RFID Consumable Verification in Cleaning and Disinfection Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machine cleaning and disinfection systems lack adequate safety measures to ensure proper identification and documentation of consumables, leading to potential mix-ups and improper use of cleaning agents, particularly in validated processes like medical instrument disinfection.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates RFID reading devices connected to consumable storage containers with tamper-proof RFID tags, ensuring correct consumable identification and preventing unauthorized reuse by requiring new UID verification upon empty containers, thus ensuring only approved consumables are used and processes are accurately documented.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID reading devices and tamper-proof RFID tags are implemented for consumable identification, then safety and reliability of cleaning processes are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses RFID tags as information copies that contain identification data about consumables. Instead of complex verification systems, simple RFID tags store consumable information that can be read remotely, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual verification of consumables with automated RFID reading devices. The mechanical/manual process of checking consumable compatibility is substituted with electromagnetic field-based RFID communication, improving reliability without significant complexity increase
2Reliability
If RFID tags with tamper-proof information storage are used, then prevention of consumable mix-ups is improved, but manufacturing costs of consumable containers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies disposable RFID tags to consumable containers. These low-cost, single-use tags provide tamper-proof identification for the duration of the consumable's use, then are discarded with the empty container. This approach maintains reliability while minimizing manufacturing cost impact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of information storage from manual labels or readable memory to tamper-proof RFID tags with unique identification parameters. This parameter change enables automatic verification while keeping individual tag costs low through standardized manufacturing
3Reliability
If automatic verification of RFID tags is implemented before starting operating programs, then process integrity is improved, but productivity and operational speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs RFID tag verification before the cleaning cycle starts, during the setup phase. This preliminary action ensures process integrity is established beforehand, allowing the actual cleaning operation to proceed at full speed without interruptions for verification
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically reads and verifies RFID tags without requiring manual intervention. The RFID reading devices automatically detect tags when containers are placed in the device, and the control unit automatically verifies compatibility, maintaining high operational speed while ensuring integrity
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 enhances safety and reliability by preventing unsuitable consumable mix-ups and ensuring validated processes are correctly executed, with detailed documentation and automatic recall of faulty batches, thereby maintaining process integrity and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
the device has at least two RFID reading devices assigned to the connections for consumable storage containers; each consumable storage container is provided with at least one RFID tag on which information for identifying the consumable contained therein is stored
Data Source
AI summary
The arrangement has consumption material storage containers (1, 2) e.g. cans and drums, with storing regions attached to terminals (3, 4), and radio frequency identification (RFID) reading devices (11, 12) attached to the terminals of the containers. RFID tags (9, 10) are provided in each of the containers for storing information to identify consumption material stored in the respective container, where a part of the information is stored in the RFID tags in a tamper-proof manner. The reading devices of the containers read the respective RFID tag of the associated container. An independent claim is also included for a method for machine cleaning and/or disinfecting objects.