Haptic Insulin Interface for Private and Precise Dose Input
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current diabetes management systems lack a user interface that provides sufficient control, functionality, and privacy, particularly in the administration of insulin, as they often require visual or auditory feedback, which may not be desirable in all situations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a user interface with haptic feedback capabilities, allowing users to input parameters through tactile contact and movement, providing damping or stiffness responses as values approach limits, and locking mechanisms to prevent overexceeding predefined limits, while also offering detented sensations for precise adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual or auditory feedback is used in the user interface, then information feedback is provided to the user, but user privacy is compromised and the device cannot be discreetly operated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual and auditory feedback mechanisms with haptic feedback mechanisms. The user interface provides tactile feedback through vibration, vibration patterns, and tactile sensations that communicate device status and parameter information to the user without requiring visual or auditory output. This allows the device to be operated discreetly while still providing comprehensive information feedback through touch.
2Ease of operation
If the user interface provides comprehensive control functionality, then user control is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional user interface where a single haptic feedback mechanism serves multiple purposes: providing tactile confirmation of button presses, indicating device status, alerting users to parameter limits, guiding users through setup procedures, and providing privacy mode operation. This universal haptic feedback system replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate visual displays, auditory alerts, and tactile indicators, thereby enhancing user control while minimizing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If haptic feedback provides strong damping or stiffness responses, then user control precision is improved, but the input mechanism requires more force to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic haptic feedback where the damping and stiffness characteristics of the input mechanism are adjusted in real-time based on the operational context. The system provides variable resistance and tactile feedback intensity depending on the specific input action, parameter being adjusted, and current device state. This allows precise parameter input with appropriate tactile guidance while maintaining ease of operation through adaptive force requirements rather than consistently high force thresholds.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods for the management of glucose levels in the body of patient featuring user interface input mechanisms configured to provide haptic feedback to the user are provided.