Autonomous Infusion Pump Buffer Memory Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical infusion pump systems face challenges with data overload, processor shutdowns, and medication errors due to complex programming and high data processing demands, leading to potential delays or cessation of medication delivery, which can be critical in clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
A medical delivery system with a base function module that operates autonomously, using a buffer memory to execute advanced medication delivery programs independently of external control, and an advanced interface module for creating and uploading programs, ensuring continuous operation even if the external processor fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a central management unit controls multiple infusion pumps with complex programming capabilities, then the system can deliver advanced medication protocols and monitor multiple channels, but the processor becomes overloaded with data, leading to shutdowns and potential medication delivery interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides control into two independent segments: a remote processor that handles complex programming and data management, and a local processor in each pump that handles real-time delivery control. This segmentation allows advanced protocols to be programmed remotely while ensuring each pump maintains autonomous, reliable operation for continuous medication delivery without processor overload.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an autonomous delivery device as an intermediary between the external programming interface and the infusion pump. This intermediary receives complex delivery protocols, processes them locally, and translates them into reliable pump control commands, preventing data overload from reaching the pump's critical control processor while maintaining delivery accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pumping channels are added to deliver different drugs simultaneously, then the system can treat multiple conditions or provide combination therapy, but the probability of time management issues and data processing errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each pumping channel is equipped with its own autonomous local processor that independently manages time and data for that specific channel. This segmentation of control functions across multiple channels eliminates centralized data processing bottlenecks, allowing simultaneous infusions without increasing overall system complexity or error probability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pump channel operates as a self-service unit with its own processor handling local time management and data processing autonomously. The channels only communicate essential status information to the remote processor, reducing the complexity burden on the central system while enabling multiple simultaneous infusions with independent error management.
3Device complexity
If a single processor handles both user interface operations and pump control functions, then the system structure is simplified, but processor shutdowns due to data overload can interrupt medication delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two distinct processing units: a remote processor that manages user interface operations and complex data tasks, and a local autonomous processor in each pump dedicated solely to control functions. This segmentation isolates critical medication delivery control from non-critical interface operations, ensuring that UI-induced data overload cannot interrupt actual pump operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous delivery device acts as an intermediary layer between the user interface/remote processor and the pump control system. It filters and processes data before transmitting to the pump, preventing interface-generated data overload from reaching the critical control processor while maintaining simplified overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A pump operations module having a base function includes only base function programming in the module itself but is configured to autonomously execute advanced delivery programs stored in its buffer. An advanced interface module (AIM) is used to prepare the advanced delivery programs and upload them to the pump operations module as well as monitor the performance of those modules. However, the advanced interface module does not control the execution of those advanced delivery programs by the pump operations modules. In the event that the patient's condition requires a change in the present advanced delivery program, the AIM is used to create a revised advanced delivery program and upload it to the pump for storing and executing from the pump's buffer memory.