Dialysis Authentication System for Sorbent Cartridge Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dialysis systems face challenges in ensuring patient safety due to the use of non-certified or cross-used components, high costs associated with sorbent cartridges, and the need for efficient regeneration and recycling of sorbent materials, as well as tracking and authentication of components to prevent counterfeiting and misuse.
Innovation Solution
A dialysis authentication system that includes detachable and reusable components with integrated authentication components such as RFID tags, barcodes, or one-wire security components, which track usage, authenticity, and expiration dates, ensuring only certified components are used with the correct patients and preventing misuse, while allowing for regeneration and recycling of sorbent materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sorbent cartridges are disposed of after each use, then patient safety is maintained, but costs increase and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The sorbent cartridge is divided into multiple detachable modules (first module, second module, third module) that can be separated and regenerated independently. This segmentation allows selective regeneration of individual modules rather than disposing of the entire cartridge, reducing waste while maintaining safety through controlled regeneration processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables recovery and regeneration of sorbent modules through a recharger device. Used modules can be regenerated multiple times (tracked via authentication components) before eventual disposal, transforming a single-use disposable model into a recoverable and reusable system that reduces waste while maintaining patient safety through authentication and tracking.
2Loss of substance
If sorbent cartridges are made reusable through regeneration, then costs are reduced, but patient safety risks increase due to potential contamination or misuse
Solution Approach 1:
Authentication components (RFID tags, barcodes, one-wire security components) provide feedback about the module's usage history, regeneration count, and certification status. The system tracks each module through its lifecycle, ensuring that only properly regenerated and certified modules are reused, thereby maintaining patient safety while enabling cost-effective regeneration.
Solution Approach 2:
Authentication components are pre-affixed to modules during manufacturing with unique identifiers and certification information. This preliminary action ensures that before each reuse, the system can verify the module's authenticity, regeneration history, and suitability for use, preventing contaminated or improperly regenerated modules from being reused on patients.
3Loss of information
If authentication components are integrated into each module, then component tracking and certification are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication component serves multiple functions: unique identification, certification verification, usage tracking, and regeneration counting. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate tracking systems into a single integrated component, improving information tracking while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.
4Productivity
If sorbent cartridges are separated into detachable modules, then regeneration efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is segmented into standardized detachable modules with uniform connection interfaces. This segmentation enables independent regeneration of individual modules, improving productivity by allowing parallel processing and selective regeneration. The standardized design actually simplifies manufacturing compared to custom-integrated designs, as modules can be produced independently using the same processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A dialysis authentication system comprising at least one dialysis component having at least one authentication component affixed thereon. The dialysis component can be any one of a dialyzer, sorbent cartridge, or recharger. The authentication component can be selected from the group comprising a radio-frequency identification marker, a bar code, a one-wire security component, and a wireless authentication component.