Medication Bin Electronic Display Wireless Destination Update
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Solution Overview
Problem
The repeated printing and affixation of labels on medication bins to indicate their destination is time-consuming and costly, as labels need to be frequently updated during the reuse of medication bins in medical facilities.
Innovation Solution
A medication bin equipped with an electronic display, such as an LCD or electronic paper, and a processor that can receive and present destination information wirelessly, allowing for efficient and cost-effective updating of the destination display as the bin is reused.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If labels are repeatedly printed and affixed to medication bins for destination identification, then destination information can be communicated to healthcare workers, but time consumption and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an electronic display that can be wirelessly updated with destination information, replacing the need for physical label printing and affixing. The display shows patient name, room number, and other destination details electronically, eliminating manual label handling while maintaining accurate information communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of printing and physically attaching labels with an electronic wireless communication system. The medication bin receives destination information wirelessly and displays it electronically, eliminating the need for mechanical label handling operations.
2Loss of information
If physical labels are used to identify medication bin destinations, then destination information is visible to healthcare workers, but the repeated affixation and removal process increases operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic display creates a digital copy of the destination information that can be updated wirelessly without physical manipulation. This eliminates the need to repeatedly print, attach, and remove physical labels, reducing operational complexity while maintaining accurate destination identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical label management system with an electronic wireless communication system. The medication bin automatically receives and displays updated destination information without manual intervention, simplifying the overall operation.
3Reliability
If traditional label-based destination identification is used, then medication bins can be directed to correct destinations, but the process is manual and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual label handling with an automated electronic display system that wirelessly receives and displays destination information. This eliminates human error in label reading and handling, improving reliability while making operation easier through automated information updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic display provides real-time feedback to healthcare workers about the correct destination, reducing errors. The system can be configured to provide visual confirmation and updates, ensuring accurate delivery without the errors associated with manual label handling.
Data Source
AI summary
A medication bin is provided that includes a bin housing configured to carry medication and other medical supplies, an electronic display, such as a liquid crystal display or electronic paper, carried by the bin housing and a processor carried by the bin housing and configured to control the electronic display. The processor is configured to receive information relating to a destination of the medication or other medical supplies to be carried by the medication bin. The processor is also configured to direct the electronic display to present a representation of the destination. Corresponding methods and computer program products are also provided.