Drug Vial Security Casing with Reconstructable Visual Code
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug vial security systems fail to effectively prevent illicit withdrawal of drugs from vials, as they lack robust mechanisms to control access and track usage.
Innovation Solution
A security system for drug vials that includes a casing with a reconstructable visual code, which is divided into multiple portions and can be combined to form a readable code upon activation, thereby securing the vial and tracking usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vial cover is made penetrable for drug withdrawal, then the drug can be accessed and withdrawn, but the vial becomes vulnerable to illicit collection and diversion
Solution Approach 1:
The visual code is divided into multiple segments that are spatially separated on the casing. When the casing is in its normal state, the segments are dispersed and cannot be read. When the casing is deformed to seal the vial, the segments align to form a complete readable code, providing security verification
Solution Approach 2:
The casing is designed to change its physical state from a normal configuration to a deformed configuration. This dynamic transformation serves dual purposes: it seals the vial cover to prevent illicit access, and simultaneously aligns the visual code segments to indicate proper sealing
2Reliability
If the vial is sealed to prevent illicit access, then security is improved, but the drug cannot be withdrawn for legitimate use
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification by requiring the visual code to be readable before allowing drug withdrawal. This ensures that only properly sealed and authenticated vials can be accessed, preventing illicit use while enabling legitimate withdrawal
Solution Approach 2:
The visual code provides immediate feedback about the vial's sealing state. When the code is readable, it confirms proper sealing and authorizes withdrawal. When unreadable or misaligned, it indicates improper sealing and prevents access
3Reliability
If a security system is added to the vial, then security and tracking capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The casing serves multiple functions: it protects the vial, seals the cover, provides structural support, and contains the visual code segments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate security components, minimizing added complexity while maximizing security capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the casing's own deformation to both seal the vial and align the visual code segments. The sealing action itself creates the readable code, eliminating the need for separate actuators or complex mechanisms to display security status
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~2E
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an injectable medication security device. The device may comprise a recess on a first portion of the device. The recess may be configured to receive and couple to a neck portion of a vial containing the injectable medication. The device may comprise an opening on a second portion of the device, to permit access to a penetrable cover of the vial. The device may comprise at least one aperture configured to control access to the opening. The device may comprise a depressible switch. The depressible switch may be configured to cause the at least one aperture to open and provide access to the opening when the depressible switch is depressed, thereby permitting the medication to be drawn from the vial. The depressible switch may be configured to cause the at least one aperture to lock and close the opening when the depressible switch is released.