Infusion Device Autonomous Control via Closed-Loop Feedback

Solution Overview

Problem

Infusion pump devices require frequent manual adjustments to accommodate changing user needs, such as insulin sensitivity, which can be cumbersome and discourage regular updates, leading to suboptimal medication delivery.

Innovation Solution

A system where an infusion device autonomously uploads measurement data to a monitoring device, which analyzes the data to determine if adjustments are needed, and then downloads updated control information to the infusion device for dynamic operation, allowing for periodic and automatic adaptation to user changes without extensive user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustments are performed frequently to accommodate changing user needs, then the device can adapt to user changes, but the time and manual interaction required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice adaptability to user changesVSAvoidtime for manual adjustments

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors user physiological data (such as glucose levels) and automatically adjusts infusion parameters based on this feedback. The monitoring device receives data from the infusion device, analyzes it according to control parameters, and sends updated control information back to the infusion device, creating a closed-loop feedback system that adapts to user changes without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The infusion device system performs self-adjustment by automatically analyzing its own operational data and user response data. The device autonomously determines when parameter changes are needed and implements these changes without requiring user action, effectively serving itself to maintain optimal performance and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustments are performed frequently to accommodate changing user needs, then the device can adapt to user changes, but the complexity of operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice adaptability to user changesVSAvoidease of device operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors user physiological data (such as glucose levels) and automatically adjusts infusion parameters based on this feedback. The monitoring device receives data from the infusion device, analyzes it according to control parameters, and sends updated control information back to the infusion device, creating a closed-loop feedback system that adapts to user changes without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The infusion device system performs self-adjustment by automatically analyzing its own operational data and user response data. The device autonomously determines when parameter changes are needed and implements these changes without requiring user action, effectively serving itself to maintain optimal performance and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If autonomous data upload and automatic control information download are implemented, then the system can dynamically adapt to user changes with minimal user interaction, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of updatesVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into distinct functional modules: the infusion device for data collection and execution, the monitoring device for analysis and control parameter determination, and the database for data storage. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with relatively simple design, while the overall system achieves high automation through their coordinated interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring device serves as an intermediary between the infusion device and the database, receiving operational data from the infusion device, analyzing it against stored control parameters, and transmitting updated control information back to the infusion device. This intermediary role distributes computational complexity across multiple components rather than concentrating it in a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3036667B1Medical devices and related updating methods and systems

Publication Date: 2019.05.08 MEDTRONIC MINIMED INC

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AI summary

Apparatus are provided for medical devices and related operating systems and methods. An exemplary medical device includes a motor, one or more data storage elements to maintain control information, and a control module coupled to the motor and the one or more data storage elements. The control module is configured to obtain updated control information via a peer-to-peer communication session over a network, store the updated control information in the one or more data storage elements, and thereafter operate the motor based at least in part on the updated control information.