Wireless Infusion Pump Remote Control for Safer Bolus Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current portable and wearable infusion pump devices are cumbersome, require frequent user interaction, and lack remote control capabilities, posing challenges in size, weight, cost, and safety, especially for patients who need continuous medication delivery like those with diabetes.

Innovation Solution

A wireless infusion pump system comprising an infusion pump and a companion device with a user interface that allows for remote control, customizable settings, alarm settings, and visual indications of medication delivery, enabling users to manage insulin delivery without direct interaction and enhancing safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If portable and wearable infusion pump devices are designed, then patient mobility and convenience are improved, but device size, weight, and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient mobilityVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two separate components: a lightweight wearable infusion pump and a remote control device. The pump contains only essential components (reservoir, pump mechanism, and minimal electronics), while the remote control houses the user interface, display, and control electronics. This segmentation allows the wearable pump to be lightweight and comfortable while maintaining full functionality through wireless communication with the remote control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If remote control capability is added to infusion pump, then user interaction frequency is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction frequencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A wireless communication system serves as an intermediary between the infusion pump and the user. The remote control device acts as a mediator that receives user inputs, processes them, and transmits control signals to the pump via wireless communication (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other protocols). This intermediary approach allows users to control the pump from a distance without adding complex wiring or direct connection requirements to the pump itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If safety features are enhanced in infusion pump, then user safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser safetyVSAvoidsafety system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates multiple feedback mechanisms including real-time monitoring of infusion rate, reservoir level detection, occlusion sensing, and wireless communication of status information to the remote control. The remote control provides visual and audible feedback to users about pump operation, alerts for abnormal conditions, and confirmation of delivered doses. This feedback loop enhances safety by enabling continuous monitoring and immediate user awareness of pump status without requiring complex additional hardware at the pump site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3664096B1Infusion pump methods and systems
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 DEKA PRODUCTS LP
  • EP3664096B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3664096B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1F
  • EP3664096B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

An infusion pump system is disclosed. The system includes at least one infusion pump, a companion device, the companion device in wireless communication with the infusion pump, and a user interfere on the companion device, the user in-terface adapted to receive textual input. A medical remote controller device is also disclosed. The device includes a display and at least one input switch dedicated to bolus delivery wherein a bolus delivery is programmed when the input switch receives an input and wherein the number of inputs by the input switch determines the amount of bolus to be delivered.