Dialysis Machine Remote Control Using Ultrasonic Pairing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dialysis machines require physical contact for operation, leading to potential cross-contamination between multiple machines and patients due to the need for glove changes, complicating safe and efficient handling of multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A remote control device with ultrasonic communication capabilities allows wireless control of multiple dialysis machines, enabling secure pairing and operation without direct contact, using ultrasonic signals for identification and encryption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical contact with dialysis machines is required for operation, then ease of operation is improved, but cross-contamination risk between machines and patients increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based operation system with a wireless communication system. The remote control device establishes wireless connections (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) with dialysis machines, allowing clinicians to control machine functions, adjust settings, and monitor status without physical contact. This substitution eliminates the need for glove changes while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control device serves as an intermediary between the clinician and the dialysis machines. It wirelessly transmits control commands and receives machine status information, acting as a mediator that enables operation without direct physical contact. This intermediary approach allows the clinician to interact with multiple machines safely from a distance.
2Productivity
If multiple dialysis machines are operated in sequence, then treatment capacity increases, but time required for glove changes and machine transitions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless remote control system enables continuous operation without interruption for glove changes. The clinician can seamlessly transition between controlling multiple machines using the same remote device, maintaining continuous productive action. The system eliminates downtime associated with PPE changes, allowing uninterrupted treatment monitoring and adjustment across multiple machines.
3Ease of operation
If physical contact with multiple machines is required, then operational simplicity is maintained, but infection control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex infection control protocol involving physical contact and glove changes with a simplified wireless control system. The remote control device maintains a wireless connection with multiple machines, allowing the clinician to manage all machines without breaking the sterile barrier. This substitution reduces infection control complexity while preserving operational simplicity.
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
Facilitates safe and efficient operation of multiple dialysis machines by reducing cross-contamination risks and enhancing infection control through contactless operation.
Implementation Method 1
a communication component, such as an ultrasonic communication component
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A remote control device may be used to wirelessly control functions of one or more dialysis machines, e.g. in a clinic environment and without requiring direct contact with the dialysis machines. Components of the remote control device may include control interfaces, e.g. buttons, for controlling and adjusting functions of a medical device, such as a dialysis machine, including, for example, volume control, blood pump control blood flow rate control and/or adjusting the level in the venous drip chamber, among other control features. Display of the remote control device may include one or more screens that may display information of one or more dialysis machines, patients undergoing dialysis treatment, and/or alarms or alerts of one or more of the dialysis machines. In an implementation, ultrasonic communication is used to wirelessly exchange information and commands between the remote control device and the one or more dialysis machines.