Infusion Pump NFC Input for Faster Medication Data Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current infusion pump systems require complex user interactions for data input, which can be time-consuming and challenging for users, especially those who are mentally or physically impaired, and lack efficient methods for simplifying the process of administering medication based on food intake or physical activity.

Innovation Solution

The integration of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology allows for simplified user input through NFC tags, enabling users to quickly communicate commands and data to the infusion pump system, such as carbohydrate intake or exercise levels, facilitating timely and accurate medication administration without the need for extensive menu navigation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional user interface with buttons and menu navigation is used, then the infusion pump system can receive user input, but the data entry process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of data inputVSAvoidtime for data entry
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing and menu-navigation system with a wireless communication system using NFC technology. Users can input data by simply bringing a mobile device near the pump, eliminating the need for complex manual navigation through menus and buttons, thus reducing both operational complexity and time required for data entry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the infusion pump system. The mobile device serves as a mediator that captures user input and transmits it wirelessly to the pump, simplifying the interaction process and reducing the time users need to spend on data entry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex menu navigation is required for data input, then the infusion pump can receive detailed information, but users who are mentally or physically impaired find it challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for impaired usersVSAvoidcomplexity of user interface
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical user interface with wireless communication technology, eliminating the need for physical button pressing and menu navigation. This substitution makes the system accessible to users with mental or physical impairments who would struggle with traditional interfaces, while maintaining the ability to receive detailed information through the mobile device connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device leverages its own existing capabilities (screen, keyboard, voice input) to handle the complexity of data entry, while the infusion pump simply receives the transmitted data. This self-service approach allows the mobile device to adapt to various user needs without requiring the pump itself to have multiple interface configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240299644A1Infusion pump system and method
Publication Date: 2024.09.12 INSULET CORP
  • US20240299644A1 patent drawing
  • US20240299644A1 patent drawing
  • US20240299644A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may be configured to wirelessly communicate with other devices using near field communication (NFC). In particular embodiments, by incorporating near field communication capabilities into the infusion pump system, user communications with the infusion pump system can be enhanced and simplified.