NPWT Device Configuration Protocol for Secure Remote Parameter Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NPWT devices face challenges in ensuring accurate and reliable configuration of operating parameters, particularly when multiple devices are in close proximity, leading to risks of erroneous settings and cyber security threats.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a configuration protocol that requires a confirmation act, such as a physical interaction with the device, before updating settings, ensures that changes are intentional and reduces the risk of errors or cyber threats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If NPWT devices allow remote parameter configuration via external devices, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risks of erroneous settings and cyber security threats
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification by checking whether the external device is authorized before allowing parameter configuration. The control circuitry validates the external device's credentials in advance, and only permits parameter changes from authenticated devices, preventing unauthorized or erroneous configurations while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an authorization intermediary layer between the external device and the NPWT device parameters. The control circuitry acts as a mediator that receives configuration requests, verifies authorization status, and only transfers parameters from authenticated external devices, thus ensuring reliability while preserving remote configuration capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple NPWT devices operate in close proximity, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risks of assigning settings to wrong devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where each NPWT device transmits its unique identifier and current status to external devices. This feedback allows the system to distinguish between multiple devices, ensuring that parameter configurations are assigned to the correct device even when multiple devices operate in close proximity, thereby maintaining both adaptability and reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and related aspects for providing reduced pressure to a wound site are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a source of negative pressure configured to provide negative pressure via a fluid flow path from an inlet of the source of negative pressure to a wound site. The apparatus further comprises one or more transceivers and one or more antennas, wherein the one or more transceivers is/are configured to transmit data to an external device and to receive data from the external device via the one or more antennas. The apparatus further comprises a user-interface comprising an input device, and control circuitry operatively connected to the source of negative pressure, the user-interface, and to the one or more transceivers. The control circuitry is configured to receive data from the external device, wherein the received data comprises one or more parameter settings for the apparatus. Furthermore, in response to detecting a confirmation act from a user of the apparatus via the input device, the control circuitry is configured to update one or more settings of the apparatus based on the received one or more parameter settings.