NFC Foot Switch Coupling for Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for coupling foot switches to medical devices are complex and often require a permanent one-to-one assignment, limiting flexibility and security in wireless control signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) modules for secure, wireless coupling of foot switches to receivers, enabling unique assignment and simple coupling by exchanging information through NFC read and transponder components, ensuring exclusive processing of control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent one-to-one assignment is used for coupling foot switch to receiver, then reliability of signal transmission is improved, but device complexity and lack of flexibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary coupling actions through NFC communication before actual wireless control signal transmission. The foot switch and receiver establish a secure connection in advance by exchanging identification data and cryptographic keys through NFC, ensuring reliable signal transmission without requiring permanent physical assignment. This preliminary coupling resolves the contradiction by enabling flexible reassignment while maintaining transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cryptographic authentication mechanisms as intermediaries between the foot switch and receiver. The NFC communication serves as an intermediary channel for establishing secure pairing, exchanging identification data and cryptographic keys. This intermediary layer ensures reliable and secure wireless control signal transmission while allowing flexible coupling configurations, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If wireless control signals are used for foot switch, then ease of operation is improved, but security against signal tapping worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cryptographic authentication and unique identification data as intermediaries in the wireless communication channel. Before transmitting control signals, the foot switch and receiver establish secure pairing through NFC exchange of cryptographic keys. Subsequent wireless control signals are protected against tapping through these intermediary security mechanisms, maintaining ease of wireless operation while preventing unauthorized interception.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of wireless signal transmission by incorporating unique identification data and cryptographic authentication into the communication protocol. Control signals include device-specific identifiers and encrypted data, transforming the transmission parameters to provide security against tapping while maintaining wireless ease of operation. This parameter change enables secure wireless communication without compromising user convenience.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external receiver is provided for foot switch coupling, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal coupling mechanism where the NFC-based authentication and pairing protocol can be integrated into various medical devices and receiver configurations. The foot switch uses a standardized NFC interface and cryptographic protocol that works with different receiver types (integrated or external), providing adaptability without requiring complex device-specific configurations. This universality resolves the contradiction by enabling flexible adaptability through a standardized, simple coupling process.
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
Facilitates secure, flexible, and easy coupling of foot switches to medical devices, preventing unintended signal tapping and eliminating the need for permanent external receivers, allowing multiple foot switches to be coupled with various receivers.
Implementation Method 1
one of the components comprises an NFC read module for reading out a transponder in the vicinity and the other component comprises a transponder that can be read out by the NFC read module
Data Source
AI summary
A system including: a foot switch for controlling a medical device; and a receiver for the medical device to be controlled as components. Where the foot switch and the receiver are configured for wirelessly transmitting uniquely assignable control signals after completion of coupling at least from the foot switch to the receiver; one of the components comprises an NFC read module for reading out a transponder in a vicinity and an other component comprises the transponder that can be read out by the NFC read module; and the NFC read module is configured at least to initiate the coupling of the foot switch and the receiver on the basis of items of information read out from the transponder.