Optoelectronic Port Replicator for Leakage Current Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing port replicators are not compatible with sensitive environments such as hospitals or explosive atmospheres, as they fail to prevent the propagation of leakage currents from non-compliant equipment, posing risks to medical devices and safety standards.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with optoelectronically isolated ports and a radio frequency interface that converts protocols, allowing secure connection and emulation of virtual peripherals, ensuring compliance with medical and safety standards by isolating electrical connections and converting proprietary profiles to standard RF profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard port replicators are used to connect multiple peripherals, then connection convenience is improved, but safety and reliability deteriorate due to leakage current propagation in sensitive environments
Solution Approach 1:
The port replicator is divided into electrically isolated segments, with each port group separated by isolation barriers. This segmentation prevents leakage currents from propagating between ports while maintaining independent connection functionality, thus preserving ease of operation while improving safety in sensitive environments like hospitals and explosive atmospheres
Solution Approach 2:
Electrically isolated ports act as intermediary connection points between the host device and peripherals. The isolation mechanism serves as a mediator that blocks harmful leakage currents while allowing legitimate data and power transmission, thus maintaining connection convenience without compromising safety
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ports are provided for universal peripheral compatibility, then adaptability is improved, but harmful factors increase due to potential leakage current propagation
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ports are segmented into electrically isolated groups, allowing universal peripheral compatibility across different port types while preventing leakage currents from propagating between isolated segments. Each segment can independently connect to different peripherals without cross-contamination of harmful currents
Solution Approach 2:
Different port segments have different electrical isolation characteristics tailored to their specific peripheral requirements. Each port group is designed with appropriate isolation levels for its intended use, allowing high adaptability while locally managing harmful factors through targeted isolation strategies
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 device ensures safe and reliable connection of medical and other equipment in sensitive environments by preventing leakage currents and allowing seamless communication without specific software installation, adhering to medical and safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
N ports of which M ports are electrically isolated by optoelectronic coupler
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a piece of electronic equipment for the replication of ports and the routing of digital signals, intended for secure environments for concentrating signals coming from a plurality of pieces of measuring equipment, as well as communication with a piece of supervising equipment. Said equipment comprises: - N ports whereof M ports are electrically insulated by optoelectronic coupler, N being an integer greater than or equal to 1, and M being an integer between N-1 and N, - a radiofrequency interface with a matched piece of supervising equipment, - a processor performing a protocol conversion between the radiofrequency protocol and the protocol of the ports.