Hemodialyzer RFID Tag for Automated Data Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hemodialyzers lack automated identification, storage, and tracking of product and production data, limiting their digital functionality and not allowing for digital disabling in case of quality issues.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a filtration and/or diffusion device with an editable dataset stored on an RFID or NFC chip or in a data cloud, linked via an identifier, enabling automated identification, storage, and tracking of data such as manufacturing, expiration, performance, quality release, and supply chain information, accessible through portable devices like smartphones or tablets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If hard copies are used for product information, then information storage is simple, but automated identification and tracking are not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated identification and trackingVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual hard copy information systems with RFID/NFC digital identification systems. The filtration device incorporates an RFID tag that can be automatically read by portable devices, eliminating the need for manual tracking and enabling automated identification, data storage, and monitoring of product information, expiration dates, and quality data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If no digital disabling capability is provided, then device simplicity is maintained, but quality control and patient safety are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality control and patient safetyVSAvoiddigital control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the portable device communicates with the RFID tag on the filtration device. The system can read data from the tag, verify product authenticity and quality status, and provide feedback by enabling or disabling the filtration device based on quality control decisions, expiration status, or recall information, thereby ensuring patient safety while maintaining device functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If product information is not digitally stored, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but real-time data updates and supply chain optimization are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupply chain management efficiencyVSAvoiddata accessibility and updatability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag system serves multiple functions: it stores product identification information, manufacturing data, expiration dates, quality control status, and supply chain tracking information. The portable device can access and update this information, enabling real-time data management, supply chain optimization, and ensuring that the most current product information is always available to healthcare providers and manufacturers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables automated identification and tracking of hemodialyzers, allowing for real-time data updates and preventing use in case of quality issues, enhancing patient and clinical staff benefits by providing digital product information and optimizing supply chain management.

Implementation Method 1

The dataset is present in the memory of an RFID chip which is part of the filtration and/or diffusion device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The dataset is present in the memory of an RFID or NFC chip which is part of the filtration and/or diffusion device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNFC (Near Field Communication): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11967417B2System with a smart filtration and/or diffusion device
Publication Date: 2024.04.23 GAMBRO LUNDIA AB

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a system comprising a filtration and/or diffusion device and an editable dataset comprising data pertaining to the filtration and/or diffusion device.