Switching Device for Medical Network Location Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of managed switches for medical devices in clinical settings is undesirable due to increased maintenance efforts and higher costs, and existing methods for providing location information are either complex or compromise usability.
Innovation Solution
A switching device that automatically provides location information to medical devices via a control module configured to switch data packets and send location information at regular intervals, operating transparently on lower protocol layers and powered through the network or medical device, eliminating configuration efforts and visible network presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If managed switches are integrated into the network infrastructure for medical devices, then location information can be provided to medical devices, but maintenance efforts and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device automatically provides location information to medical devices without requiring manual configuration or intervention. The device self-configures by receiving location information from the network and forwarding it to connected medical devices, eliminating the need for ongoing maintenance efforts while ensuring reliable location data provision.
2Reliability
If manual entry of location information is required at the medical device, then location information can be provided, but usability is compromised due to additional working steps
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device automatically performs the location information provision without requiring manual entry by medical staff. The device receives location information from the network and autonomously forwards it to the connected medical device, eliminating additional working steps and maintaining high usability while ensuring reliable location data.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching device is pre-configured to automatically provide location information upon connection. The location information is made available in advance through the network, and the switching device is prepared to forward it immediately when a medical device connects, eliminating the need for manual entry and improving usability.
3Reliability
If configurable managed switches are used, then location information can be sent to connected devices, but integration into existing IT infrastructure is undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location information provision function from complex managed switches and implements it in a simple, dedicated switching device. This extracted function operates independently without requiring integration into the existing IT infrastructure, maintaining reliable location information provision while avoiding integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching device is designed as a simple, dedicated component rather than a complex managed switch. It performs the specific function of providing location information without requiring sophisticated configuration or integration, making it a lightweight solution that can be deployed without complicating the existing IT infrastructure.
4Ease of operation
If centralized switch infrastructure is used in central distributor rooms, then management is simpler, but costs per network socket are higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location information provision function from the centralized switch infrastructure and implements it at the individual network socket level. Each switching device operates independently, providing location information locally without requiring centralized management, thereby simplifying management while reducing costs per network socket.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments pertain to a switching device, to a network access point, to a system, to a process and to a computer program for a switching device. The switching device (10) for coupling a network (200) and a medical device (300) comprises a first interface (12) for the communication with the network (200) and a second interface (14) for the communication with the medical device (300). The switching device 10 further comprises a control module (16) for controlling the first and second interfaces (12; 14). The control module (16) is configured to send data packets between the network (200) and the medical device (300) via the first and second interfaces (12; 14) and to send location information of the switching device (10) to the medical device (300) at regular intervals. The control module (16) is configured to send the data packets according to a permanently predefined switching instruction.