Bistable Insulin Pump Display for Low-Power Status Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional insulin therapy methods, including insulin pumps, often require multiple daily injections and complex tracking of insulin doses, blood glucose levels, and carbohydrate intake, leading to inconvenience and potential insulin level variations, and existing insulin pumps can be difficult to program and operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of an insulin pump device featuring a bistable display that requires minimal power to maintain images, a processor to display non-blank reversion screens when no input is received, and customizable menus based on user preferences and clinical status, along with color indicators for changes in patient status, and the ability to communicate with external displays for training and diagnostics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional display is used in the insulin pump, then the display can show information to the user, but the display consumes excessive power and requires constant refreshing
Solution Approach 1:
The display uses periodic action by only updating the display content when necessary (when menu items change or new information is available) rather than continuously refreshing. The bistable display maintains its state without constant power, updating only at discrete intervals or when user interaction occurs, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the display by using a bistable display technology that can exist in two stable states (on and off). This parameter change allows the display to maintain information without continuous power input, fundamentally altering how the display consumes energy while preserving its ability to reliably show information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the insulin pump displays detailed information and offers multiple functions, then the device becomes more versatile, but the device complexity increases making it difficult to program and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels (main menu, sub-menus, and option screens). This segmentation organizes the complex functionality into manageable sections that can be accessed sequentially, reducing the cognitive load on users and simplifying the learning curve despite the device's versatile capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The display dynamically adapts its content based on user interactions and device state. The interface automatically adjusts which menu items are visible and accessible based on the current context, making the complex functionality more manageable and less overwhelming for users while maintaining full versatility.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the display shows static information, then the power consumption is reduced, but the display cannot provide timely feedback for user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The display uses periodic action by updating content only when necessary (when menu items change or new information is available) rather than continuously refreshing. This maintains low power consumption while providing timely feedback through discrete updates triggered by user interaction or significant state changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the display responds to user actions (such as button presses or menu navigation) with appropriate visual feedback. This feedback loop maintains ease of operation by confirming user interactions and guiding users through the interface, while the feedback is delivered efficiently through the bistable display's ability to maintain states without constant power.
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
Enhances user convenience and effectiveness by reducing power consumption, providing intuitive operation through customizable menus and visual alerts, and facilitating easier device operation and training, thereby improving diabetes management.
Implementation Method 1
A display element of the bistable display is placed in one of two stable orientations upon application of a biasing voltage. The display element stays in the stable orientation when the biasing voltage is removed.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a pump configured to deliver insulin, a processor, and a user interface including a color display. Color on the display can be used to bring a user's attention to a change in status of the device or a detected change in status of the patient.