Portable Medical Device Web Server Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable medical devices, such as insulin pumps, lack comprehensive and user-friendly remote control and monitoring capabilities, requiring dedicated additional devices and limited functionality.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a wireless web enabler unit within the device, enabling connectivity to web-based wireless networks, allowing control and monitoring through any browser-equipped device via protocols like HTTP, HTTPS, and Bluetooth technology, ensuring secure and comprehensive management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a dedicated remote control device is used to control the portable medical device, then the control functionality is provided, but the device complexity increases and requires additional components to be carried

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control functionalityVSAvoidadditional dedicated device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the remote control functionality with the portable medical device by integrating a wireless communication module and web server directly into the medical device housing. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated remote control device, as the medical device itself becomes web-accessible and controllable through any standard web browser on a mobile device or computer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by enabling the portable medical device to be controlled through any web browser on any network-connected device (smartphones, tablets, computers). This multi-functional approach replaces the need for a single dedicated remote control with a universal web-based interface that can be accessed from multiple different devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate web server box is used to link the infusion pump to the network, then network connectivity is provided, but the device complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidseparate web server box
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the web server functionality with the portable medical device by integrating a wireless communication module and web server directly into the medical device housing. This eliminates the need for a separate web server box, as the medical device itself becomes web-accessible and can be controlled through any standard web browser on a mobile device or computer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the portable medical device to provide its own network connectivity and web server functionality without requiring external separate components. The device autonomously offers web-based control and monitoring capabilities through its integrated wireless communication module, eliminating the need for additional network infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Length of moving object

If the medical device is made pocket-size and portable, then the device portability is improved, but the space for additional components like web servers and wireless modules is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidintegrated web enabler unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by integrating the wireless communication module and web server components within the existing housing structure of the portable medical device. The web enabler unit is coupled to the control unit within the same housing, allowing these additional components to be nested within the compact device footprint without significantly increasing its overall size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by using a single integrated web-based interface that serves multiple functions: device control, monitoring, configuration, and data access. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components into a single unified system that fits within the compact portable device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8971958B2Web-enabled portable medical device
Publication Date: 2015.03.03 ROCHE DIABETES CARE INC
  • US8971958B2 patent drawing
  • US8971958B2 patent drawing
  • US8971958B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A portable personal medical device, e.g., a wearable insulin pump, is provided with a web server and is controllable over a network by a browser equipped client, thereby enabling comprehensive and comfortable control, operation and/or configuration of the device.