Medical Device Activation Switch for Energy-Optimized Data Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices, such as infusion pumps and sensors, face challenges in energy-efficient data transmission due to the need for continuous power consumption during data communication, which is not optimized for low energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A medical device system that activates data transmission only when necessary, using an activation switch connected to a transceiver unit, which can be activated by an external signal, ensuring communication occurs only when the transmitter and receiver are in close proximity, reducing energy requirements by limiting data transmission distance and power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data transmission is performed continuously or with long activation periods, then data communication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic activation where the transceiver unit is switched on only during brief intervals when data transmission is actually needed, rather than remaining continuously active. This periodic operation mode allows the device to maintain communication reliability by activating only when necessary while dramatically reducing overall energy consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the activation state of the transceiver unit based on communication needs. An activation switch controls whether the transceiver is in a low-power state or an active transmission state, allowing the device to adapt its energy consumption profile to actual operational requirements rather than maintaining a fixed operational mode.
2Ease of operation
If transmission distance is increased to allow remote control, then ease of operation is improved, but energy consumption and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed for local proximity operation where the external control device must be placed close to the medical device (within a short distance). This local quality approach allows the use of low-power transmission components that would not be sufficient for long-range communication, thereby maintaining ease of operation within the intended use scenario while minimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of transmission distance to be short-range, which enables the use of lower power transmission settings. By optimizing the distance parameter rather than attempting to maximize it, the system achieves adequate ease of operation for the intended application while significantly reducing the energy requirements of the transceiver unit.
3Use of energy by moving object
If transmission distance is decreased to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial activation where the transceiver unit is activated only for the minimum necessary duration and at the minimum necessary power level required to complete the data transmission task. This partial action approach achieves energy efficiency by avoiding excessive transmission power and duration while still maintaining adequate ease of operation for the specific intended use case of proximity-based control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach minimizes energy consumption by activating electrical components only when an external device is within range, allowing for efficient data transmission with reduced performance needs, enabling smaller and more energy-efficient data transmission units.
Implementation Method 1
an external device, in particular a control device, having an activation unit with which the activation switch of the medical device can be activated or actuated, wherein the activation unit is designed in such a way that a communication connection established after activation by an external device is interrupted again when the activation signal is no longer present
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A medical appliance (1) is disclosed for use on and/or in the body of a user and comprises a transmission unit (5) and an activation switch (6) which is connected to the transmission unit (5) and can activate the transmission unit (5) when an activation signal is received by the activation switch (6). Also disclosed is a process for transmitting data between a medical appliance (1) and an external appliance (2), the external appliance (2) activating the medical appliance (1) prior to data transmission when the latter is in an idle state.