Device Configuration via Sales Order Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring medical devices with numerous hardware and software settings prior to shipping can complicate the manufacturing process and require unique part numbers for each customized device, adding complexity to the setup process.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for configuring devices, such as vital signs monitors, where configuration settings are determined and saved in a configuration file, assigned to a sales order, and applied during the manufacturing process, allowing for customized devices to be shipped with pre-defined settings, simplifying the installation process and eliminating the need for unique part numbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices are configured with numerous hardware and software settings prior to shipping, then device customization and flexibility are improved, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring devices during the manufacturing process before shipping. Configuration files are created and applied to devices at the factory, allowing customization settings to be predetermined and automatically applied, thus achieving device adaptation without complicating the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses configuration files as an intermediary between manufacturing and device operation. These files contain all necessary hardware and software settings, acting as a mediator that enables device customization while keeping the manufacturing process standardized and simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If unique part numbers are assigned to each customized device, then device configuration specificity is improved, but device complexity and setup process worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses configuration files as templates or copies that can be reused across multiple devices. Instead of creating unique part numbers for each customization, the same configuration file can be applied to multiple devices with identical settings, simplifying the setup process while maintaining configuration specificity when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration settings are determined at user site, then device adaptability to user needs is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by performing the configuration action preliminarily during manufacturing rather than at installation. Configuration files are prepared and applied before shipping, so devices arrive ready-to-use with user-specific settings already configured, eliminating installation time for configuration while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for configuring a device include determining a plurality of configuration settings for the device. The configuration settings are saved in a configuration file, and a sales order for the device is generated. The configuration file is assigned to the sales order. Based on the sales order, the configuration file is retrieved and applied to the configuration settings to the device.