Automated Isolation Management via RFID Lockbox

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for isolation management and access control in industrial and research settings are laborious and prone to human error, relying on paper-based processes and manual updates in software systems, which are time inefficient and error-prone.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a computer-generated isolation plan, a lockbox that recognizes and communicates with mobile devices, and isolation locks, allowing for automated tracking and association of personnel, locks, and isolation points, reducing manual intervention and enhancing accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If paper-based processes and manual updates are used for isolation management, then personnel can track isolation status, but the process becomes laborious and time inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation management efficiencyVSAvoidtime for manual documentation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual paper-based processes with an automated electronic system. Mobile devices with RFID readers automatically detect and record the presence of isolation locks and keys, eliminating the need for manual paperwork and data entry. The system automatically updates isolation status in real-time, significantly improving productivity and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The isolation management system performs self-service by automatically tracking and recording isolation status without requiring manual intervention. The mobile devices autonomously scan RFID tags on locks and keys, automatically update the isolation plan status, and notify relevant personnel, freeing personnel from laborious manual documentation tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual updates of isolation plans are performed, then personnel can record isolation status, but human error increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of isolation trackingVSAvoiderrors in manual recording

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual recording processes with automated electronic tracking. Mobile devices automatically detect RFID tags on isolation locks and keys, eliminating human error in data recording. The system directly updates the isolation plan status in the database without manual intervention, ensuring accurate and reliable tracking of isolation status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback by automatically monitoring the presence and status of isolation locks and keys through RFID technology. The mobile devices continuously update the isolation plan status based on real-time detection, providing accurate feedback on the current isolation state and reducing information loss from manual recording errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If automated recognition systems are implemented, then tracking accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediaries between the physical isolation locks/keys and the digital tracking system. These passive tags contain unique identifiers that can be automatically read by mobile devices equipped with RFID readers. This intermediary approach enables automated recognition and accurate tracking without requiring complex active sensors or power sources in the locks themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex manual tracking mechanisms with simple RFID-based automatic recognition. The mobile devices use RFID readers to automatically detect and record the presence of isolation locks and keys, providing precise tracking accuracy while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through the use of standardized RFID technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10713871B2Method and system for isolation management and or access control

Publication Date: 2020.07.14 ISOL8 PTY LTD

AI summary

A system of isolation management comprises a computer for generating an isolation plan; a lockbox configured to receive the isolation plan from the computer; a mobile device associated with an individual, and one or more locks for isolation locking of an asset by each individual according to the isolation plan. The mobile device is allocated to the lockbox according to the isolation plan. The lockbox is configured to recognise the mobile device when proximal to the lockbox. The one or more isolation locks are removably housed in the lockbox. The one or more isolation locks are each able to be recognised by the mobile device and the mobile device is configured to record an association of one or more of the isolation locks to the mobile device according to the isolation plan. There is also an isolation point for isolating the asset with the one or more isolation locks according to the isolation plan. The isolation point is able to be recognised by the mobile device.