Multi-Pump Rack Charging Prioritization Under Thermal Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing power and charging rates in multi-pump assemblies are inefficient, leading to potential complications and increased costs due to active cooling devices, and fail to dynamically adjust charging rates based on infusion frequency and thermal conditions, posing risks to patient safety.
Innovation Solution
A management system that monitors and dynamically adjusts charging profiles for each infusion pump in a rack based on parameters such as criticality of medication, battery state, thermal state, and power supply, ensuring each pump receives optimal charging at appropriate times and rates to maintain operation and extend lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If active cooling devices (fans) are used to manage thermal performance of battery packs, then thermal performance is improved, but system cost increases and power demand increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cooling systems (fans) with a passive thermal management approach using phase change materials. The PCM absorbs excess heat from battery packs during charging through phase transition, eliminating the need for active mechanical cooling devices and their associated power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phase change material as an intermediary substance between the battery pack and the external environment. The PCM acts as a thermal buffer that absorbs and stores excess heat during phase transition, mediating the thermal management without requiring direct active cooling intervention.
2Productivity
If multiple pumps are charged simultaneously at high power rates, then charging speed is improved, but thermal stress on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic charging cycles where pumps are charged in alternating sequences rather than simultaneously. The system monitors thermal conditions and adjusts charging schedules to allow thermal dissipation between charging events, preventing cumulative thermal stress while maintaining overall charging productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts charging parameters (current, voltage, timing) based on real-time thermal conditions. When thermal stress thresholds are approached, the system modifies charging parameters to reduce power input, thereby controlling thermal stress while optimizing charging efficiency within safe operating limits.
3Reliability
If charging rates are not dynamically managed, then pump operation simplicity is maintained, but patient safety risks increase due to potential battery depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based charging management system that continuously monitors battery status, thermal conditions, and pump operational requirements. The system uses this feedback to dynamically adjust charging schedules and prioritize critical pumps, ensuring patient safety while automating the complexity of charging decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the multi-pump system to autonomously manage its own charging requirements without external intervention. The system automatically prioritizes pumps based on criticality, monitors thermal conditions, and adjusts charging schedules independently, making the complexity transparent to users while maintaining high reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a new and innovative method for dynamically managing power and charging rates of multi-pump assemblies. In various embodiments, a computer-implemented method includes monitoring a plurality of pump parameters for a plurality of infusion pumps, assessing a change in the parameter states, establishing charging needs for each infusion pump in the plurality of infusion pumps, and establishing a charging profile for each infusion pump in the plurality of infusion pumps.