Serial Drug Module Accuracy Verification via Voltage Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The serially-connected combinatorial drug delivery systems lack a mechanism for ensuring correct module configuration and preventing medication errors, as they do not have a tray-type element for mechanical safety checks.
Innovation Solution
A combinatorial drug delivery device with serially connectable modules, a master controller, and a multiplexer system that uses resistor networks to generate unique voltage codes for each module configuration, allowing the controller to verify the accuracy of module connections and sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If serially-connected modules are used without tray-type mechanical safety checks, then device complexity and component efficiency are improved, but the ability to detect configuration errors and prevent medication errors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tray-based safety check system with an electrical detection system. Instead of using mechanical features like lock-and-key mechanisms or physical guides to ensure correct module configuration, the invention uses electrical connections and voltage measurements to detect and verify the correct serial configuration of drug modules. This substitution maintains the simplified component structure while enabling reliable error detection through electrical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system consisting of test voltage lines and measurement circuits that act as mediators between the serially-connected modules. These intermediary electrical components enable the master controller to verify module configuration without requiring complex mechanical safety features, thus maintaining system simplicity while ensuring reliability.
2Reliability
If tray-based mechanical safety checks are implemented, then configuration error prevention is improved, but device complexity and supply chain efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for complex tray-based mechanical safety check systems by replacing them with a simplified electrical detection mechanism. The mechanical tray structure with its inherent safety features is substituted with straightforward electrical connections and voltage measurement circuits that can verify module configuration without adding mechanical complexity to the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the safety check function from the mechanical tray structure and implements it as a separate electrical detection system. Instead of relying on the tray's mechanical design to prevent errors, the invention separates the configuration verification function into an independent electrical measurement system that operates through the existing serial connections between modules.
3Measurement precision
If electrical detection system is added to serially-connected modules, then configuration verification capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functional electrical lines that serve both power/ground functions and detection functions. The same electrical connections used for powering the serially-connected modules also carry test signals for configuration verification. This universal use of electrical pathways enables precise module identification and configuration verification without adding separate dedicated detection components, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power/ground electrical lines with the detection/test signal lines. Instead of having separate wiring for power delivery and configuration verification, the invention combines these functions into the same electrical pathways. The master controller uses the existing serial electrical connections to both power the modules and perform voltage measurements for configuration detection, thereby achieving precise measurement capability without increasing overall system complexity.
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
Ensures accurate identification of drug types and concentrations, preventing medication errors by confirming the correct sequence and presence of modules, thereby ensuring the efficacy of the drug combination.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage reference line having a first resistor of known value in line with the output of the multiplexer, and a second resistor of known value in parallel to the first resistor
Implementation Method 2
a multiplexer having a plurality of identified input channels and a single output, wherein at least a subset of the input channels is selectively connected to one of the power line and the ground line of the corresponding module
Implementation Method 3
with measuring a reference voltage across all of the modules for each of the same identified input channels. Advantageously, the measured reference voltages may be used to identify binary codes associated with the modules
Data Source
AI summary
A combinatorial drug delivery device is provided herein including: a plurality of serially connectable modules, each including at least one drug component; and, a master controller. Each of the modules includes: a power line; a ground line; a multiplexer having a plurality of identified input channels, at least a subset of the input channels being selectively connected to one of the power and ground lines; a first digital logic line configured to select the input channels; a voltage reference line having a first resistor in line with an output of the multiplexer; a branch line connected to the voltage reference line having a normally closed switch thereon to connect the branch line to the ground line, the switch being opened with connection to a further module. The master controller selects, in sequence, the same identified input channels across all of the modules with measuring a reference voltage thereacross.