Color-Coded Syringe Carrier for Anesthetic Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In operating theaters, there is a risk of medication errors due to syringes with similar labels and sizes, leading to potential severe consequences like paralysis or cardiac events, especially in emergency situations where double-checking is not always possible.
Innovation Solution
A pharmaceutical dosage form carrier with a transparent polymeric base and array of elongate receptacles, each with a colored display panel to visually identify the drug, preventing incorrect placement and allowing only one orientation of inserts to ensure correct alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If syringes with standardized labels are used, then manufacturing and labeling consistency is improved, but the ability to distinguish between different drugs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing color-coded labels at specific locations on the syringe carrier. Each compartment has a colored label that corresponds to the drug type, creating localized visual cues that differentiate between otherwise identical standardized syringes. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining standardized syringe manufacturing while adding local visual differentiation for reliable drug identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly applies color changes by using different colored labels (e.g., red, blue, green, yellow) to indicate different drug types or dosages. This visual differentiation system allows practitioners to quickly distinguish between similar-looking syringes, resolving the identification accuracy problem while preserving standardized manufacturing processes.
2Reliability
If double-checking protocols are implemented, then medication error prevention is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a carrier system that provides automatic visual verification. The color-coded labels and compartment arrangement allow the practitioner to verify the correct syringe selection through simple visual inspection rather than requiring a second person to perform a detailed check. The system serves itself by built-in visual cues that guide correct selection, reducing time loss while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through visual confirmation mechanisms where the colored labels provide immediate feedback to the practitioner about whether the correct syringe has been selected. This instant visual feedback replaces time-consuming double-checking protocols while maintaining high reliability in medication error prevention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple trays are used to separate routine and emergency drugs, then drug organization is improved, but device complexity and retrieval time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate trays into a single integrated carrier unit. Different drug types are organized within the same carrier using color-coded compartments and labels, eliminating the need for multiple physical trays while maintaining clear organization. This reduces device complexity and allows faster retrieval by having all needed drugs in one location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a single carrier that can accommodate multiple drug types and scenarios (routine and emergency) through its multi-compartment design with color-coded identification. This universal carrier replaces the need for multiple specialized trays, reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability for different drug organization needs.
4Speed
If syringes are prepared beforehand, then readiness for surgery is improved, but the risk of pre-preparation errors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-organizing syringes in color-coded compartments during manufacturing or pre-preparation phases. The syringes are sorted and placed in the correct compartments with corresponding colored labels before reaching the surgical environment. This preliminary organization maintains readiness while reducing preparation errors through built-in visual verification at the point of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual verification mechanisms with visual optical cues. Instead of relying on practitioners to manually check and verify pre-prepared syringes, the system uses color-coded labels and compartment arrangements that provide automatic visual confirmation of correct placement and selection, thereby maintaining speed while improving reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pharmaceutical dosage form carrier comprising: a base tray having a base and side walls; and one or more transparent inserts; the base tray being configured to receive the one or more transparent inserts; each transparent insert having one or more upwardly opening receptacles extending from the base tray, the receptacles being elongate and arranged in a side- by-side array; each receptacle comprising: a respective base region; and one or more upwardly extending side portions; each receptacle being dimensioned to accommodate a container containing a predetermined dosage of a drug; wherein the base tray comprises one or more coloured panels arranged so that each coloured panel is visible through the base of the transparent inserts, the colour being selected to provide a visual indication of the dosage form to be accommodated in the receptacle.