Blood Processing System Authentication with Color-Coded Access Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
In apheresis or blood processing procedures, there is a risk of incorrect access tools being used for medical solution containers due to similar appearances of containers holding solutions with different functions and properties, leading to potential cross-access or substitution of critically distinct fluids.
Innovation Solution
A blood processing system with a user interface, memory, and database of medical solutions identifiable by identifiers, which guides users through steps of the procedure by prompting them to input solution identifiers, verifies these against a database, and authorizes the use of solutions to prevent incorrect connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple medical solution containers are used with similar appearances, then the system can support various blood processing functions, but the risk of incorrect access tool selection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-coding to access tools and corresponding ports to enable visual differentiation. Different colors are assigned to different access tool types (e.g., membrane access tools, luer access tools, fitted access tools) and their corresponding ports, allowing operators to quickly identify the correct tool-port match without confusion, thereby maintaining versatility while eliminating selection errors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric design in the physical interfaces between access tools and ports. Each access tool type has a unique geometric configuration that only fits its designated port type, preventing incorrect connections through mechanical incompatibility. This ensures that even if visual identification fails, the physical design prevents mismatched connections
2Ease of operation
If manual verification of solution containers is required, then operator control is maintained, but the complexity of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-identifying features on access tools and ports, such as color codes, symbols, or alphanumeric identifiers that automatically convey compatibility information. The system serves itself by providing built-in guidance mechanisms that reduce the cognitive burden on operators, allowing them to perform verification through simple visual matching rather than complex manual checks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system provides immediate visual or tactile confirmation when the correct access tool is selected. This may include color-matched indicators, audible signals, or mechanical engagement feedback that confirms proper tool-port pairing, enabling operators to quickly verify correctness without adding procedural complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If standardized identification systems are implemented across manufacturers, then cross-compatibility is improved, but the initial setup and standardization process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes universal identification standards using color-coding and symbolic markers that can be applied across different manufacturers and product lines. These standardized identifiers serve multiple functions: visual identification, compatibility verification, and training aid. The simplicity of the color-code system allows it to be universally adopted without requiring complex infrastructure or proprietary systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color as a parameter to encode access tool type information, transforming complex technical specifications into simple visual parameters. By mapping different access tool types to distinct colors and patterns, the system enables cross-manufacturer compatibility through a standardized parameter set that is easy to implement, recognize, and verify across diverse product portfolios
Data Source
AI summary
A system of authenticating a medical solution used in a blood processing procedure, comprising a blood processing system having a user interface and access to a database of medical solutions identifiable by identifiers, wherein the blood processing system guides a user through steps of the procedure and the user interface prompts the user to execute an action as part of a step; a fluid circuit having an inlet for a medical solution, wherein the fluid circuit is coupled to the fluid processing system; wherein a step of the blood processing procedure comprises drawing a solution into the circuit, wherein the interface receives a user input of an identifier of the solution prior to the fluid processing system executing the step; wherein the fluid processing system is configured to compare the received identifier to medical solution identifiers within the database and, based on a result of the comparison, executing the step.