors and processors to detect docking events, controlling power distribution to bi-directional diodes based on proximity and optical signal reflection, ensuring power is only supplied when devices are fully docked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bi-directional diode is always powered on to ensure optical communication capability, then communication reliability is improved, but the lifetime of the diode deteriorates due to unnecessary power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning the bi-directional diode from a static always-on state to a dynamic state that changes based on docking detection. The system uses magnetic field sensors to detect when another device is docked, then dynamically adjusts the diode's power state accordingly - powering it on only when needed for optical communication and powering it off when not needed, thus extending lifetime while maintaining communication reliability when required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using magnetic field sensors to continuously monitor the docking status and providing this information back to the power control system. This feedback loop enables the system to make informed decisions about when to power the bi-directional diode on or off, ensuring it operates only when a docking event is detected and optical communication is actually needed
2Speed
If the bi-directional diode is always on to enable immediate optical transmission, then communication speed is improved, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily during docking and undocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the docking event using magnetic field sensors before optical communication is actually needed. This early detection allows the system to prepare and power the bi-directional diode in advance, ensuring immediate communication capability when docking occurs, while avoiding continuous operation and reducing unnecessary energy consumption during undocking and idle periods
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
Extends the life of bi-directional diodes by minimizing unnecessary power consumption during docking and undocking, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field sensor element configured to generate an electrical signal in response to a magnetic field impinging thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A docking interface configured to dock with another device is provided. The docking interface includes an optical link module comprising a transceiver configured to transmit and receive optical signals; a magnetic field sensor element configured to generate an electrical signal in response to a magnetic field impinging thereon; and at least one processor configured to receive the electrical signal, compare a magnitude of the electrical signal to a proximity threshold value to generate a comparison result, and detect a docking event and an undocking event based on the comparison result.