Hospital Power Cord with GPS Tracking for Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking medical devices are inefficient, as they often require manual scanning and may result in equipment being misplaced, leading to potential health risks due to delayed recalls and inaccurate location records.
Innovation Solution
A hospital-grade power cord with integrated location tracking hardware, including a GPS module and cellular transceiver, that automatically determines and transmits the location of connected medical devices to a server, enabling real-time tracking and reducing the need for manual scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual scanning methods are used to track medical devices, then device location information can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors leading to inaccurate location records
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual scanning operations with an automated GPS satellite-based positioning system. The GPS receiver automatically acquires satellite signals to determine device location, eliminating the need for manual scanning while providing continuous, accurate location data without time constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The medical device performs self-tracking through integrated GPS functionality. The device automatically determines its own location using satellite signals and transmits this information to the server without requiring external manual intervention, enabling continuous autonomous location monitoring.
2Adaptability or versatility
If equipment is moved without scanning, then operational flexibility is improved, but location records become inaccurate leading to potential health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The GPS tracking system operates continuously to monitor device location in real-time. As the medical device moves to any location, the GPS receiver continuously acquires satellite signals and updates the location data on the server, ensuring location records remain accurate regardless of device movement frequency or destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by automatically transmitting location information from the GPS receiver to the server. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures the server always has current location data, enabling prompt notification and recall capabilities even when devices are moved unexpectedly.
3Productivity
If staff manually look up device locations in databases, then location information can be retrieved, but the process is inefficient and records may not be accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual database lookup operations with automated GPS positioning and electronic data transmission. The GPS receiver automatically determines location and transmits it directly to the server, eliminating manual intervention entirely and ensuring location data is always current and accurate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary location determination continuously in the background before any lookup is needed. The GPS receiver is always acquiring satellite signals and updating location data proactively, so when location information is needed, it is already available in the database without requiring any manual search or verification.
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 solution provides accurate and efficient location tracking of medical devices, enhancing recall processes and ensuring timely notifications, thereby reducing health risks associated with misplaced equipment.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a satellite locating signal
Implementation Method 2
The communication module transmits location information to a location server
Data Source
AI summary
A location tracking power cord and method therefore is taught in the various embodiments. The power cord includes a location module housing having a location circuit board therein. Within the location module housing, a power supply is positioned and in electrical communication with conductors extending through the cord housing. The location module housing also provides location for a communication module including a location module such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite receiver and at least one cellular transceiver. In some embodiments, the power cord may be hospital grade.