Contactless Infusion Pump Remote Activation via Visual Identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infusion pumps pose risks of infection transmission due to close proximity between healthcare workers and patients during setup and operation, as existing systems require physical contact or close proximity for activation and control.
Innovation Solution
A contactless infusion pump system that allows remote activation using a unique visual identifier displayed on the pump, verified by a user device, and includes a multi-step validation process to ensure correct pump selection and parameter confirmation before activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If healthcare workers physically contact or approach the infusion pump for setup and operation, then the pump can be properly configured and activated, but the risk of infection transmission between healthcare workers and patients increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary (smartphone or tablet device) that mediates between the healthcare worker and the infusion pump. The worker interacts with the pump remotely through the intermediary device, which transmits configuration data and activation commands wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical contact while ensuring reliable pump operation through the same control interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical interaction system with a wireless electronic communication system. Instead of physically pressing buttons or connecting cables, the healthcare worker uses a wireless device to communicate with the pump via Bluetooth or other wireless protocols, substituting mechanical contact with electromagnetic signal transmission to eliminate infection risk while maintaining operational reliability
2Ease of operation
If the activation process is simplified to reduce steps, then the ease of operation improves, but the risk of activating the wrong pump or incorrect parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary identification and verification actions before activation. The system first displays a unique visual identifier on the pump, requires the worker to capture or select this identifier, then presents therapy parameters for confirmation, and only after all verifications are complete does activation occur. This multi-step preliminary process ensures correct pump and parameter selection while maintaining ease of use through automated guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates continuous feedback mechanisms throughout the activation process. The pump displays visual identifiers and parameter summaries that provide feedback to the worker, the worker's device confirms selections, and the system verifies matches between displayed and selected information. This feedback loop ensures reliability by confirming each step before proceeding, while keeping the interface intuitive and easy to follow
Data Source
AI summary
A method for remotely activating an infusion pump includes receiving, from a user device, an activation request for the infusion pump, generating a first unique identifier responsive to receiving the request, the first unique identifier including at least one of a graphical symbol or an alphanumeric character, transmitting, to the infusion pump, an indication of the first unique identifier to cause the infusion pump to present a representation of the first unique identifier, receiving, from the user device, a user input indicating an input identifier, validating the user input by comparing the input identifier to the first unique identifier, wherein the second user input is validated responsive to a match between the input identifier and the first unique identifier, and activating the infusion pump responsive to the validation of the user input.