Infusion Pump Location-Based Settings Reconfiguration in Hospitals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for updating medical device settings, such as infusion pumps, when moved across different areas in a hospital environment are inefficient and resource-intensive, particularly in emergency situations, as they rely on manual reconfiguration by biomedical engineers.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing location detection technology to automatically reconfigure medical device settings based on changes in location, using a central server to update network, drug library, and operational settings wirelessly, reducing the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual reconfiguration by biomedical engineers is used to update medical device settings when moved across different areas, then settings can be updated accurately, but it consumes significant human resources and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesettings update accuracyVSAvoidsettings update efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The medical device automatically detects its own location changes through location detection technology and triggers reconfiguration without human intervention. The device self-updates its settings by communicating with the server, eliminating the need for biomedical engineers to manually reconfigure each device after movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback loop where the medical device continuously reports its location to the server, which then automatically determines and applies the appropriate settings. This closed-loop system ensures settings are always synchronized with the device's current location without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If manual reconfiguration methods are used, then comprehensive settings updates can be achieved, but the response time in emergency situations is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesettings completenessVSAvoidsettings update time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The server pre-configures multiple location-based setting profiles in advance. When a device moves to a new location, the system instantly retrieves and applies the pre-prepared settings for that location, eliminating the time required for manual configuration while ensuring comprehensive settings are applied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual reconfiguration process with an automated electronic system. Location detection technology and wireless communication substitute for the physical actions of biomedical engineers manually accessing and changing device settings, dramatically reducing update time while maintaining completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated location-based reconfiguration is implemented, then productivity and response time improve, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesettings update efficiencyVSAvoidsystem infrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The server performs multiple functions: it stores location information, manages setting profiles for different locations, receives location reports from devices, and automatically applies appropriate settings. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single unified platform, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines location detection, communication, and settings management functions into an integrated system. The medical device's location detection capability is merged with the server's settings management, creating a unified automated reconfiguration system that reduces the need for separate manual processes and reduces overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If continuous location monitoring is implemented, then automatic settings updates are enabled, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic reconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidmedical device energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic location checks triggered by specific events such as device movement detection or scheduled intervals. The device communicates its location to the server only when necessary, reducing energy consumption while maintaining the ability to automatically update settings when location changes occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12562268B2Location-based reconfiguration of infusion pump settings

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 ICU MEDICAL INC

AI summary

A system configured to reconfigure the settings on a medical device based on a detected location of the medical device is provided. The system may include a server configured to receive a connection request from a medical device, update the settings on the medical device, determine that the medical device has entered another geographical area, and transmit, to the medical device, additional settings that can be used to connect to another server configured to communicate with medical devices in said another geographical area.