Infusion Pump Authentication for Certified Infusion Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion devices lack authentication mechanisms to ensure that only certified and safe infusion articles are used, posing a risk of contamination and patient harm.
Innovation Solution
An infusion pump equipped with an authentication device, such as a sensor or mechanical locking mechanism, to verify the authenticity of infusion articles through features like QR codes or RFID tags, ensuring compatibility and safety by checking against a database.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no authentication mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low and ease of operation is high, but patient safety and reliability deteriorate due to risk of contamination and use of uncertified articles
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication device performs verification of the infusion article before the infusion pump operates. The sensor detects authentication features (QR codes, RFID tags, mechanical coding) on the infusion article prior to use, and the control unit verifies authenticity against stored reference data, preventing use of uncertified articles before contamination risk arises
Solution Approach 2:
An authentication feature acts as an intermediary between the infusion article and the pump's control system. This feature (QR code, RFID tag, or mechanical coding) carries authentication information that the sensor detects and the control unit verifies, enabling reliable identification without direct complex interaction between the pump and infusion article
2Reliability
If an authentication device with sensor is added, then reliability and patient safety are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor serves multiple functions: it detects authentication features on infusion articles, reads data from these features, and works with the control unit to verify authenticity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, moderating the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication feature on the infusion article creates a copy or representation of the article's identity information (QR code, RFID data, mechanical coding pattern). The sensor detects this copy, and the control unit compares it against reference authentication data stored in the pump, enabling verification without requiring direct physical access to the original certification records
3Adaptability or versatility
If authentication features like QR codes or RFID tags are added to infusion articles, then compatibility verification is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication features use cost-effective technologies appropriate for single-use infusion articles. QR codes can be printed directly on the article, RFID tags use inexpensive passive components, and mechanical coding uses simple raised features or perforations. These cheap authentication mechanisms are integrated into disposable articles without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent offers multiple authentication approaches including replacing mechanical verification methods with optical sensors (for QR codes) or electromagnetic sensors (for RFID tags). Alternatively, simple mechanical coding with raised features or perforations can be detected by mechanical sensors, substituting complex electronic systems with simpler mechanical detection where appropriate
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
Ensures only certified infusion articles are used, preventing contamination and enhancing patient safety by authenticating the infusion items before operation.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is preferably an electromagnetic sensor. Advantageously, the sensor is designed as an optical sensor, in particular as a camera. Alternatively, the electromagnetic sensor can be designed as an RFID reader or NFC sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion pump is configured for use with at least one infusion item. The infusion pump includes at least one authentication device for authenticating the at least one infusion item for use with the infusion pump.