Medical Probe Memory Integration via One-Wire Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical probes with embedded memory devices face issues of separation during use, leading to incorrect data usage and increased complexity, particularly when interface cables are replaced or sterilized, which can result in physical damage and loss of calibration data.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system with a probe having a memory device embedded within its housing, connected via a wired interface, utilizing a one-wire protocol to minimize electrical connections and eliminate additional control circuitry, allowing selection between sensor and memory access modes using control circuitry and switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the memory device is embedded within the probe housing, then the memory device cannot be separated from the probe by the user during use, but this increases the complexity of integrating additional components into the probe
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is physically integrated within the probe housing, merging two separate components (probe and memory device) into a single unified structure. This ensures the memory device cannot be separated from the probe during use, preventing mismatches between probes and memory data while maintaining a compact design through careful spatial arrangement of components.
2Reliability
If a wired interface with multiple electrical connections is used to connect the probe and reading device, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but this increases the number of wires and connection points that complicate the probe design
Solution Approach 1:
The wired interface is designed with multi-functional conductors that simultaneously serve multiple purposes: power supply, data transmission, and memory device communication. By making the electrical connections universal rather than dedicated to single functions, the probe achieves reliable data transmission while minimizing the total number of separate connection points and wires required.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3
Figure 2C
AI summary
A monitoring system including a reading device electrically connected to a probe via a wired interface. The probe has a physiological sensor/transducer configured as a Wheatstone resistive bridge balancing circuit. Integrated within the housing of the probe to prohibit separation during use by a user is a memory device arranged in parallel with the sensor. Communication between the reading device and the probe occurs via a wired interface utilizing a same number of electrical wires between the reading device and the Wheatstone as would be required without the memory device. Control circuitry selects between one of two modes for accessing either data detected by the sensor or the memory device.