Medical Device Component Compatibility Verification System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturers of medical devices face challenges in determining whether replacement parts installed in medical devices are original or reused, leading to uncertainty and liability risks, especially when external companies perform servicing and repair.
Innovation Solution
A compatibility checking mechanism that includes a reader, checking mechanism, writer, and approver to verify the compatibility of device components by reading memory content, writing component identifiers, and approving or blocking use, thereby ensuring only original parts are used and preventing misuse of reused components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If device seals are distributed to authorized servicing companies for re-sealing, then the ability to prove non-original state improves, but organizational complexity and distribution costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from the physical seal and relocates it to an electronic memory component within the device housing. The seal information is stored in a memory module that can be read by authorized entities, eliminating the need for physical seal distribution while maintaining the ability to verify originality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an informational copy of the seal verification capability by storing seal data and device identification information in electronic memory. This digital copy can be accessed and verified without requiring physical seal distribution, allowing multiple authorized entities to verify authenticity without receiving physical seals.
2Device complexity
If device seals are not distributed to external companies, then organizational complexity is reduced, but the ability to determine whether replacement parts are original deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification system consisting of a memory module and reading device. This intermediary enables verification of originality through electronic identification rather than physical seals, allowing manufacturers to maintain control over seal verification without distributing physical seals to external companies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical seal verification system with an electronic identification system. Instead of relying on physical seals that must be distributed and re-applied, the system uses electronic memory storage and reading capabilities to verify device authenticity and replacement part originality.
3Loss of time
If replacement parts are installed without compatibility checking, then installation time is reduced, but device reliability and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary compatibility checking by reading and verifying identification information from replacement parts before they are installed in the device. The reading device checks whether the replacement part is compatible with the specific device model, and only after successful verification is the installation permitted to proceed.
4Measurement precision
If memory content is read and component identifiers are written, then compatibility verification capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the identification storage function and the verification function into an integrated system. The memory module within the device housing both stores the device's identification information and stores the identification information of installed replacement parts, while the reading device accesses this information for verification, combining multiple functions into a unified system.
Data Source
AI summary
A compatibility checking mechanism can include a reader, a checking mechanism, a writer and an approver. The reader can read out memory content from a memory of a first device component. The checking mechanism can check whether the first device component can be used together with a second device component based on the read-out memory content, and supply a result of the checking whether the first device component can be used together with a second device component. The writer can induce writing of a component identifier of the second device component in the memory of the first device component if checking of the read-out memory content indicates that the first device component can be used together with the second device component. The approver can approve or block use of the first device component as a function of the result of the checking of the read-out memory content.