Ventilator Interface Prioritization for Conflict-Free Data Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern ventilators with multiple interfaces face compatibility issues during simultaneous data inputs, which can lead to ineffective or harmful therapy applications and potential apparatus malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A method for managing data exchange via at least three interfaces of a ventilator, where a data input via one interface can block data inputs via other interfaces, ensuring safe and controlled data exchange even with conflicting inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all interfaces are released simultaneously for data input, then the ventilator can accept data inputs from multiple sources (improving adaptability), but incompatible data inputs may conflict and cause harmful effects or malfunctions (worsening reliability)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data input capability by interface, assigning different priority levels to each interface (e.g., user interface, service interface, remote interface). This segmentation allows the system to maintain multiple data input pathways while controlling their activation based on priority, preventing conflicting inputs from simultaneously affecting the ventilator settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a priority scheme before data inputs occur. The control unit is pre-configured to recognize which interfaces have higher priority and to block lower-priority interfaces when a higher-priority interface is actively receiving data inputs. This preliminary structuring prevents conflicts before they can occur.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple data inputs are accepted simultaneously via different interfaces, then data exchange flexibility is improved, but incompatible data inputs may make therapy application ineffective or harmful (worsening safety)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic interface management where the active state of each interface changes based on real-time conditions. When a data input is detected on a high-priority interface, the system dynamically blocks lower-priority interfaces. This dynamic adjustment ensures flexibility in data exchange while preventing harmful conflicts from occurring simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all interfaces remain active for data exchange, then system versatility is improved, but processor overload may occur jeopardizing therapy safety (worsening reliability)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively activating only the necessary interfaces based on priority and current operational needs. Instead of keeping all interfaces fully active simultaneously, the system partially activates interfaces according to the priority scheme, reducing processor load while maintaining essential data exchange capabilities. This prevents processor overload while preserving versatility where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing data exchange via at least three interfaces of a ventilator, at least one interface being configured for a data exchange with at least one counterpart station that is spatially separate from the ventilator. The data exchange comprises a data input and a data output, and a data output and/or data input is possible during an ongoing operation of the ventilator via at least one of the at least three interfaces only if it is determined that sufficient system resources and a reliable power supply are available.