Infusion Pump Wireless Communication Coordinator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable infusion pumps face significant battery life challenges due to frequent wireless communications with external devices, such as continuous glucose monitors and smartphones, which can lead to inefficient battery usage and reduced system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods to coordinate wireless communications in infusion pump systems by determining whether the infusion pump is communicatively coupled with a remote device, allowing the remote device to handle communications with the continuous glucose monitoring system, thereby reducing unnecessary communication burdens on the pump's battery and optimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the infusion pump continuously communicates with external devices (CGM, smartphone, remote controller), then real-time monitoring and therapy control are improved, but battery life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication coordinator that acts as an intermediary between the infusion pump and external devices (CGM, smartphone, remote controller). This coordinator manages and optimizes communication sessions, determining when communications are necessary and when they can be deferred or eliminated, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining reliable monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication management system dynamically adjusts communication frequency and intensity based on current operational conditions, battery status, and clinical needs. The system can transition between different communication modes (active monitoring, periodic updates, event-driven communication) to optimize the balance between reliability and power consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices (CGM, smartphone, remote controller) are integrated into the infusion pump system, then system functionality and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication management functionality into distinct modules, each responsible for specific device types (CGM interface, smartphone interface, remote controller interface). This modular approach allows the system to support multiple devices and protocols without creating unmanageable complexity, as each module can be independently configured and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication coordinator is designed as a universal management layer that can handle multiple device types and communication protocols through a standardized interface. This multi-functional approach allows the system to integrate diverse devices (CGM, smartphone, remote controller) without requiring separate complex management systems for each device type.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods for establishing communication protocols between wireless devices in infusion pump systems. Infusion pump systems can include a number of components capable of wireless communication with one or more other components including an infusion pump, a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system and a smartphone or other multi-purpose consumer electronic device. Communications among these devices can be coordinated to increase efficiency and conserve battery power.