Infusion Pump Function Keys State-Dependent Data Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion pumps lack the ability to selectively display operational information during both the configuration and treatment phases, with function keys providing limited functionality and unable to retrieve and group relevant data effectively for display on a limited screen.
Innovation Solution
An infusion pump with a data processor, readout screen, and function keys that operate differently based on the pump's state, allowing for data processing and display of operational data such as date, time, power source information, infusion history, and bolus activation history, while also enabling configuration settings to be modified and viewed during treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the screen size is limited, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide all relevant information at once deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display of operational information by using function keys to divide the information into multiple categories (e.g., patient information, pump status, error logs). Each key activates a specific data retrieval operation that displays only the relevant segment, allowing comprehensive information to be presented across multiple displays rather than requiring a single large screen.
2Device complexity
If function keys provide only minimal functionality during treatment phase, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by programming the same function keys to perform different operations based on the pump's operational state. During configuration phase, keys navigate menus and set parameters; during treatment phase, the same keys retrieve and display various operational data. This universal key design maintains ease of operation without increasing physical complexity, as the software state-machine manages the different functions.
3Loss of information
If all operational data is displayed at once, then the information completeness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining multiple data retrieval operations that are triggered by specific function keys. Each key is programmed to activate a predetermined data query (e.g., date/time, power status, infusion history) before the user needs to view it. This pre-organization of data retrieval operations allows comprehensive information to be accessed systematically without requiring complex real-time data aggregation or display management.
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion pump having a plurality of function keys which initiate different processes depending on the state of the infusion pump is disclosed. In the configuration state, the function keys operate to set the various configurable options with regard to the desired medication treatment parameters. In the infusing state, the function keys operate to transmit various operational data to a readout screen depending on the function key pressed. Essentially, multi-function, state dependent function keys operable on an infusion pump is disclosed.