Instrument Kit Tracking System with High-Temperature Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical instrument kits lack effective tracking solutions, leading to misplaced or lost kits, inadequate lifecycle management, and inefficient inventory management, especially during high-temperature sterilization processes, resulting in significant costs and compliance issues.

Innovation Solution

A tracking system with a cloud-based platform that includes an electronic tracking device embedded in the instrument kit, capable of monitoring and reporting the kit's location and usage without human intervention, even during high-temperature sterilization, using a temperature sensor and communication modules to record and transmit data on surgeries performed, ensuring timely replacement or calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual tracking methods (software applications and phone apps) are used to track surgical assets, then inventory management capability is provided, but data accuracy and system integrity deteriorate due to manual input errors and delayed data entry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory management capabilityVSAvoidtracking data accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking device automatically monitors and records instrument kit data without requiring manual input from users. The system self-updates location, usage, and sterilization information, eliminating human error and ensuring continuous accurate data capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual tracking systems are replaced with an automated electronic tracking device that uses sensors and wireless communication to automatically capture and transmit data, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with automated technological systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If electronic tracking devices are exposed to high-temperature sterilization processes, then instrument kit compliance is maintained, but device reliability deteriorates due to temperature damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompliance with sterilization processesVSAvoidtemperature damage to electronics

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A removable protective cover or housing acts as an intermediary barrier between the electronic tracking device and the high-temperature sterilization environment. The cover protects the electronics during autoclaving while allowing the instrument kit to undergo necessary sterilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument kit is segmented into sterilizable components (instruments and protective cover) and non-sterilizable components (electronic tracking device). This allows the electronic components to be isolated from the high-temperature sterilization process while maintaining kit compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If instrument kits are deployed to hospitals and sales networks, then market coverage and utility are improved, but tracking visibility and asset recovery capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment flexibilityVSAvoidtracking visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking device continuously transmits location and usage data to a centralized system, providing real-time feedback on instrument kit status. This enables the owner to monitor deployed kits and receive alerts when instruments need replacement or calibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking device serves multiple functions including location tracking, usage monitoring, sterilization cycle counting, and automated alerting. This multi-functionality maintains tracking visibility across diverse deployment scenarios without requiring separate systems.

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

The system provides real-time location tracking and usage data, enhancing inventory management, accountability, and compliance, reducing costs associated with lost kits and ensuring timely maintenance, while withstanding multiple sterilization cycles.

Implementation Method 1

capable of monitoring and reporting the kit's location and usage without human intervention, even during high-temperature sterilization, using a temperature sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11636948B2Instrument kit tracking system

Publication Date: 2023.04.25 Q MED INNOVATIONS INC

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to an instrument kit tracking system that includes a housing that has tracking electronics that is contained in either a compartment or wall of the medical instrument kit or in a standalone unit that is affixed to a medical instrument kit to contain and protect an electronic device from external temperatures between 120-135° C.; where the medical instrument kit contains at least one medical instrument. The internal temperature of the instrument kit tracking system is maintained such that the electronic device contained therein is operable when the external temperature is between 120-135° C. A further layer, such as of a thickness of 1 mm, resides between the electronic device and the outer walls of the compartment or module. Access to the tracking electronics may also be selectively lockable.