Infusion Pump Single-Button Control Using Wireless Signal Context
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patch pumps with a single button lack advanced functionality due to the absence of a user interface, limiting their operation without a remote control apparatus.
Innovation Solution
An infusion pump system with a single button that alters its function based on the presence of a wireless charging signal, Bluetooth beacon, or accelerometer-detected orientation shifts, enabling additional operations such as pairing with a remote device or initiating different functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single button is used on the pump, then the pump becomes more robust and resistant to external contaminants, but the functionality of the pump is limited without a remote control apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The single button is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting different press patterns (single press, double press, long press, rapid presses) that trigger different operations such as initiating medicament delivery, pairing with remote devices, adjusting infusion rates, and accessing different menus. This allows one physical component to provide versatile functionality without requiring additional buttons or a built-in display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system where the pump communicates with external remote control devices via wireless signals (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC). This intermediary approach allows the pump to maintain a simple, robust single-button interface while extending its functionality through external devices that can send commands to the pump.
2Ease of operation
If a built-in display or user interface is added to the pump, then the functionality and ease of operation are improved, but the device complexity increases and the pump becomes less robust for waterproofing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the display and user interface components from the pump itself and relocates them to external remote control devices. The pump maintains a simple single-button interface, while the display, touchscreen, and complex user interface elements are implemented in separate wireless communication devices that pair with the pump, thereby eliminating the need for a built-in display while preserving full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single button serves as a universal interface that, when combined with wireless communication capabilities, enables the pump to receive various types of commands from multiple sources including remote controls, smartphones, and tablets, providing versatile functionality without requiring additional physical buttons or a built-in display on the pump.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A user-wearable infusion pump system includes an inductively or otherwise wirelessly chargeable battery and at least one button. Activation of the at least one button when not in the presence of an inductive charging signal can enable and/or initiate a first function or operation and activation of the at least one button in the presence of an inductive charging signal can enable and/or initiate a different, second function or operation. Such functionality can also be enabled in the presence of other types of electromagnetic signals.