Wireless Therapeutic Device Pairing via Charging Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional insulin delivery methods for Type 1 diabetes, such as daily injections and insulin pump therapy, face challenges in accurately matching blood glucose levels due to the need for multiple devices and the risk of incorrect device pairing, particularly in wireless control systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for securely pairing a therapeutic product delivery device, like an insulin pump, with a handset using a pairing indicator broadcast via a radio transceiver when connected to a charger, ensuring only authorized devices can be controlled, and utilizing unique tokens for secure communication and device management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless control is implemented between handset and pump, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of accidental pairing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a charging device as an intermediary component in the pairing process. The pump must be connected to the charging device before pairing can occur, and the charging device facilitates the pairing communication between the handset and pump. This intermediary adds a physical connection requirement that prevents accidental wireless pairing while maintaining ease of operation through wireless control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pump devices are used with a single handset, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device management system by associating each pump with a unique identifier and requiring individual pairing through the charging device. The handset can discover and pair with multiple pumps, but each pump is independently managed through separate pairing sessions. This segmentation allows multiple devices to be supported while keeping the management process simple and structured.
3Reliability
If pre-pairing is performed at manufacture, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary pairing preparation by requiring the pump to be connected to the charging device before pairing occurs. The charging device prepares the pairing environment by establishing physical connection and enabling communication protocols. This preliminary action ensures reliable pairing without requiring complex pre-configuration during manufacturing, as the actual pairing is deferred to the point of use.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the risk of accidental or intentional pairing errors, ensuring only authorized devices are controlled, and allows for seamless management of multiple devices with a single handset, enhancing safety and usability in insulin delivery systems.
Implementation Method 1
broadcasting the pairing indicator using a radio transceiver
Data Source
AI summary
A method of pairing a therapeutic product delivery device to a handset is described. The handset is restricted to controlling only delivery devices which it is paired with. The method comprises the steps of: at the delivery device, setting, in response to the delivery device being connected to a charging device, a pairing indicator indicating that the delivery device is available for pairing, and broadcasting the pairing indicator using a radio transceiver; at the handset, discovering the delivery device based on the broadcast pairing indicator; and pairing the discovered delivery device and the handset together. By limiting the handset to pairing with devices which are broadcasting a pairing indicator, and by limiting the setting and/or broadcast of the pairing indicator to when the delivery device is connected to a charging device, the risk of accidentally pairing the wrong delivery device (for example someone else's) to the handset is greatly reduced.