Medical Infusion Pump Code Detection for Disposable Expiration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical infusion systems lack effective monitoring and enforcement of disposable item shelf life and expiration dates, leading to potential risks due to the continued use of expired items.
Innovation Solution
A medical infusion system with a disposable article featuring a machine-readable code, such as color coding on a sliding clamp, that is detected by a sensor in the infusion pump, allowing the pump to determine and enforce the expiration date, blocking operation if expired, and providing a warning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If disposable articles are used without shelf life monitoring, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential use of expired items
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable article itself carries the machine-readable code with shelf life information, enabling the system to automatically monitor and enforce expiration dates without requiring manual tracking or intervention by healthcare providers
Solution Approach 2:
Manual shelf life monitoring and verification processes are replaced by an automated optical detection system using sensors to read machine-readable codes and electronic control units to compare dates and block operation of expired items
2Reliability
If shelf life monitoring systems are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine-readable code serves multiple functions: it identifies the disposable article type, specifies the shelf life or expiration date, and enables traceability, all within a single integrated marking system that can be read by standard optical sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses color-coded machine-readable markers on disposable articles that can be detected by optical sensors, providing a simple visual and machine-readable indication of shelf life status without requiring complex electronic components on the disposable side
3Measurement precision
If machine-readable codes are added to disposable articles, then measurement precision is improved for shelf life detection, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solution uses inexpensive, single-use disposable articles with simple machine-readable codes (such as printed color codes or barcodes) that can be applied during manufacturing without requiring precision electronics or complex components on the disposable side
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 valid disposable items are used, enhancing patient safety and treatment effectiveness by preventing the use of expired components.
Implementation Method 1
the code is in the form of a color code on the disposable article or accessory, and the associated sensor is a color sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
Main claim: Medical infusion system with • at least one disposable article (4) intended for insertion into or connection to an infusion pump (16), which is provided either itself or by an accessory part connected to it with a machine-readable code which contains or represents a shelf life or an expiration date of the disposable article (4), • at least one infusion pump (16) with a receptacle (30) or a connection for the disposable article (4), with a sensor for detecting the code and with a pump control (24) which is designed or programmed in such a way that it determines the shelf life or the expiration date of the disposable article (4) on the basis of the detected code and compares it with a system time and, depending on the result of the comparison, either blocks or allows an infusion operation with the disposable article (4).