Dual-Microprocessor Infusion Pump with Heterogeneous Code
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infusion pump assemblies with single microprocessors are prone to failure, and those with multiple microprocessors executing common code can be compromised by undisclosed issues in the shared code, leading to operational failures.
Innovation Solution
The infusion pump assembly incorporates a dual-microprocessor system, where a primary microprocessor executes primary applications in one computer language, and a safety microprocessor executes safety applications in a different computer language, along with a primary and backup power supply system to ensure continued operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single microprocessor is used in the infusion pump assembly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because the failure of the single microprocessor results in the infusion pump assembly ceasing to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The processing logic is divided into two separate microprocessors: a primary microprocessor that executes primary applications and a safety microprocessor that executes safety applications. This segmentation allows each processor to operate independently, so that failure of one does not necessarily cause system failure, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through functional separation.
2Reliability
If multiple microprocessors execute code in a common language, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because an undisclosed problem in the common-language code can compromise the operation of all microprocessors
Solution Approach 1:
Different programming languages are used for different functional requirements: a first programming language for primary applications and a second programming language for safety applications. This local differentiation in code quality and language selection ensures that safety-critical functions are implemented with appropriate rigor, preventing common code vulnerabilities from compromising the entire system.
3Reliability
If a single power supply is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because power supply failure causes complete system shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into a primary power supply and a backup power supply. The primary power supply operates during normal conditions, while the backup power supply activates upon detection of primary power failure. This segmentation ensures continuous operation and improves reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through clear functional separation.
4Reliability
If no backup power supply is provided, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the infusion pump assembly cannot continue operation during power supply failure
Solution Approach 1:
A backup power supply is provided in advance to cushion against potential primary power supply failures. The backup power supply is configured to automatically activate when the primary power supply fails, ensuring continuous operation of the infusion pump assembly without interruption, thereby providing beforehand protection against power failures.
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion pump assembly includes a reservoir assembly configured to contain an infusible fluid. A motor assembly is configured to act upon the reservoir assembly and dispense at least a portion of the infusible fluid contained within the reservoir assembly. Processing logic is configured to control the motor assembly. The processing logic includes a primary microprocessor configured to execute one or more primary applications written in a first computer language; and a safety microprocessor configured to execute one or more safety applications written in a second computer language.