Dynamic RF Power Control for Drug Delivery Module Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices face challenges in securing wireless communication between the electronic module and other devices due to vulnerabilities in pairing processes, which can lead to unauthorized interference, and existing solutions do not provide a simple, low-cost, and reliable method that does not overburden the power source.
Innovation Solution
The electronic module reduces radio frequency power during pairing to limit the communication range, establishing an encrypted connection, and then increases power for secure data transfer, using methods like Diffie-Hellmann key exchange for AES encryption, and mechanical or software means to control the pairing distance, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If radio frequency power is increased to extend communication range, then data transfer capability is improved, but vulnerability to unauthorized interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication process is segmented into distinct phases: pairing phase with reduced radio frequency power to limit exposure to interference, and data transfer phase with increased power for extended range. This temporal segmentation allows the system to achieve both security and versatility without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The radio frequency power level is made dynamic rather than static, automatically adjusting based on the operational phase. During pairing, power is reduced to minimize harmful exposure, while during authenticated data transfer, power increases to maximize communication range, thus resolving the contradiction between range and security.
2Reliability
If pairing process is made more secure by reducing radio frequency power, then unauthorized interference is reduced, but communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication and key exchange at reduced power levels before any sensitive data transfer occurs. This preliminary secure pairing action ensures that even if the subsequent high-power communication is intercepted, the data cannot be decrypted, thus achieving security without requiring long-range pairing.
Solution Approach 2:
The vulnerable pairing process is extracted from the main data transfer communication. By separating pairing into a distinct preliminary phase with its own power management, the system can secure the critical authentication step without compromising the subsequent data transfer range, effectively taking out the security function from the communication function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If radio frequency power is continuously high for extended communication, then data transfer capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic power adjustment based on operational needs. Radio frequency power is periodically reduced during pairing phases and increased during authenticated data transfer phases, rather than maintaining high power continuously. This periodic action reduces overall energy consumption while preserving communication capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Power consumption is optimized by making radio frequency power dynamic rather than static. The system automatically adjusts power levels based on the operational state, maintaining high power only when data transfer is active and reducing power during pairing and idle states, thus resolving the contradiction between communication range and power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure refers to an electronic module for a drug delivery device comprising a dose setting and drive mechanism, configured to perform a dose setting operation for setting a dose to be delivered by the drug delivery device and a dose delivery operation for delivering the set dose. The electronic module comprises at least one processor, a sensor arrangement connected to the at least one processor and operable to generate measurement data indicative of the dose setting operation and/or the dose delivery operation, a first communication unit with a wireless communication interface connected to the at least one processor and operable to establish an encrypted wireless communication with a second communication unit of another device and to transfer data to said other device, a memory for storing measurement data, and a power source connected to the at least one processor.