Sterile Medical Tool Packaging With RFID-Based Automatic Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical device packaging fails to provide secure, unambiguous identification and communication of tool-specific data, leading to potential incorrect use and increased risk of patient safety issues due to insufficient documentation and handling limitations.
Innovation Solution
A package comprising a blister pack with a holding device and a readable data carrier, such as an RFID or NFC tag, that allows for automatic identification and communication of tool-specific data without compromising sterility, enabling easy recognition and safe handling of medical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard packaging with labels is used for medical devices, then the packaging structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the tool identification is unreliable and requires manual inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the holding device and data carrier into an integrated unit that is sealed within the packaging. The data carrier is directly associated with the held tool, merging identification functionality with the physical containment structure, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a data carrier as an intermediary element that bridges the tool and the packaging system. This intermediary stores tool-specific data and enables automatic identification, resolving the contradiction between simple packaging and reliable identification
2Reliability
If the tool is securely held in the packaging, then the tool protection is improved, but the tool becomes difficult or impossible to identify through the packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection of labels with automatic reading of data carriers. This substitution eliminates the need for users to physically examine packaging or interpret labels, allowing tool identification without compromising sterility or requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The data carrier enables the tool to self-identify through automatic reading systems. The tool's identification data is actively available for reading without requiring user effort to locate or interpret labels, making the identification process effortless
3Reliability
If labels with tool-specific data are attached to packaging, then information communication is possible, but the data may be contaminated or worn and is difficult to record accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The data carrier serves as a protected intermediary that stores tool-specific data in a controlled environment within the sealed packaging. This intermediary shields the data from external contaminants and wear that affect external labels, ensuring data accuracy throughout the tool's lifecycle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent protects data from future contamination and wear by sealing the data carrier within the sterile packaging before use. This prior protection prevents data degradation that would otherwise occur with external labels exposed to environmental factors
4Productivity
If manual inspection and documentation of tool data is required, then no additional technology is needed, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone under surgical conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual inspection and documentation processes with automatic data reading of data carriers. This substitution eliminates time-consuming manual operations while integrating seamlessly into existing surgical workflows, improving productivity without requiring complex additional systems
Solution Approach 2:
The data carrier enables automatic self-identification of tools, eliminating the need for manual data recording by surgical staff. The system serves itself by providing readily readable data that can be automatically captured, freeing staff to focus on patient care
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a package (1), in particular a sterile package (1), for a medical tool (8, 21, 27), with a receiving space (4) for the medical tool (8, 21, 27), wherein the package (1) has a readable data carrier (42) with tool-specific data. It further relates to a method for automatic identification of a medical tool (8, 21, 27) by means of a package (1) according to the invention.