Systems and methods for device usage monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring hand hygiene compliance in healthcare settings are vulnerable to noncompliance and lack effective post-verification mechanisms, particularly for unsupervised self-directed procedures.
Innovation Solution
An electronically operated dispenser with a dual interface memory system that records usage data and transmits it wirelessly to an external reader using energy collected from interrogation signals, enabling real-time monitoring and compliance tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive wireless communication is used for data transmission, then device complexity and power requirements are reduced, but transmission range and data rate are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both passive wireless communication (RFID) and active wireless communication (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) interfaces into a single dual-interface memory device. This allows the system to use passive communication for low-power operations and active communication when higher data rates or longer ranges are needed, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and information transmission reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If energy is collected from wireless interrogation signals, then power source requirements are reduced, but data transmission power and range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between passive energy harvesting mode and active power transmission mode based on communication requirements. When energy is harvested from interrogation signals, the system operates in passive mode for basic identification. When higher reliability or longer range is needed, the system transitions to active mode using the power source, thus resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and communication reliability.
3Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring is implemented, then compliance verification is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser memory device autonomously performs data collection, processing, and transmission without requiring complex external monitoring infrastructure. The device self-manages its power needs by combining energy harvesting with active power transmission, and automatically selects the appropriate communication interface based on requirements, thereby achieving real-time monitoring with minimal system complexity.
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
Facilitates accurate and efficient monitoring of hand hygiene compliance by providing a robust and cost-effective system for tracking dispenser usage and user identity, enhancing compliance verification and administrative reporting.
Implementation Method 1
the dispenser memory collects energy from the wireless interrogation signal
Data Source
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AI summary
In an exemplary method of monitoring usage of an electronically operated dispenser, a dispensing mechanism is operated by an internal controller of the dispenser in response to user activation of an actuator of the dispenser in communication with the controller. In response to operation of the dispensing mechanism, dispenser data is written to an internal dispenser memory in wired communication with the controller, with the controller and the dispenser memory being electrically connected with and powered by a power source. The dispenser memory receives a wireless interrogation signal from an external reader and collects energy from the wireless interrogation signal. In response to receipt of the wireless interrogation signal, the dispenser memory wirelessly transmits the written dispenser data to the external reader, with the dispenser memory being powered by the collected energy.