Drug Module Sequence Verification for Medication Error Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The serially-connected drug combinatorial systems lack a mechanism to ensure correct module assembly order and type, leading to a high probability of medication errors due to their universal design and absence of tray-based safety checks.
Innovation Solution
Implement a system where each module is encoded with a unique binary code using frangible electrical conductors, and a controller housing with integrated circuits to verify the correct module type and sequence through data and address buses, ensuring accurate assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If serially-connected design is used to simplify components and supply chain, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of configuration safety checks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tray-based configuration checks with an electronic identification and verification system. Each module incorporates electronic identifiers (such as RFID tags, barcodes, or electronic circuits) that communicate with a controller to verify correct assembly sequence and compatibility, substituting mechanical safety checks with electronic verification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through electronic verification where the controller reads identification data from each module, compares it against the required configuration sequence, and provides feedback signals to confirm correct assembly or alert operators to errors before drug delivery commences.
2Ease of manufacture
If universal module design is implemented to minimize component parts, then ease of manufacture improves, but reliability worsens due to inability to prevent incorrect assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical differentiation features (such as unique shapes, sizes, or connection interfaces for different module types) with electronic identification systems. All modules share the same mechanical interface for universal connectivity, while electronic identifiers embedded in each module provide the necessary differentiation information for verification by the controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing all modules with identical mechanical connection interfaces and housing structures, allowing any module to physically connect to any other module in the series. This universal mechanical design simplifies manufacturing and assembly, while electronic identifiers provide the specific identification needed to ensure correct configuration.
3Device complexity
If tray-based mechanical safety checks are removed to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but harmful factors increase due to medication error risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tray-based safety checks with an electronic verification system that uses identifiers on each module and a controller to verify correct assembly sequence, thereby eliminating the need for complex mechanical trays while maintaining or enhancing safety against medication errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic intermediary (the controller with verification logic) that mediates between the physical assembly of modules and the safety verification process. This intermediary reads electronic identifiers, validates the configuration sequence, and prevents operation if errors are detected, replacing the direct mechanical safety checking function of the tray.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are provided herein for checking proper inclusion and sequencing of drug modules in a combinatorial drug delivery device.