Smart Latch Access Control Module for Secure Medication Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medication storage solutions lack secure access control and traceability, often occupying significant space and being resource-intensive, especially in clinical settings where temperature monitoring and access control for refrigerated medications are necessary but costly and inflexible.
Innovation Solution
A secure access control system comprising a latching module and an interface module with a controller that authenticates user input and controls a latch actuator, integrated into a cabinet or refrigerator, allowing secure access and temperature monitoring while maintaining space efficiency and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated dispensing cabinets (ADC) are used to control access to regulated products, then security and traceability are improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access control module is designed to be universally applicable to multiple types of storage units (cabinets, refrigerators, drawers) rather than requiring specialized ADC hardware. The module integrates authentication, latching control, and interface functions into a single multi-functional unit that can be deployed across different storage configurations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security and traceability.
2Reliability
If specialized dispensing terminals or bespoke hardware are required for refrigerator access control, then temperature monitoring and access control are improved, but deployment flexibility and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access control module serves multiple functions including authentication, latch control, and interface operations within a single unit that can be integrated into various refrigerator and cabinet types. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized dispensing terminals while maintaining reliable access control and temperature monitoring capabilities across different deployment scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The module incorporates an integrated power supply that can operate independently without requiring connection to the refrigerator's internal power system. This self-service capability allows the access control module to function autonomously, enhancing deployment flexibility and reducing implementation complexity while maintaining reliable access control.
3Volume of moving object
If existing enclosed spaces such as drawers, cabinets, and carts are used to store medications, then space efficiency is improved, but security and traceability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The access control module is designed as a separate, extractable unit that can be attached to existing enclosed spaces like drawers, cabinets, and carts without requiring integration into the original structure. This extraction approach maintains the space efficiency of existing storage units while adding security and traceability features through the independently mounted module.
Data Source
AI summary
Secure medication storage is described herein. A smart latch includes an actuator, a communication interface, a display, and a processor. The actuator is configured to open and close a latch to secure a door of the enclosure. The processor can be configured to receive a user credential for accessing the enclosure, validate the user credential for accessing the enclosure, trigger the actuator to open the latch, thereby allowing the door to be opened, and trigger the actuator to close the latch after detecting that the door is closed, thereby securing the door.