Climate-Controlled Medical Storage With Secure Rapid Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical storage systems face challenges in maintaining the quality and security of medical products, particularly pharmaceuticals and blood products, due to issues with access control, inventory tracking, and climate control, especially during power outages or equipment failures, which can lead to temperature control losses and product degradation.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a control system, actuation assembly, and climate controller that secures and releases storage containers using actuators and sensors, while also monitoring and controlling temperature, humidity, and access, utilizing sensors and actuators to ensure proper storage conditions and track inventory, and includes a mechanism for quick identification and retrieval of products during emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If access control is implemented to limit authorized individuals, then security and quality control are improved, but access speed and emergency response time may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication and authorization checks before granting access. Users must present credentials and receive authorization codes in advance, which are then validated by the control system to enable rapid access when needed, thus maintaining security while reducing actual access time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual access control mechanisms with an automated electronic system that uses sensors, actuators, and a control system to automatically verify credentials, authorize access, and release storage containers, eliminating delays associated with manual verification processes.
2Volume of stationary object
If multiple storage containers are stored in a single climate control device, then space utilization is improved, but time to locate specific inventory is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the positions of storage containers and provide feedback to the system. This enables the control system to quickly identify and locate specific inventory items by receiving real-time position data, eliminating the need for manual searching while maintaining high storage density.
Solution Approach 2:
The climate control device integrates multiple functions including storage, climate control, inventory tracking, and automated retrieval. The system can manage multiple storage containers within a single controlled environment while providing rapid location and access to specific items through its integrated control and sensing capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If actuators are used to secure and release storage containers, then access control precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The access control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: authentication modules for credential verification, authorization modules for permission management, actuation modules for physical container release, and sensing modules for position detection. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with high precision while keeping the overall system manageable through clear functional separation.
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 solution ensures stringent quality control and secure access to medical products, maintains optimal storage conditions, and facilitates quick product relocation during emergencies, enhancing productivity and reducing the risk of product degradation.
Implementation Method 1
each actuator comprises a solenoid actuated plunger that engages a respective arm when the solenoid is energized to thereby move the arm between the first and second positions
Implementation Method 2
Each actuator, when present, may have an associated sensor for detecting the position of an arm adjacent the respective actuator. In some embodiments, the sensor is a proximity sensor.
Implementation Method 3
In some embodiments, the sensor is an optical sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for storing medical products such as pharmaceutical and medical products in climate controlled storage devices includes climate control systems in communication with inventory access and tracking systems.