Machine-Readable Syringe Identification for Safer Pumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices, particularly syringe pumps, face challenges in ensuring the correct administration of medication to patients, with risks of mix-ups and errors due to manual identification of accessories, which can lead to fatal consequences.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a machine-readable identification feature on disposable medical articles, such as syringes, allowing for automated recognition and precise administration through a sensor arrangement and control device, ensuring correct assignment to the medical device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual identification of accessories is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of mix-ups and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification methods with automated optical recognition using machine-readable codes (barcodes, QR codes, RFID tags). The sensor arrangement automatically reads these codes to identify accessories, eliminating human error in manual tracing and selection while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized identification protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-identification of accessories through machine-readable codes that automatically provide information about the accessory type, medication, and compatibility requirements. The control device automatically processes this information and verifies compatibility, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous manual verification
2Reliability
If automated recognition with sensor arrangement is implemented, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrangement and control device serve multiple functions: they identify accessories, verify compatibility with medical devices, validate medication information, and trigger appropriate responses. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated solution, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces machine-readable codes as intermediary elements that carry identification information. These codes act as mediators between the physical accessory and the digital identification system, simplifying the overall architecture by separating the physical component from the identification processing while enabling reliable automated recognition
3Reliability
If machine-readable identification features are added to disposable articles, then reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs various machine-readable code formats (barcodes, QR codes, RFID tags) that can be easily incorporated into disposable articles using standard manufacturing techniques. These parameters can be added as surface markings or embedded features that do not significantly alter the manufacturing process, maintaining ease of production while enabling reliable identification
Solution Approach 2:
Since the identification features are on disposable articles, the system accepts that these components are single-use and cannot be recovered. This allows for simple, low-cost implementation of identification features that can be easily applied during manufacturing without requiring complex recovery or recycling mechanisms, balancing manufacturing ease with reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable medical article for a medical device includes a machine-readable identification feature. The machine-readable identification feature can be a feature of the disposable article or be attached to a predetermined partial section of the disposable medical article in a detachable or non-detachable manner. The disposable medical article can be a syringe for use in syringe pumps.