Adaptive Input Control for Medical Device Parameter Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices, such as infusion devices, face challenges in comfortably and accurately adjusting operational parameters like flow rates over a large range of values, due to the need for precise control while minimizing errors.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adapting the change amount associated with each movement step of an input device, such as a rotary knob, from a fine-tuning state to a tuning state and potentially a steady state, based on predefined conditions related to movement frequency and number of steps, allowing for faster and more comfortable adjustments of operational parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a constant fine-tuning change amount is used for each movement step, then precise control and low error risk are achieved, but programming speed and adjustment comfort deteriorate when large parameter changes are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the change amount adaptive rather than constant. The system dynamically adjusts the change amount based on the actuation state: using a first change amount during initial actuation and a second (larger) change amount during sustained actuation. This resolves the contradiction by allowing precise control when starting to adjust while enabling fast programming when large parameter changes are needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of change amount from a fixed value to a variable value that depends on the actuation state. By transitioning from a first change amount to a second change amount based on movement frequency and step count, the system optimizes both programming accuracy and speed across different operational contexts.
2Productivity
If a large change amount is used for each movement step, then programming speed is increased, but programming precision and error reduction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the appropriate change amount based on the actuation state. During initial actuation phases, a smaller first change amount ensures precision. During sustained actuation phases, a larger second change amount increases programming speed. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between different change amounts based on actuation patterns. The system periodically evaluates movement frequency and step count to determine whether to use the first or second change amount, creating a rhythm of precise adjustments followed by faster adjustments that optimizes overall programming efficiency.
3Device complexity
If a single change amount is used throughout actuation, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates when adjusting parameters over large ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptation of the change amount based on actuation state, which improves ease of operation when adjusting parameters over large ranges. The automatic transition between first and second change amounts based on movement frequency and step count creates a more user-friendly experience without requiring manual intervention to change the adjustment granularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining the appropriate change amount based on its own actuation state. The medical device monitors its own movement frequency and step count, then autonomously selects between the first and second change amounts, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust control parameters and improving overall ease of operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
In a method for setting an operational parameter in a medical device (1) an input device (10) is actuated to set an operational parameter (110) displayed on a display device (11) of the medical device (1), wherein the input device (10) is advanceable in an actuation direction (D1, D2) by movement steps (α) to increase or decrease the operational parameter (110) by a change amount associated with a movement step (α). Herein, when advancing the input device (10), said change amount is adapted from a fine-tuning-state value to a tuning-state value larger than the fine-tuning-state value in case a first condition is met. In this way a method for setting an operational parameter in a medical device is provided which allows for an easy and comfortable adjustment of an operational parameter for programming the medical device, for example in the context of an infusion operation.