Wireless Medical Device Control via Universal Remote Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current portable and wearable medical devices for controlled drug delivery, such as infusion pumps, face challenges including high malfunction rates, size, weight, and cost issues, as well as logistical difficulties in managing multiple devices with varying interfaces and recharging requirements.

Innovation Solution

A medical device system comprising a first medical device, a first remote interface, and a second remote interface that communicates with the first medical device, requiring confirmation of safety-critical commands and user inputs for the delivery of infusible fluids, and a charging device that recharges both the medical device and remote interface batteries, with wireless communication and a touch screen interface for user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple remote interfaces are used to control a medical device, then user accessibility and control options are improved, but device complexity and management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidmanagement difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal remote interface design where multiple remote interfaces (first remote interface, second remote interface) can control the same medical device through standardized communication protocols. This allows different users to access and control the infusion pump using their preferred interface without increasing operational complexity, as both interfaces follow the same universal control standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The medical device system acts as an intermediary that manages communication between multiple remote interfaces and the infusion pump. The system coordinates commands from different interfaces, ensuring that safety-critical commands are properly confirmed and that users can switch between interfaces without confusion or management difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If confirmation requirements are added for safety-critical commands, then user safety is improved, but operational time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser safetyVSAvoidoperational time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where safety-critical commands sent from remote interfaces to the infusion pump require confirmation before execution. The system provides feedback to the user about the command status and requires explicit confirmation, ensuring safety without significantly increasing operational time for routine commands. The confirmation process is streamlined through the user interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4220661A1Devices, methods and systems for wireless control of medical devices
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 DEKA PRODUCTS LP
  • EP4220661A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4220661A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4220661A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A medical device system. The system includes a first medical device, a first remote interface, and a second remote interface in communication with the first remote interface and the first medical device, wherein the first medical device sends a command to the first medical device through the second remote interface, and wherein when the second remote interface receives the command, the command must be confirmed by the second remote interface before the command is send by the second remote interface to the first medical device.