Reporting Syringe Microprocessor Wireless Compliance Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current healthcare systems rely heavily on patient self-reporting for medication compliance, which can lead to inefficiencies and inaccuracies, especially for expensive biologics that require precise temperature control, making real-time tracking of administration completion crucial for both patient care and cost management.
Innovation Solution
A reporting syringe equipped with a microprocessor, temperature sensor, wireless module, and locking mechanism that sends administration completion data electronically, ensuring accurate tracking of medication administration and compliance, while preventing injection if temperature thresholds are breached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If patient self-reporting is used for medication compliance, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but accuracy and reliability of compliance tracking deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe device automatically monitors and reports its own administration status without requiring patient intervention. The microprocessor detects when the plunger has pushed the medication through the needle and automatically sends completion data via the wireless module, eliminating the need for patient self-reporting while ensuring accurate tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual patient self-reporting with an automated electronic system. The microprocessor and wireless module substitute for human communication, automatically transmitting administration completion data to healthcare providers through electronic channels, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of use.
2Reliability
If real-time tracking of administration completion is implemented, then reliability of compliance monitoring is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: it serves as both the injection delivery mechanism and the monitoring device. The microprocessor handles both controlling the injection process and tracking completion status, while the wireless module handles both power transmission and data communication, reducing overall system complexity despite adding tracking capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a wireless module as an intermediary between the syringe device and the external monitoring system. This intermediary component simplifies the connection by providing a standard wireless communication interface, allowing the syringe to report data without requiring complex direct connections to healthcare providers' systems.
3Reliability
If temperature monitoring and locking mechanism are added, then reliability of pharmaceutical administration is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor continuously monitors the medication temperature and provides feedback to the microprocessor. When the temperature exceeds predetermined thresholds, the microprocessor activates the locking mechanism to prevent injection, ensuring pharmaceutical safety. This feedback loop improves reliability by automatically preventing administration under unsafe conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured to engage automatically when temperature thresholds are breached, before any injection can occur. This preliminary protective action ensures that temperature-related safety issues are addressed before they can cause harm, improving reliability while using a straightforward mechanical-electronic system that remains manufacturable.
Data Source
AI summary
A reporting syringe, including a barrel in fluid communication with a needle connected with a first end of the barrel, a piston including a plunger, the piston positioned within a second end of the barrel and the plunger having a fluid-tight interaction with an interior of the barrel, and a microprocessor in electronic communication with a switch and a wireless module, the microprocessor configured to send an administration completion data from the wireless module after triggering the switch.