Electromechanical Lock for Secure Blood Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for distributing blood or hemocomponents in medical settings are prone to errors due to manual code reading and complex technology requirements, posing health risks from incorrect patient identification and unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A device with an electromechanical lock featuring a transparent rigid container, electronic control card, data memory, and low-consumption electromechanical locking mechanism that requires specific patient codes for access, ensuring secure and accurate distribution by preventing unauthorized opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual code reading and handwritten tracking codes are used for blood distribution, then the system remains simple and low-cost, but errors in patient identification and code reading occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual code reading and handwritten tracking with an automated electromechanical lock system that uses bar code scanning and electronic verification. The lock automatically compares patient identification data with blood bag data, eliminating manual intervention and reducing errors in patient identification while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-verification through automated data comparison between patient identification and blood bag labels. The electromechanical lock autonomously validates the match between tracking codes and patient information, removing the need for manual verification by health staff and significantly improving identification accuracy.
2Reliability
If health staff manually distribute blood products based on handwritten codes, then the process remains simple and quick, but mistakes lead to wrong patient transfusion with health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical lock system replaces manual distribution processes with automated verification. The system scans bar codes on both patient identification and blood bags, electronically compares the data, and only releases the blood product when a match is confirmed. This automated approach ensures safe distribution while maintaining ease of operation through simple scan-and-go functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromechanical lock acts as an intermediary between patient identification and blood product release. It mediates the distribution process by automatically verifying data matches and controlling access, ensuring that only correctly matched blood products can be released while keeping the interface simple for health staff.
3Reliability
If handheld computers and computer networks are used for patient identification, then identification accuracy improves, but costs increase and handling becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential verification function from complex computer networks and handheld computers, isolating it into a dedicated electromechanical lock device. This standalone unit performs bar code scanning and data comparison locally, providing accurate identification without requiring connection to extensive computer networks or complex software applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, dedicated bar code scanning and verification hardware in the electromechanical lock rather than expensive handheld computers with full computer networks. The focus is on the essential verification function using cost-effective scanning technology and simple electronic comparison, eliminating the need for expensive computing infrastructure.
4Reliability
If health staff must learn complex computer applications for blood distribution, then identification safety improves, but training requirements and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical lock replaces complex computer applications with simple bar code scanning and automatic verification. Health staff only need to scan bar codes and retrieve blood products, with the system automatically handling data comparison and verification. This maintains patient safety through automated verification while dramatically reducing training requirements to basic scanning operations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
This device comprises a transparent rigid-material container (1), fitted with an access mouth (11) and a closing cover (2) with a rear appendix (21) for coupling, in an axial direction, with the container mouth (11); with the container mouth (11) and the rear appendix (21) of the cover presenting similar, irregular outlines for coupling in a single position. Said cover (21) includes an electronic circuit (3) that comprises an electronic control card (31), a data memory (33) data entry and downloading means (32a, 32b, 32c) a data display screen (34) an electric battery (35) and a low-consumption electromechanical lock (36).