Dialysis Machine Wireless Communication Module for Automated Treatment Initiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dialysis machines lack efficient and error-reducing methods for initiating and managing dialysis treatments, often relying on manual input which can lead to inefficiencies and human errors.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a short-range wireless communication module that identifies and communicates with NFC-enabled ID cards, allowing the dialysis machine to automatically initiate and manage treatments based on patient-specific parameters, and perform actions such as disinfection procedures upon card removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual input methods are used for treatment initiation, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and error rate are adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment initiation efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication module complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input methods with wireless communication technology (NFC, RFID, Bluetooth) to automatically transmit patient data and treatment parameters. This substitution eliminates manual data entry while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through standardized wireless protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the dialysis machine to automatically initiate treatments and configure parameters based on data received from the wireless communication module. The machine autonomously processes patient information without requiring manual operator intervention for treatment setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual data entry is used, then device complexity is minimized, but measurement precision and reliability of patient parameters are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient parameter accuracyVSAvoiddata transmission system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual data entry is replaced with automated wireless data transmission systems that directly transfer patient parameters and treatment prescriptions from external devices or patient records to the dialysis machine, eliminating transcription errors and improving parameter accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates and transmits digital copies of patient records and treatment parameters through wireless communication. These digital copies ensure accurate replication of medical data without manual intervention, maintaining data integrity across different systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If automated treatment initiation is implemented, then productivity is improved, but extent of automation increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment initiation speedVSAvoidautomatic treatment initiation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs wireless communication modules (NFC, RFID, Bluetooth) to enable automated treatment initiation by receiving and processing patient data electronically. This automation significantly reduces treatment setup time while using well-established, relatively simple wireless communication technologies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication module serves multiple functions including patient identification, data transmission, and treatment parameter configuration. This multi-functionality achieves high automation productivity through a single integrated component rather than multiple separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If wireless communication modules are added, then adaptability of the system is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidmodule integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication module is designed with multi-functionality to handle various communication protocols (NFC, RFID, Bluetooth) and multiple operational modes (data transmission, device pairing, parameter configuration). This universal approach enhances system adaptability while avoiding the need for separate dedicated modules for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240366846A1Short-Range Wireless Communication for a Medical Device System

Publication Date: 2024.11.07 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

A dialysis system comprising: a dialysis machine; a communication module configured to communicate using a short-range wireless technology protocol; data storage configured to store data corresponding to identities of one or more short-range wireless devices; and a processor configured to: identify presence of a short-range wireless device; and cause the dialysis machine to carry out an action when one or both of i) the presence of the short-range wireless device is identified, and ii) the presence of the short-range wireless device is no longer identified.