Self-Powered Serial Cable with Optical Isolation and Loopback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interface cables for medical devices face challenges in maintaining electrical isolation, requiring complex connections and manual detection of serial ports, which can strain medical device batteries and confuse users, especially in healthcare settings with multiple vendors' equipment.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered serial-to-serial or USB-to-serial interface cable with optical isolation and a loopback feature that automatically detects the medical device by polling ports, using standard connectors and providing graphical and text-based feedback to assist users in connecting devices safely and efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If optical isolation is implemented in the cable, then electrical safety for the patient is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical isolation barrier as an intermediary element in the cable construction. This optical isolator acts as a mediator that transfers data signals between the medical device and base device while maintaining electrical isolation. The optical barrier converts electrical signals to optical signals and back, enabling safe communication without direct electrical contact, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If automatic detection feature is added to the cable, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable incorporates a loopback circuit that enables automatic detection and identification of the cable's presence and type. The loopback feature allows the base device to automatically detect the cable connection and configure communication parameters without user intervention. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction by automating the detection process within the cable itself, improving ease of operation while containing complexity within the cable's automatic identification functionality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the cable is self-powered through loopback, then battery drain on medical device is reduced, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable implements periodic action by using the loopback circuit to transfer power in bursts during data transmission periods. The cable draws power from the base device only when needed for communication, rather than continuously draining the medical device battery. This periodic power transfer approach reduces overall battery drain while managing power complexity through timed power acquisition during active communication windows.
4Adaptability or versatility
If standard serial communication interface is required, then compatibility is improved, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is designed with multi-functionality to support both standard serial communication and automatic detection features through a single unified interface. The loopback circuit serves multiple purposes: it enables automatic cable detection, provides power management, and maintains compatibility with standard serial protocols. This universal design approach allows the cable to function across multiple communication modes without requiring separate connectors or complex user configuration, resolving the contradiction between compatibility and connection simplicity.
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 ensures safe electrical isolation, reduces battery strain on medical devices, simplifies connections, and provides clear visual feedback to users, facilitating quicker data exchanges and reducing user frustration in healthcare settings.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining safe conditions including electrical isolation
Implementation Method 2
a loopback feature that automatically detects the medical device by polling ports
Data Source
AI summary
The cable for a medical device is an optically isolated serial transmission cable, used to connect a base device with a serial port, or the like, to a medical device. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the invention enables auto detection of the cable. The base device is used to power the cable electronics. In another embodiment of the present invention, the interface cable is also supported by graphical and text message display that assists users in connecting the cable to both the medical device and a base device.