Wireless Connector With Magnetic Coupling Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless data and power transmission technologies face challenges in clinical settings due to limited radio spectrum capacity, bandwidth compromise, cumbersome mode switching, and interference from stray magnetic flux with sensitive measurement electronics.
Innovation Solution
A connector that operates in two modes - near-field and far-field modes, using inductive coupling for power transfer and RF communication, with automatic switching based on magnetic coupling detection, eliminating the need for antenna switching and minimizing RF bandwidth occupation and crosstalk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless data and power transmission is used in clinical settings, then convenience and safety are improved, but radio spectrum capacity is limited and bandwidth is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication into a single wireless interface using inductive coupling. The same magnetic coupling unit that transfers power also enables data communication through magnetic flux modulation, eliminating the need for separate RF antennas and reducing radio spectrum consumption while maintaining convenience in clinical settings
2Adaptability or versatility
If mode switching between near-field and far-field is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating mode based on the detected magnetic coupling strength. When a device is properly connected and magnetic coupling is strong, the system operates in near-field inductive mode for efficient power transfer. When disconnected or coupling is weak, it automatically transitions to far-field RF mode, eliminating the need for manual switching mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors magnetic coupling strength and uses this feedback to automatically determine the appropriate operating mode. This feedback mechanism enables seamless adaptation between near-field and far-field modes without requiring complex switching hardware, as the mode selection is driven by real-time coupling detection
3Power
If magnetic coupling unit is continuously enabled for power transfer, then power availability is improved, but interference with sensitive measurement electronics increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously detects magnetic coupling strength and uses this feedback to control the power transmission unit. Power transfer is only enabled when strong magnetic coupling is detected, indicating proper device connection. This prevents continuous operation that would generate stray magnetic flux interference with sensitive measurement electronics while ensuring power availability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous power transmission, the system periodically checks magnetic coupling strength and activates power transfer only during periods when proper coupling is detected. This periodic operation reduces the generation of stray magnetic flux while maintaining power availability, as the system repeatedly transitions between active and standby states based on coupling conditions
4Speed
If RF transmission is used for data communication, then communication range is improved, but bandwidth occupation and crosstalk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data communication functionality into the magnetic coupling unit used for power transfer. Data is communicated through magnetic flux modulation within the inductive power transfer system, allowing local short-range communication without requiring separate RF antennas. This reduces RF bandwidth occupation and minimizes crosstalk while maintaining adequate communication range for clinical applications
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
Enables seamless switching between connected and unconnected states, reduces RF bandwidth usage, minimizes crosstalk, and conserves power by only enabling magnetic powering when efficient coupling is established, thus maintaining measurement quality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic coupling unit for transmitting power to and/or receiving power from another device of the system having a counterpart connector by use of inductive coupling
Implementation Method 2
a detection unit for detecting the strength of magnetic coupling between the magnetic coupling unit and a magnetic coupling unit of a counterpart connector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
Figure 8~9
AI summary
The present invention relates toa connector for wireless transmission of data and/or power between separate devices comprising such a connector of a system, in particular of a patient monitoring system, said separate devices comprising such a connector. The connector comprises a data transmission unit (271) arranged for transmitting data to and/or receiving data from another device of the system having a counterpart connector, a magnetic coupling unit (272) for transmitting power to and/or receiving power from another device of the system having a counterpart connector by use of inductive coupling, a detection unit (273) for detecting the strength of magnetic coupling between the magnetic coupling unit and a magnetic coupling unit of a counterpart connector, and a control unit (274) for switching the data transmission unit into a low-power mode and/or for enabling the magnetic coupling unit, if the detected magnetic coupling is above a first threshold and/or its increase is above a second threshold, and for switching the data transmission unit into a high-power mode and/or for disabling the magnetic coupling unit, if the detected magnetic coupling is below a third threshold and/or its decrease is above a fourth threshold.