Multifunction Cable With Switching Element For Sensor Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensors, such as tocodynamometers and intrauterine pressure catheters, face challenges in compatibility and cross-contamination due to their design and material, and there is a need for a reusable cable that can accommodate different disposable sensors with varying outputs to streamline monitoring processes.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction cable assembly with a circuit and switching element that can selectively process outputs from different sensors, allowing for interchangeable connections and signal conversion to ensure compatibility with various monitoring systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tocos with strain gauge mechanisms are used, then they provide structural support and signal output, but they exhibit low compliance, cannot provide contraction intensity data, and are susceptible to artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly is designed to accept multiple types of sensors including both conventional strain gauge tocos and alternative sensors such as pneumatic tocos or abdominal sensors, allowing a single cable to interface with various sensor types that have different output configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The switching element changes the electrical parameters of the circuit based on the detected sensor type, adjusting gain, impedance matching, or signal routing to optimize performance for each specific sensor configuration
2Reliability
If conventional tocos are used, then they provide contraction monitoring, but they are heavy, nondisposable, costly, and present cross-contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into disposable sensor components and reusable cable/monitor components, allowing the expensive monitoring infrastructure to be reused while only the disposable sensors are replaced between patients
Solution Approach 2:
The cable assembly accepts disposable sensors that can be discarded after single use, eliminating cross-contamination risks and reducing cleaning/maintenance costs while maintaining monitoring capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single reusable cable is designed to accept different sensor outputs, then compatibility is improved, but the circuit complexity increases due to need for signal conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit includes a switching element that dynamically reconfigures the signal path and processing parameters based on the detected sensor type, allowing a single circuit to adapt its behavior rather than requiring separate fixed circuits for each sensor type
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit automatically detects the sensor type through the initiation element and self-configures the appropriate signal processing mode without requiring manual intervention or complex external control
4Adaptability or versatility
If sensors with different output configurations are used, then versatility is improved, but signal processing compatibility becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly acts as an intermediary between sensors with different output configurations and the monitor, providing signal conversion and conditioning that translates various sensor outputs into a unified format compatible with the monitor
Data Source
AI summary
A cable comprises a circuit, a switching element and an input connection for engaging an output connection of a sensor, the switching element configured to selectively enable the circuit of the cable assembly to process an accepted output of at least one of at least two sensors providing differing acceptable outputs and to provide a signal output corresponding to the accepted sensor output for processing by a monitor. A sensor includes an initiation element structured to cause a switching element associated with an input connection of the cable to change a mode of operation of the switching element to selectively enable the circuit to process an output of the sensor accepted by the cable and to provide a signal output corresponding to the accepted sensor output. A system comprises a monitor and the cable including the circuit and the switching element. Methods of operation are also disclosed.