Drug storage box

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pharmaceutical storage systems in refrigerators lack effective management of pharmaceuticals' put-in and take-out information, leading to inadequate inventory control in medical institutions.

Innovation Solution

A pharmaceutical storage box equipped with an IC tag and an antenna that manages information on pharmaceuticals stored within a refrigerator, allowing for identification and tracking of put-in and take-out events, enabling better inventory management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If pharmaceuticals are stored in a refrigerator without an information management system, then the storage space is simple and device complexity is low, but information management capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepharmaceutical information managementVSAvoidstorage box structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the storage function and information management function into a single integrated storage box. The antenna is integrated into the storage box structure, and the IC tag is attached to the pharmaceutical container, creating a unified system that manages both physical storage and information tracking simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage box serves multiple functions: it provides physical storage for pharmaceuticals, houses an antenna for RFID communication, and enables information tracking through the IC tag system. This multi-functional design allows a single device to address both storage needs and information management requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If an IC tag and antenna system is added to the storage box, then information tracking capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepharmaceutical identification accuracyVSAvoidstorage box components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system establishes a feedback loop where the antenna continuously communicates with the IC tag on the pharmaceutical container. The controller receives information from the antenna about the presence, identity, and status of stored pharmaceuticals, enabling automatic tracking of put-in and take-out events without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The pharmaceutical container itself carries the IC tag, making it self-identifiable. When placed in or removed from the storage box, the antenna automatically detects the IC tag and transmits information to the controller, enabling the system to self-monitor inventory without requiring external manual recording.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If manual tracking of pharmaceutical put-in and take-out is performed, then device complexity remains low, but productivity and management efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepharmaceutical management efficiencyVSAvoidautomation system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated electromagnetic field-based RFID system. The antenna uses radio frequency signals to communicate with the IC tag, eliminating the need for manual recording and enabling automatic, real-time tracking of pharmaceutical inventory status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna serves as an intermediary between the controller and the IC tag on the pharmaceutical container. It transmits and receives radio frequency signals, enabling the controller to obtain information about stored pharmaceuticals without direct physical contact or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides comprehensive management of pharmaceuticals, ensuring accurate tracking and sorting, enhancing inventory control and utilization of existing refrigerator systems.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna configured to receive information of the IC tag

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3812312B1Drug storage box
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 PHC HLDG CORP
  • EP3812312B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3812312B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3812312B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pharmaceutical storage box to be stored in a pharmaceutical refrigerator and managed by a controller, the pharmaceutical storage box includes: a storage portion to store a pharmaceutical, the pharmaceutical having an IC tag attached thereto; and an antenna configured to receive information of the IC tag.