5G Implant Basic Supply Unit Network Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices, particularly active electronic implants, face risks due to temporary network connection interruptions in 5G-based networks, leading to restricted device functions and potential patient safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with an interface to 5G or comparable networks, equipped with a basic supply unit that ensures minimal functional requirements are met even during network interruptions, allowing for safe operation through real-time communication and a detection unit that activates this basic supply when network issues occur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the medical device relies on continuous 5G network connection for real-time control and evaluation, then the device function and therapy delivery can be optimized, but the device becomes vulnerable to network interruptions causing unacceptable patient risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by equipping the medical device with a basic supply unit that is pre-configured to provide minimal functional requirements (signal evaluation and therapy delivery) before network interruptions occur. This ensures that when the 5G network connection is interrupted, the device can immediately switch to autonomous operation without compromising patient safety, thus resolving the contradiction between optimized network-dependent function and reliability during network unavailability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the medical device implements autonomous basic supply unit for network interruption scenarios, then patient safety is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the medical device into two functional segments: a network-dependent optimization module and an autonomous basic supply unit. The basic supply unit is further segmented to provide only essential functions (signal evaluation and therapy delivery) rather than full functionality. This segmentation maintains patient safety while managing device complexity by isolating the autonomous functions to a dedicated, simplified subsystem.
3Reliability
If the medical device maintains full functionality during network interruptions, then comprehensive therapy delivery is possible, but the device may exceed available energy reserves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a basic supply unit that provides only the minimal necessary functions (signal evaluation and essential therapy delivery) during network interruptions, rather than maintaining full device functionality. This partial operation ensures continuity of critical medical functions while conserving energy reserves, resolving the contradiction between reliable function continuity and energy consumption during autonomous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a medical device and a method for operating a medical device, said medical device comprising a unit configured to perform at least one function selected from the group of: evaluation of signals, therapy delivery, an interface to a network, in particular a 5G network, the interface being configured to communicate directly or indirectly with the network, wherein the medical device is further configured to directly or indirectly influence the at least one function via the network communication, and a basic supply unit configured to ensure a basic function of the medical device if the network communication is interrupted during intended use of the medical device.