On-Body Infusion Activation Using Overlapping Button Time Traces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical devices for infusion therapy, such as insulin pumps, face challenges in distinguishing between intentional and inadvertent activation of controls, often relying on complex mechanical structures or precise button sequences that can lead to accidental substance delivery.
Innovation Solution
A medical device employs a microprocessor to analyze the timing of activation signals from user controls, using a computer-implemented signal processing algorithm to differentiate between intended and inadvertent activation by evaluating the overlap of time traces initiated by independent activation buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanical structures or precise button sequences are used to prevent accidental activation, then activation reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical interlocking structures and precise button sequence mechanisms with a microprocessor-based timing analysis system. The microprocessor evaluates the temporal relationships between activation signals from multiple buttons, using software-based logic instead of mechanical complexity to distinguish intentional from inadvertent activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of activation verification from spatial/mechanical constraints (button positions, mechanical interlocks) to temporal parameters (timing of activation signals). By analyzing when buttons are pressed relative to each other, the system achieves reliable activation verification without mechanical complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple activation controls are made easily accessible with tactile feedback, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of inadvertent activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides tactile feedback through physical buttons that are easily accessible, while simultaneously using the timing feedback from when these buttons are pressed to verify intentional activation. The microprocessor analyzes the temporal pattern of button presses, using this feedback mechanism to distinguish between deliberate user intent and accidental activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor acts as an intermediary between the easily accessible physical buttons and the actual activation function. It receives activation signals from the buttons, analyzes their timing relationships, and only permits activation when the timing pattern indicates intentional use, thereby mediating between ease of access and activation safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device for infusing medical substances has activation buttons accessible on the exterior of the device housing. Activation buttons and corresponding electrical switches within the housing are configured to prevent inadvertent activation of the buttons and therefore inadvertent operation of the switches to initiate a process such as medical substance delivery to the user. The device employs overlap of respective time traces initiated by activation of the activation buttons to determine whether activation is intended and valid. These time traces do not have to be initiated simultaneously or in any particular sequence. The activation buttons can be elastomeric overmolded buttons set within cutouts in the housing, and, when depressed, make physical contact with respective switches.