Color-Coded Tubing Detection for Medical Kit Loading Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological fluid and blood processing systems struggle to reliably detect and identify the correct placement of disposable tubing on reusable hardware devices, especially in systems lacking pressure sensors or pumps.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing color-coded tubing and colorimetric optical sensors to ensure proper placement, where sensors detect the presence and measure the color of tubing, comparing it against a database of acceptable colors, and generating alerts if incorrect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure sensors and pumps are used to generate pressures for kit pressure checks, then proper kit loading can be confirmed, but device complexity increases and not all devices can utilize this method
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure sensing system with an optical detection system. Colorimetric optical sensors detect the color of tubing segments to identify their location and verify proper kit loading, eliminating the need for pressure sensors and pumps while maintaining reliability in confirming correct assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-coded tubing segments with different colors indicating different locations or functions. The colorimetric optical sensors detect these color variations to verify proper kit loading, providing a simple visual-based verification method that does not require complex mechanical systems
2Ease of operation
If visual cues like color-coded tubing guides are provided, then ease of operation improves during loading, but the ability to automatically detect and identify tubing placement remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated feedback system where colorimetric optical sensors detect the colors of tubing segments and the controller compares detected colors against expected colors for each location. This provides automatic verification of proper tubing placement, enhancing the manual visual cue system with automated detection and identification capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the optical sensor system multi-functional by using it for both detecting the presence of tubing and identifying its correct placement through color analysis. This single sensor system performs multiple functions: presence detection, location identification, and verification of proper assembly
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
Ensures rapid and accurate identification of tubing placement, preventing incorrect installation and ensuring device readiness for operation.
Implementation Method 1
A system utilizing color-coded tubing and colorimetric optical sensors to ensure proper placement, where sensors detect the presence and measure the color of tubing
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for ensuring the proper placement of color-coded tubing on a medical device are disclosed. The system includes one or more sensors and a computer memory containing a database of acceptable colors associated with said one or more sensors. The system is configured to compare the measured color of said color-coded tubing to colors of a color database, wherein the sensor is associated with a color from said database.