Wireless Infusion Pump Control for Wearable Automation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion pump systems are cumbersome, require frequent user interaction, and lack remote control capabilities, posing challenges in size, weight, cost, and safety, especially for patients needing continuous medication delivery like those with diabetes.
Innovation Solution
A wireless infusion pump system comprising an infusion pump and a companion device with a user interface for textual input, enabling remote control, customizable settings, and safety features like alarm settings and visual indications for bolus delivery, allowing for reduced user interaction and enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If infusion pump systems are made portable and wearable with electronic control, then automated drug delivery is achieved, but device size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a portable wearable infusion pump and a remote controller device. The pump contains only essential components (reservoir, pump mechanism, basic electronics) while the controller housing contains the user interface, display, and advanced control features. This segmentation reduces the weight of the wearable pump while maintaining automation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller device extracts and relocates non-essential but useful features (display screen, keyboard, advanced processing) from the wearable pump to a separate remote device. This extraction removes unnecessary weight from the pump while preserving the automation and control functions through wireless communication.
2Ease of operation
If the device is made wearable and accessible, then user convenience is improved, but frequent direct interaction is required which reduces practicality
Solution Approach 1:
The remote controller device acts as an intermediary between the user and the wearable pump. It provides a convenient interface for programming and monitoring while allowing users to interact with the system from a distance, eliminating the need for frequent direct handling of the wearable pump itself.
Solution Approach 2:
Physical direct interaction with the pump (buttons, switches) is replaced by wireless electronic communication between the remote controller and the pump. This substitution allows users to control the pump remotely without mechanical contact, improving both convenience and operational efficiency.
3Productivity
If remote control capability is added, then user interaction frequency is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
System complexity is managed by segmenting functions between two devices. The wearable pump handles core infusion functions with simplified electronics, while the remote controller manages user interface, display, and advanced control algorithms. This distribution of complexity makes each individual device simpler while the combined system provides remote control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion pump system is disclosed. The system includes at least one infusion pump, a companion device, the companion device in wireless communication with the infusion pump, and a user interface on the companion device, the user interface adapted to receive textual input.