Temporary Identification Device for Secure Patient Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient identification methods in hospitals, such as patient bracelets, are prone to removal due to patient movement or discomfort, and may be damaged when applied to animals, leading to inefficiencies in medical record management and patient tracking.
Innovation Solution
A temporary identification device (TID) with a reproducible layer that can be applied to a subject using adhesive materials, incorporating visualization codes and color designations for quick identification, which can be easily removable using a chemical solvent, ensuring secure and durable patient identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If patient bracelets are used for identification, then patient information can be displayed, but the bracelets can be easily removed or damaged due to patient movement or animal behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by transferring identification information from a durable source (bracelet or tag) to a temporary medium (skin, fur, or surface) that cannot be removed or damaged. The reproducible layer contains visual and machine-readable codes that are copied onto the subject, providing reliable identification without the physical constraints of traditional bracelets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical bracelet system with a chemical/adhesive-based system. Instead of relying on mechanical attachment that can be broken or removed, the identification is applied through adhesive materials that bond to the subject's surface, eliminating the mechanical failure modes of traditional bracelets.
2Reliability
If adhesive materials are used to apply the reproducible layer, then secure attachment is achieved, but removal requires chemical solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using adhesive materials with specific chemical properties that allow for controlled removal. The adhesive is designed to bond securely under normal conditions but can be removed by applying a chemical solvent that changes the adhesive's properties, allowing for easy removal without damage to the underlying surface.
3Productivity
If visualization codes are incorporated for quick identification, then scanning efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying to transfer complex identification data into simplified visual and machine-readable code formats. The reproducible layer contains condensed information in barcode or QR code format that can be quickly scanned and decoded, transforming complex patient data into a simple visual representation that maintains full information content while enabling rapid identification.
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 TID provides reliable and durable patient identification, reducing the risk of misidentification and improving patient care by ensuring that vital information is readily accessible and easily scannable, even on animals or inanimate objects, while being safe for use in medical environments.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating visualization codes and color designations for quick identification, which can be easily removable using a chemical solvent
Implementation Method 2
which can be easily removable using a chemical solvent
Data Source
AI summary
The concept disclosed is referred is a temporary identification device, or, “TID.” The TID comprises essentially, different embodiments of a reproducible layer, the reproducible layer being a pictographic rendering of data, information, colors, and visualization codes pertaining to a specific subject, the subject being animate or inanimate. The medium of the reproducible layer may be, but is not limited to, paper, fabric, synthetic material, or an inked imprint/impression of the data and information integral to the TID. The medium of the reproducible layer is encompassed within, or incorporated onto the TID. In some embodiments, the information embodied within or upon the TID may be transferred directly onto the skin or surface of a subject.