Drug Module Sequencing Verification in Combinatorial Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The serially-connected drug combinatorial systems lack a mechanism to ensure correct assembly order and drug configuration, 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 modules encode their type using settable switches and generate a unique binary code, and utilize integrated data and address buses to verify the correct sequence and configuration of modules during assembly, ensuring electronic confirmation of correct module identity and order.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If serially-connected design with universal modules is used, then component efficiency and supply chain simplicity are improved, but the ability to prevent configuration errors is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tray-based configuration verification with an electronic identification system. Modules contain electronic identifiers (RFID tags, barcodes, or other machine-readable codes) that are automatically read and verified by a controller, substituting physical mechanical checks with electronic detection and verification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the controller verify module identities and configurations electronically, then provide confirmation or error messages to the user. The controller receives identification signals from modules, compares them against the prescribed configuration, and provides feedback on whether the assembly is correct before allowing operation.
2Reliability
If mechanical tray-based safety checks are implemented, then configuration error prevention is improved, but device complexity and supply chain logistics are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification and verification function from the mechanical tray structure and places it directly on the modules themselves. Each module carries its own electronic identifier, eliminating the need for complex tray-based mechanical verification mechanisms while maintaining configuration safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic identification system provides universal verification across different module types and configurations. A single electronic reading mechanism can verify any module with the appropriate identifier format, making the system adaptable to various drug combinations and module arrangements without requiring specialized mechanical trays for each configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If universal module design is used, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but the ability to detect assembly errors is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic identification layer between the universal modules and the verification process. The electronic identifiers act as mediators that carry specific module information (drug type, concentration, volume) without requiring physical differentiation of the modules themselves, enabling error detection while maintaining universality.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments are provided herein for checking proper inclusion and sequencing of drug modules in a combinatorial drug delivery device.