Remote Therapy Protocol Updates for Respiratory Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for updating therapy parameters in homecare respiratory devices are time-consuming, prone to human error, and increase the risk of disease transmission, as they require manual intervention by caregivers, often involving travel and phone-based instructions which can be inefficient and challenging due to language barriers or connectivity issues.

Innovation Solution

A remote therapy system comprising a server, database, and therapy device with a user interface and control system that allows patients to independently update therapy protocols, including HFCWO parameters, via a Wi-Fi connection, enabling autonomous operation and communication with caregivers for protocol adjustments and record access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual phone-based instructions are used to update therapy parameters, then caregivers can communicate with patients, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of therapy parameter updatesVSAvoidtime required for parameter updates

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual phone-based communication with an automated electronic system that uses text messages and wireless data transmission to update therapy parameters. The control system automatically receives updated parameters from the server and implements them without requiring phone calls or manual intervention, thereby eliminating human error and reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables automated self-updating of therapy parameters through the control system that autonomously receives parameter updates from the server and implements them. The patient does not need to manually adjust settings or communicate with caregivers; the system self-corrects and self-updates based on received data, improving both reliability and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If caregivers travel to patient's home to update therapy parameters, then direct assistance can be provided, but healthcare costs increase and disease transmission risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of parameter updatesVSAvoiddisease transmission risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server and automated communication system as intermediaries between caregivers and patients. Instead of direct physical contact, therapy parameter updates are transmitted through text messages and wireless data networks. This intermediary system maintains ease of operation while completely eliminating the risk of disease transmission associated with in-person visits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces physical travel and face-to-face interaction with electronic communication methods. Caregivers can update parameters remotely through the server system, which then automatically transmits updates to the patient's device. This substitution eliminates the need for physical presence while maintaining full functionality, thereby removing disease transmission risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If phone calls are used to instruct users to change settings, then communication can occur, but language barriers and connectivity issues may prevent successful updates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication effectivenessVSAvoidsuccess rate of parameter updates

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces voice-based phone communication with text message-based communication. Text messages overcome language barriers by using simple, standardized language and can be read at the patient's own pace. The system also uses automated data transmission that does not depend on voice connectivity, thereby significantly improving the success rate of parameter updates regardless of language or connection issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses text-based communication that can be copied, saved, and referenced by the patient. Unlike spoken instructions that may be misunderstood or forgotten, text messages provide a written record that the patient can review, ensuring correct understanding and implementation of parameter changes, thereby improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS20240252395A1Remote therapy push for respiratory therapy devices

Publication Date: 2024.08.01 HILL ROM SERVICES PTE LTD(SG)

AI summary

A therapy devise system includes therapy device with a sensor capable of detecting signals, a control system capable of processing the signals to determine a therapy protocol, and a user interface for assessing and updating the therapy protocol. The control system including a sensor is operable to receive a signal from the server, operable to process the signal to update the therapy device with a new therapy operation protocol. The user interface is operable to display more than one therapy operation protocol and includes a prompt for a user to update the therapy device with the new therapy operation protocol.