IV Access Locking Device Using Asymmetric Keying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drug delivery systems lack a passive, patient-specific keying mechanism to prevent improper administration of parenteral medications, particularly due to the widespread use of Luer connectors that allow for incorrect port connections, leading to a significant risk of medication errors.
Innovation Solution
A drug delivery safety device featuring a locking element with configurable notches and a keying element with corresponding tabs or protrusions, which are uniquely configured for each patient or application, ensuring a secure and specific fit to prevent incorrect connections, and optionally includes sensors and visual indicators for drug family identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Luer connectors are used for drug delivery, then ease of connection is improved, but medication safety deteriorates due to improper port connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing each locking element with a unique asymmetric configuration of notches and each keying element with a corresponding unique asymmetric configuration of tabs. This ensures that only the correct keying element can connect to a specific locking element, preventing improper port connections while maintaining ease of operation through simple mechanical engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making each locking element and keying element pair unique with specific local characteristics (different numbers, positions, and configurations of notches and tabs). This local differentiation ensures that connections are both easy to make and uniquely matched to prevent medication errors.
2Reliability
If RFID tags and bar codes are used for patient identification, then medication accuracy is improved, but device complexity and implementation cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic identification systems (RFID tags and bar codes) with a purely mechanical identification system using notches and tabs. This mechanical system achieves the same goal of unique patient-specific identification without requiring information technology infrastructure, thereby reducing device complexity and implementation cost while maintaining medication accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical components (locking elements with notches and keying elements with tabs) that can be easily manufactured and disposed of after single use. These replace expensive, complex electronic identification systems while achieving the same safety objectives through simple mechanical means.
3Reliability
If multiple notches and tabs are configured for patient-specific identification, then medication safety is improved, but manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the identification function into separate, modular components: locking elements with notches and keying elements with tabs. Each component can be manufactured independently using simple processes, and the unique identification is achieved through the combination and configuration of these segmented parts rather than complex integrated manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety device is described wherein drug delivery systems and methods involve associating unique keys to patients that prevent the interconnection between a drug delivery device and non-complimentary patient key. Medication in a drug delivery device intended for a patient may only be accessed via a particular unique key associated with the intravenous access device of that patient.