Medical Device Accelerometer Malfunction Detection in Sleep Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical devices, such as peristaltic pumps and dialysis machines, face challenges in detecting malfunctions and unsafe usage conditions, particularly when not in operation, which can lead to inoperability or danger if not addressed promptly.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an accelerometer and a movement analysis module (MAM) within medical devices to identify movement characterization, detect malfunctions, and trigger alerts or safety actions, including a beacon module for notifications, even during power-saving modes, to ensure device safety and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the medical device enters device sleep mode (DSM) to conserve energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the ability to detect malfunctions and unsafe usage conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidmalfunction detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into different operational modes (device sleep mode and awake mode) with distinct functional characteristics. The accelerometer operates continuously in low-power mode to detect movement, while the full MAM and therapeutic component are activated only when movement is detected, allowing energy conservation without complete loss of monitoring capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The accelerometer performs preliminary movement detection in a low-power state before activating the full MAM and therapeutic component. This preliminary action allows the system to distinguish between normal and abnormal movement patterns without continuously operating all components at full power, resolving the contradiction between energy savings and reliable malfunction detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the movement analysis module (MAM) operates continuously to detect malfunctions, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemalfunction detection capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The operational state of the MAM is made dynamic rather than static. The MAM transitions between active and inactive states based on real-time movement data from the accelerometer, allowing the system to maintain high reliability when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback through the accelerometer continuously monitoring movement and providing data to the MAM. This feedback mechanism allows the MAM to remain in a low-power state during normal operation and activate fully only when abnormal movement patterns are detected, resolving the energy-reliability contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the device remains in awake mode to ensure immediate malfunction detection, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemalfunction detection capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring function is segmented from the therapeutic component, allowing the accelerometer to operate independently in a low-power continuous monitoring mode while the therapeutic component and full MAM remain inactive until needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The accelerometer performs preliminary screening of movement patterns continuously at low power, preparing the system for potential malfunction detection without requiring the full device to remain active, thus maintaining reliability while conserving energy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables timely detection and notification of malfunctions or unsafe conditions, preventing device damage and ensuring user safety, while also allowing for theft detection and efficient energy management through various operational modes.

Implementation Method 1

an accelerometer configured to identify a movement characterization of the therapeutic component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS9855110B2Methods, apparatus and systems for operating a medical device including an accelerometer

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 EITAN MEDICAL LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a medical device, including: a therapeutic component adapted to provide therapeutic functionality while in therapeutic mode and further adapted to enter a device sleep mode (DSM), an accelerometer configured to identify a movement characterization of the therapeutic component and a movement analysis module (MAM) configured to receive the movement characterization from the accelerometer and determine a malfunction parameter wherein the MAM is operable while the therapeutic component is in the DSM.