Inductive Identification for Infusion Pump Cassettes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bar code and RFID systems for identifying disposable medical objects, such as infusion pump cassettes, are costly and complex, while maintaining accuracy and reliability is crucial for preventing medical errors.
Innovation Solution
An inductive identification system using conductive coils and processing circuitry to determine the inductance of an object, allowing for the identification of disposable IV pump cassettes through an inductive identifier with a coded pattern, integrated into the infusion pump system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bar code or RFID systems are used for identification, then identification accuracy and reliability are maintained, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical bar code scanning or radio-frequency RFID systems with an inductive identification system using conductive coils and inductance measurement. This substitution maintains identification reliability while reducing system complexity and cost, as inductive sensors are simpler than RFID readers and eliminate the need for optical scanners and associated lighting/camera systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the identification approach from optical recognition (bar codes) or electromagnetic radio-frequency detection (RFID) to electrical inductance measurement. By measuring inductance parameters of conductive coils that interact with conductive features on the object, the system achieves reliable identification with simpler, lower-cost components.
2Reliability
If conventional bar code or RFID systems are used for identification, then identification accuracy and reliability are maintained, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive optical scanners or RFID readers with simpler inductive sensing circuits. The conductive coil-based inductive identification system uses basic electrical components that are significantly cheaper than optical or radio-frequency identification systems, while maintaining sufficient identification accuracy for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable objects (such as medical devices or packaging) with integrated conductive features that serve as identification markers. These conductive features are inexpensive to incorporate into disposable items, and the simple inductive reading mechanism eliminates the need for expensive reusable identification hardware.
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
The inductive identification system reduces costs and complexity while maintaining high accuracy and reliability, ensuring proper identification of disposable medical objects and preventing errors.
Implementation Method 1
processing circuitry coupled to the at least one conductive coil and configured to (a) determine an inductance of the at least one conductive coil and (b) determine an identity of an object based on the inductance when an inductive identifier of the object is placed within a proximal distance of the at least one conductive coil
Data Source
AI summary
Inductive identification systems and methods are described. The system may include an inductive detector configured to identify objects having inductive identifiers. An inductive detector may include conductive coils and inductance readout circuitry for measuring an inductance of each coil. An inductive identifier may include a conductive pattern configured to induce a desired inductance in the coils of the inductive detector. An inductive identifier may include a film having openings, each opening configured to be disposed over a corresponding coil to induce differing inductance changes in the corresponding coils. A pattern of inductance values may be determined and used to identify the object. The detector may be implemented in a cassette recess of an infusion pump system. The inductive identifier may be disposed on a pump cassette configured to be received in the cassette recess and identified based on an inductive interaction between the inductive detector coils and the inductive identifier.