Medication Delivery Vehicle with Cantilevered Beam Seal Puncture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for ensuring patients receive the correct medication rely on visual comparison, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, as patients may confuse medications or be misled by different appearances, lacking secure verification mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A medication delivery system utilizing a medication delivery vehicle with a micro-machined cantilevered beam and RFID technology, where a public key is matched with a private key to secure medication release, ensuring only the intended patient receives the correct medication, and a chemical trigger detector ensures timely dosing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual comparison methods are used to ensure patients receive correct medication, then patients can identify medications, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual comparison with an automated optical scanning system. The system uses image capture devices and pattern recognition algorithms to automatically verify medication identity, eliminating the need for patients to manually compare pill images while reducing verification time and human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables patients to independently verify their own medication through automated scanning and identification features on the packaging. The medication container itself provides verification capabilities through embedded identifiers and scanning mechanisms, allowing patients to confirm correctness without requiring pharmacist intervention.
2Reliability
If patients rely on pharmacist verification, then medication errors can be prevented, but patients lack independence and verification speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent empowers patients to perform self-verification using automated scanning systems and identification features directly on medication packaging. This eliminates dependency on pharmacist verification while maintaining high security through multiple verification layers including optical scanning, barcode verification, and patient-specific authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback to patients through automated verification systems that scan and validate medication information in real-time. The system gives instant confirmation of medication correctness through visual, auditory, or digital feedback mechanisms, enabling rapid verification without waiting for pharmacist review.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple medication containers are used, then manufacturing is easy, but secure verification mechanisms are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested verification layers where multiple security and identification features are integrated within the medication container structure. This includes embedded barcodes, optical identifiers, RFID tags, and layered packaging designs that provide secure verification while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through systematic integration of features.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite packaging structures combining different materials and verification technologies within a single container system. This includes multi-layer packaging with embedded identifiers, combination of optical and electronic verification features, and integrated security elements that enhance medication security while remaining manufacturable.
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
This system enhances medication security by preventing incorrect medication administration through secure key matching and chemical trigger detection, ensuring patients receive the right medication at the right time, reducing errors and ensuring safety.
Implementation Method 1
applying an electric field to the cantilevered beam that impels the tip forward and causes the tip to break through the seal of the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a chemical trigger detector configured to detect the presence of a chemical trigger within the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes providing a medication delivery vehicle comprising a reservoir with a seal formed thereon and a cantilevered beam micro-machined from a layer of material and coupled to the reservoir, the cantilevered beam comprising a tip for puncturing the seal, applying an electric field to the cantilevered beam that impels the tip forward and causes the tip to break through the seal of the reservoir, and changing the electric field to impel the micro-machined tip backward and thereby release a medication from the reservoir. A computer program product and computer system corresponding to the method are also disclosed.