Infusion Pump Control Module for Dynamic Parameter Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Infusion pump devices struggle to adapt dynamically to changing user needs, such as insulin sensitivity, requiring frequent manual adjustments that are time-consuming and discouraging for users.

Innovation Solution

A medical device with a motor, data storage, and a control module that obtains and updates control information via peer-to-peer communication sessions over a network, allowing it to autonomously adjust fluid delivery based on measured user conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to changing user needsVSAvoidtime 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 device settings based on this feedback. The control module receives real-time data, compares it against target ranges, and modifies control parameters without requiring manual user intervention, thus maintaining adaptability while eliminating time loss to manual adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs self-adjustment of control parameters by automatically processing user data and modifying its own operation settings. The control module autonomously updates delivery rates and other parameters based on monitored conditions, enabling the device to serve itself rather than requiring continuous manual configuration by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If frequent manual monitoring and adjustments are performed, then user needs are met accurately, but user encouragement and compliance decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy in meeting user needsVSAvoiduser compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device autonomously monitors user conditions and adjusts its operation without requiring frequent manual user involvement. This self-managing capability maintains reliable and accurate adaptation to user needs while significantly reducing the operational burden on users, thereby improving compliance and encouragement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If control parameters are updated dynamically, then the device adapts to changing conditions, but the complexity of the communication system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic adaptation capabilityVSAvoidcommunication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs an intermediary communication architecture that facilitates dynamic parameter updates through standardized data exchange protocols. This intermediary layer manages the complexity of real-time communication between monitoring components and control modules, enabling dynamic adaptation while containing system complexity through modular, protocol-based interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9889257B2Systems and methods for updating medical devices

Publication Date: 2018.02.13 MEDTRONIC MINIMED INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for updating medical devices. An exemplary system includes a medical device and a remote device. The medical device is operable to regulate a condition of a user. The remote device receives measurement data correlative to the condition of the user, determines control information for the medical device based at least in part on the measurement data, and transmits the control information via a first peer-to-peer communication session. The medical device receives the control information via a second peer-to-peer communication session and thereafter regulates the condition of the user based at least in part on the control information and subsequent measurement data.