Inductive Power Backplane for Medical Device Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical device systems face challenges in coordinating and controlling multiple stand-alone infusion pumps, leading to complex operation, increased financial burden, and elevated risk of errors due to distinct user interfaces, which complicates patient care and requires a more efficient and unified solution for medical device management.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent inductive power system with a modular design that includes a backplane for secure mounting and non-contact inductive power transfer, optical communications, and a unified user interface, allowing for easy scaling and mobility of medical device modules, enabling contextual operation and enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stand-alone infusion pumps are used to provide independent infusion functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and coordination difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple stand-alone infusion pumps into a single coordinated system where multiple pump modules share common control and communication infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functional versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal platform that can perform multiple infusion functions through different modules, allowing a single system to replace multiple specialized devices while providing unified coordination
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different models of pumps with distinct user interfaces are deployed, then functional capabilities are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to learning complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal user interface that provides consistent control and monitoring across all pump modules, eliminating the need for clinicians to learn multiple different interfaces while maintaining access to diverse infusion capabilities
3Reliability
If stand-alone medical devices are used to ensure reliability and independence, then system reliability is improved, but ease of repair and serviceability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the medical device system into modular components that can be independently serviced while maintaining reliable operation, allowing individual modules to be repaired or replaced without affecting the entire system
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
The system enhances usability, safety, and scalability by providing a unified interface for multiple medical devices, reducing the complexity of operation and error risk, while eliminating the need for individualized interfaces and metallic contacts, thus improving the reliability and serviceability of medical device systems.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive transmitter configured to transfer power non-contactly to an inductive receiver
Data Source
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AI summary
A system includes an inductive backplane, at least one communications interface, a control unit and an intelligent power module. The inductive backplane is configured to secure and inductively power a plurality of detachable medical device modules. The control unit controls, via the at least one communications interface, at least one attribute of each medical device module when the medical device module is secured to the inductive backplane. The intelligent power module monitors at least one parameter of the detachable medical device modules. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.