Shared Operator Interface for Infusion Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infusion systems require large, separate operator interfaces for each infusion pump, leading to increased installation space and limited spatial arrangement options, while reducing the interface size compromises user-friendliness and visibility.
Innovation Solution
An infusion system where multiple pumps share a single operator interface, allowing each pump to borrow user interfaces and communicate wirelessly, enabling flexible and space-efficient arrangement without a central control center, with the operator interface located on a lateral broad side for easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each infusion pump is equipped with its own operator interface, then user-friendliness and visibility are improved, but installation space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The operator interface is designed as a universal resource that can be shared by multiple infusion pumps. The interface can be assigned to different pumps dynamically, allowing one physical interface to control multiple pumps sequentially. This eliminates the need for each pump to have its own dedicated interface, significantly reducing installation space while maintaining full operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic assignment of the operator interface to different infusion pumps based on operational needs. The interface can be flexibly allocated to any pump in the network, and this assignment can change over time. This dynamic approach allows the same physical interface to serve multiple pumps throughout the day, reducing the total number of interfaces needed.
2Ease of operation
If each infusion pump is equipped with its own operator interface, then accessibility and visibility are improved, but spatial arrangement options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
By making the operator interface a shared universal resource rather than a pump-specific component, the system gains flexibility in spatial arrangement. Pumps can be positioned in various configurations (stacked, side-by-side, remote locations) since they all access the same interface through the network, rather than requiring each pump to have its own interface at its physical location.
Solution Approach 2:
The network communication system acts as an intermediary between the operator interface and the infusion pumps. This mediator allows the interface to be physically separated from the pumps it controls, enabling flexible spatial arrangements while maintaining full accessibility. The network transmits commands and data between the interface and any pump in the system.
3Area of stationary object
If operator interface size is reduced to save space, then installation space is improved, but user-friendliness and visibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the operator interface functionality into a single shared resource rather than distributing it across multiple pumps. This consolidation reduces the total installation space required for interfaces while maintaining full operational capabilities. The single interface can be optimally sized for user-friendliness without being constrained by the need to miniaturize multiple interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared operator interface serves multiple pumps universally, allowing it to be designed with optimal dimensions for user-friendliness. Since one interface controls multiple pumps, there's no need to compromise size to fit space constraints on individual pump units. The interface can be placed in a location with adequate space for a large, easy-to-use display and controls.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an infusion system (12) for applying fluids to be infused to a patient, comprising a plurality of infusion pumps (13) and an operator interface (20) for inputting operating instructions by an operator and/or outputting operating parameters to an operator, characterized in that each of the plurality of infusion pumps (13) is coupled to the operator interface (20) via communication technology.