Infusion Endpoint Automatic Network Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infusion systems require manual configuration of each device at a customer site, which is time-consuming and prone to human error, as technicians must individually enter configuration settings for network communication.
Innovation Solution
An infusion system with a broadcaster that wirelessly transmits configuration parameters to infusion endpoints, allowing them to automatically connect to a communication network using a second communication medium, thereby eliminating the need for manual input and enabling simultaneous configuration of multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual configuration of each infusion device is performed individually, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but setup time and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion device performs self-configuration by automatically receiving configuration parameters via wireless communication and autonomously connecting to the communication network without requiring manual technician intervention for each configuration step
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration parameters are prepared and transmitted in advance through the wireless communication system before the actual network connection is established, allowing the device to be pre-configured and ready for immediate operation
2Productivity
If manual configuration settings are entered individually into each device, then configuration control is maintained, but human error increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of individually entering configuration settings through physical input methods is replaced with an automated wireless communication system that electronically transmits and applies configuration parameters, eliminating human input errors and significantly improving both efficiency and accuracy
3Loss of time
If individual configuration steps are performed for each infusion device, then configuration precision is maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual configuration operations that would normally need to be performed separately on each device are merged into a single automated wireless communication process, where configuration parameters are transmitted simultaneously to multiple devices and the system automatically manages the configuration process
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion system includes an infusion endpoint configured to deliver a medical fluid and a broadcaster configured to communicate with the infusion endpoint. The infusion endpoint includes a controller and a communication module configured to communicate using first and second communication mediums. The broadcaster includes a wireless transmitter and a computing device configured to provide a broadcasting utility. The broadcasting utility is configured to prepare a message for broadcast by the wireless transmitter, and the communication module is configured to receive the message via a wireless link using the first communication medium. The controller is configured to determine one or more configuration parameters from the message, connect to a network according to the configuration parameters and disable the first communication medium when connected to the network. The communication module is configured to communicate with the network via a network link using the second communication medium.