RFID Detection System for Medical Instrument Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic rinsing, sterilizing, or washing machines lack accurate and complete detection of items to be treated, leading to error-prone documentation and limited programming options due to the limitations of magnetic strip coding, which does not provide direct information about the actual load content.
Innovation Solution
A contact-free RFID-based detection system is integrated into the door of the machine, allowing for precise identification of individual items and batches, with a movable reading unit that scans identifiers arranged on items within the treatment chamber, ensuring complete and error-free documentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If magnetic strip coding is used for batch identification, then automatic flushing trolley recognition is enabled, but complete and accurate documentation of individual items is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system is segmented into two levels: batch-level magnetic strip coding on the trolley and item-level RFID tags on individual instruments. This segmentation allows automatic recognition of the trolley while simultaneously enabling complete documentation of each item's identity, resolving the information loss problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID reading unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can read RFID tags on individual items, verify batch information from magnetic strips, and document all items in the batch. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate manual barcode scanning and ensures complete item-level documentation.
2Measurement precision
If manual barcode scanning is added to magnetic strip coding, then individual item identification is possible, but the system becomes error-prone and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic identification of all items in the batch through RFID reading during the door closing process, without requiring manual intervention. The reading unit automatically scans and documents each item's RFID tag, eliminating manual barcode scanning operations and their associated errors.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual barcode scanning (mechanical operation) is replaced by automatic RFID reading (electromagnetic field-based system). The RFID reading unit uses electromagnetic fields to automatically detect and read item identifiers without physical contact or manual scanning actions, improving both accuracy and ease of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If RFID reading unit is fixed, then simple installation is achieved, but complete scanning of all items in the treatment chamber is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The reading unit is made movable and is integrated into the door assembly, allowing it to dynamically change its position relative to the treatment chamber during door operation. This dynamic positioning enables the reading unit to scan all items in the chamber as the door opens or closes, achieving complete identifier detection.
4Loss of information
If multiple identifiers are used for individual items, then complete batch documentation is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves as an intermediary that manages the dual identification system. It coordinates between the magnetic strip reading (batch level) and RFID reading (item level), automatically linking individual item identifiers to their corresponding batch information. This intermediary function simplifies the overall system by providing automatic data correlation without requiring complex manual processes.
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 RFID system enables 100% recording of identifiers, providing error-free and complete documentation of the treatment process, expanding programming options and ensuring accurate process documentation, including linking batch records to individual instruments and patient files.
Implementation Method 1
The system works completely contact-free, preferably on the basis of RFID
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a rinsing, sterilizing or washing machine, in particular a cleaning and disinfection device for medical instruments, with a rinsing, sterilizing or washing container (2) providing a treatment chamber (3), which has a loading opening (5) that can be closed in a fluid-tight manner by means of a door (6), and with a detection system (8) for the automatic detection of items (4) located in the treatment chamber (3), wherein the detection system (8) has an electronic identifier (9) that can be arranged in the treatment chamber (3) and read without contact, as well as a reading unit (10), wherein the reading unit (10) is arranged to be movable relative to the treatment chamber (3).