OPM Connector Shorting Link for ESD Protection and Data Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optically-Pumped Magnetometers (OPMs) suffer from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) damage due to energy storage in OPM cables and connectors, which can harm delicate electronics, and the modularity of OPM sensors and controllers requires external data tracking for customization.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a protective shorting link in the OPM connector that disconnects during coupling and reconnects during decoupling to mitigate ESD and store operational data for sensor customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If OPM cables and connectors are used to transfer signals, then signal transmission is enabled, but electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage occurs to OPM sensors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor protection from ESDVSAvoidelectrostatic discharge damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A protective shorting link is introduced as an intermediary component between the connector and the sensor. This shorting link acts as a mediator that safely dissipates electrostatic discharge energy before it can reach and damage the delicate sensor electronics, while not interfering with normal signal transmission operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective shorting link is configured to automatically activate before ESD damage can occur. The link contains circuitry that detects potential electrostatic discharge conditions and preemptively creates a safe discharge path, preventing the harmful energy from reaching the sensor in the first place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If modularity is implemented for sensor and controller interchangeability, then adaptability is improved, but external data tracking complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor-controller interchangeabilityVSAvoidexternal data tracking

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is equipped with built-in memory that automatically stores operational data about the connected sensor. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external tracking systems, as the connector itself maintains the necessary information about sensor identity, configuration, and operational parameters whenever a sensor is connected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The data storage functionality is merged directly into the connector component. By combining the connector's electrical connection function with data storage capabilities, the system eliminates the need for separate external tracking systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full sensor interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution effectively prevents ESD damage to OPM sensors while enabling efficient data storage for sensor customization without external tracking, enhancing operational reliability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the OPM cables and the OPM connectors store unwanted energy and deliver undesirable Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) to the OPM sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic Discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS12504486B2Optically-pumped magnetometer (OPM) with an OPM connector that mitigates electrostatic discharge (ESD) and stores OPM operational data

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 FIELDLINE INC

AI summary

Various embodiments comprise an apparatus to mitigate Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) buildup. In some examples, the apparatus comprises an Optically Pumped Magnetometer (OPM) and a connector. The connector is operatively coupled to the OPM. The OPM is configured to sense magnetic fields. The connector comprises a protective shorting link. The connector is configured to disconnect the protective shorting link in response to coupling and to connect the protective shorting link in response to decoupling.