Polymer Collar Label Shredder for Prescription Bottle PHI Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of a simple, effective, and safe method to render prescription bottle labels illegible, posing a risk of medical identity theft as existing solutions are cumbersome, expensive, or pose safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held label degrading device with a cylindrical collar featuring radially inward teeth and a longitudinal slot, made from polymeric materials with glass additives, that engages and shreds labels when twisted around a bottle, ensuring personal health information is obscured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional methods (writing over labels, scraping with knife) are used to remove PHI, then the information can be obscured, but the process is cumbersome and potentially unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical methods (writing with pen, scraping with knife) with a specialized mechanical device featuring circumferential teeth that shred the label through rotational motion. This substitution provides both safety by eliminating direct contact with sharp instruments and effectiveness through complete label destruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The label destruction mechanism uses multiple circumferential teeth arranged around the collar that segment the label into multiple shredded pieces during rotation. This segmentation ensures complete obscuration of PHI by breaking the label into unrecognizable fragments rather than merely covering or partially removing it.
2Loss of information
If blade-based devices are used to remove labels, then label removal is achieved, but safety concerns arise from blade usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes blade-based cutting mechanisms with a tooth-based shredding system. The circumferential teeth on the collar shred the label through abrasion and mechanical disruption during rotation, eliminating the need for exposed blades and thereby removing the associated safety hazards while achieving complete label destruction.
3Productivity
If motorized devices are used for label removal, then effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be manually operated by the user's hand and twisting motion, eliminating the need for motors, batteries, or power sources. The user's own mechanical input provides the rotational force needed to engage the teeth and shred the label, simplifying the device while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar appears to be a simple, inexpensive device that can be easily manufactured without complex components. The design prioritizes low cost and simplicity over durability, accepting that the device may be discarded after use rather than designed for long-term repeated use with motorized components.
4Loss of information
If adhesive strips are used to cover PHI, then information is obscured, but the method is not reliable for complete destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential teeth on the collar mechanically segment and shred the label into multiple small pieces during rotation, providing reliable and complete destruction of the PHI. This goes beyond mere obscuration by adhesive strips, ensuring the information cannot be recovered or reconstructed from the shredded remnants.
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 device provides a low-cost, safe, and efficient method to render prescription bottle labels illegible, addressing the need for secure disposal of sensitive information without the risks associated with existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
A hand-held label degrading device with a cylindrical collar featuring radially inward teeth and a longitudinal slot, made from polymeric materials with glass additives
Data Source
AI summary
A simple hand held label degrading device and method employs a molded polymer ring (collar) having a plurality of molded hardened pointed teeth on the internal circumference projecting radially inward for degrading the label of a prescription bottle or the like inserted therein. A longitudinal slot in the collar allows it to be fitted over a bottle such that simple hand squeezing of the collar compresses the collar around the bottle and engages the pointed teeth against the label. Simple hand twisting of the collar around the bottle in a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation cuts through the plastic composite or paper label and shreds the label rendering sensitive information illegible thus protecting personal health information. The bottles can then be thrown away or recycled without fear of medical identity theft.