Sensor-Agnostic Interface Cables for Faster Medical Sensor Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices face usability and adaptability challenges due to sensor-specific data interface ports, which require time-consuming connections in emergency situations and necessitate hardware changes for accommodating new sensors, leading to increased weight, volume, and signal noise.
Innovation Solution
Implementing sensor-agnostic data interface ports with compatible data transfer cables that include patient leakage current isolation, allowing for universal sensor connectivity without hardware changes, reducing weight and volume, and enabling software updates for adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensor-specific data interface ports are used, then each sensor type can be accommodated with dedicated hardware, but the device weight and volume increase and connection time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data interface port that can accommodate multiple sensor types through software configuration rather than dedicated hardware for each sensor. The port uses a standardized physical connection with electrical contacts that can be programmed to recognize and interface with different sensor protocols, eliminating the need for separate hardware interfaces for each sensor type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters through software updates to adapt to different sensor types. The data interface port can be reconfigured via software to recognize various sensor protocols, data formats, and communication methods, allowing the same physical hardware to serve multiple sensor types without hardware modifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensor-specific data interface ports are used, then each sensor type can be accommodated with dedicated hardware, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data interface port that can accommodate multiple sensor types through software configuration rather than dedicated hardware for each sensor. The port uses a standardized physical connection with electrical contacts that can be programmed to recognize and interface with different sensor protocols, eliminating the need for separate hardware interfaces for each sensor type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple sensor-specific interface functions into a single universal data interface port. By combining the functionality of multiple dedicated interfaces into one standardized port that can be software-configured for different sensor types, the device volume is reduced while maintaining compatibility with various sensors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensor-specific data interface ports are used, then each sensor type can be accommodated with dedicated hardware, but connection time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the universal data interface port with multiple sensor protocol profiles stored in memory. When a sensor is connected, the system automatically recognizes the sensor type and retrieves the appropriate configuration profile, eliminating the need for manual hardware reconfiguration and reducing connection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the connected sensor communicates its type and protocol requirements to the data interface port. The port automatically adjusts its configuration based on this feedback, enabling rapid adapteration without manual intervention and reducing connection time while maintaining sensor compatibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hardware changes are made to accommodate new sensors, then new sensor types can be supported, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of hardware changes with a software-based solution. Instead of physically modifying the device to accommodate new sensor types, the system uses software updates to configure the universal data interface port for new sensor protocols, significantly reducing hardware complexity and manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal data interface port that can accommodate multiple sensor types through software configuration rather than dedicated hardware for each sensor. The port uses a standardized physical connection with electrical contacts that can be programmed to recognize and interface with different sensor protocols, eliminating the need for separate hardware interfaces for each sensor type.
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 enhances usability by reducing connection time in emergencies, adapts to new sensors through software updates, and decreases the weight and volume of medical devices while maintaining signal quality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an isolation device for limiting patient leakage current flow from the medical device to the sensor, the isolation device configured to transfer power across an isolation barrier
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical device system for providing sensor data capture includes a medical device that may include one or more removably coupled sensor hubs and that includes a display to provide sensor data and at least one data interface (DI) port that may be a sensor-agnostic DI (SA-DI) port and a data transfer cable that may be compatible with the sensor-agnostic DI port and includes a first electromechanical connector configured to detachably couple to the SA- DI port and a second electromechanical connector configured to couple to the sensor and that includes a cable memory and processor configured to execute stored software to format sensor data according to a protocol of the SA-DI port, an authentication circuit, and a cable isolation device to limit patient leakage current flow from the medical device to the sensor and to electrically isolate the authentication circuit from the cable processor and the cable memory.