Catheter Luer Hub RFID Antenna Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical catheters lack efficient traceability solutions for tracking product information throughout the supply chain from manufacturer to end-user, necessitating a method to easily and efficiently read and manage data related to the catheter and any associated medical devices or drugs.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a radio frequency identification (RFID) integrated circuit within the luer fitting of a catheter, where the metal hypotube acts as an antenna to transmit and receive RF signals, enabling the external reader to access and decode electronic information stored on the RFID chip, which includes details such as product name, serial number, and usage instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an RFID integrated circuit is embedded in the luer fitting, then traceability and data collection are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the RFID integrated circuit with the luer fitting by embedding the circuit directly into the fitting structure. This integration combines two separate components (luer fitting and RFID tag) into a single unified assembly, eliminating the need for separate attachment mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while improving traceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The luer fitting serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical connection interface for catheter assembly and simultaneously houses the RFID integrated circuit for identification and tracking. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, addressing the complexity issue while achieving improved traceability.
2Reliability
If the metal hypotube acts as an antenna, then RF signal transmission is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The metal hypotube serves dual purposes as both a structural component of the catheter and as an RF antenna for signal transmission. By utilizing the existing hypotube structure for antenna functionality, the patent avoids adding separate antenna components that would require additional manufacturing precision, while still achieving reliable RF signal transmission.
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
Enhances traceability and reduces paperwork by allowing for easy tracking and management of catheter information, improving supply chain efficiency and compliance with FDA requirements through electronic data collection and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a RFID integrated circuit is electrically connected to the metal hypotube such that the hypotube operates as an antenna to transmit and receive modulated RF signals
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments hereof relate to a catheter having a metal hypotube proximal shaft and a radio frequency identification (RFID) integrated circuit electrically connected to the metal hypotube such that the metal hypotube operates as an antenna for transmitting and receiving modulated RF signals between the RFID integrated circuit and an external receiver configured to read the electronic identification information carried by the RFID integrated circuit. The hypotube and RFID integrated circuit are embedded in a luer hub of the catheter. The RFID integrated circuit contains electronic identification information such as model/serial number, manufacturing information and other summary information for improving traceability of the catheter and removing paper work associated with product tracking.