Wireless Infusion Pump Pairing for Safe Remote Insulin Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable and wearable infusion pumps for controlled drug delivery are hindered by size, weight, cost, and the need for frequent user interaction, while safety concerns and the desire for remote control functionality remain unaddressed.
Innovation Solution
A wireless infusion pump system with a remote controller that enables remote control of infusion pumps via wireless communication, incorporating a reusable housing with a mechanical control assembly and disposable components for fluid delivery, along with safety features like pairing protocols and user interface screens for setting basal and bolus insulin delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If portable and wearable infusion pumps are designed for controlled drug delivery, then drug delivery control is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion pump system is divided into separate components: a reusable pump unit and disposable cartridges containing the drug reservoir and delivery mechanism. This segmentation allows the pump unit to be compact and wearable while the heavier drug delivery components are replaced periodically, reducing the weight burden on the user during continuous wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The drug reservoir and related components are extracted into separate disposable cartridges that can be pre-filled and sterilized independently. This extraction allows the main pump body to remain small and wearable, while the heavier fluid containment elements are managed as separate replaceable units.
2Ease of operation
If remote control functionality is added to infusion pumps, then user interaction requirements are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A remote controller serves as an intermediary device that communicates with the infusion pump via wireless communication. The remote controller handles complex user interactions and settings, while the pump itself remains relatively simple. This mediator approach allows users to control the pump from a distance without adding complex interfaces to the pump body.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote controller creates a functional copy of the pump's control interface, allowing users to interact with the system remotely. The remote device replicates the necessary control functions through wireless communication, eliminating the need for direct physical interaction with the pump while keeping the pump design simpler.
3Reliability
If safety features like pairing protocols are implemented, then user safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pairing protocols are implemented during the initial setup phase between the pump and remote controller. Once paired, the security connection is established and maintained, allowing safe remote operation without requiring repeated authentication. This preliminary action ensures safety while minimizing ongoing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pairing protocol establishes a secure communication channel with feedback mechanisms that verify the identity and status of connected devices. This feedback system ensures that only authorized controllers can modify pump settings, enhancing safety through automated verification rather than complex manual procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wearable design is implemented for infusion pumps, then patient accessibility is improved, but device size and comfort requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into a compact wearable unit and separate disposable cartridges. The wearable portion is minimized in size to enhance comfort and portability, while the larger fluid containment components are housed in replaceable cartridges that attach to the compact pump body.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable pump unit utilizes flexible materials and thin-film construction to reduce overall device bulk while maintaining structural integrity. The compact housing can be comfortably worn against the body, and the flexible design allows for better conformability to the user's physique, improving accessibility without sacrificing durability.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1F
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A system for pairing a controller and an infusion pump is disclosed. The system includes an infusion pump, a controller device and a user interface residing on both the infusion pump and the controller. The user interface includes a pairing mode for enabling wireless communication between the infusion pump and the controller device, wherein the user interface requires both the infusion pump and the controller to be in the pairing mode simultaneously. Also, a method of changing a power source in a infusion pump is disclosed. The method includes placing the infusion pump in idle mode wherein the infusion pump stops delivery. Removing the first power source from the infusion pump. Replacing the first power source with a second power source in the infusion pump, and maintaining the insulin on board during the changing of the first power source with the second power source.