Wireless Medical Locking Pin with Time-Based Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical equipment rental scenarios require effective locking and unlocking mechanisms to control usage periods, as hospitals often rent equipment to manage costs, but existing solutions lack efficient wireless control and usage tracking.
Innovation Solution
An electronic locking device with a wireless antenna, motor, and locking pin that transitions between locked and unlocked positions based on data from an identification tag, allowing usage for a predetermined period, with visual display of remaining time and usage counts, and automatic relocking after expiration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used for medical equipment rental, then equipment security is maintained, but usage tracking and automated time-based control are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with an electronic motor-driven locking pin system that can be controlled remotely via wireless communication. The motorized locking pin (152) is actuated by a motor (150) receiving signals from an antenna (120), eliminating the need for manual mechanical operation while maintaining secure locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an identification tag (180) as an intermediary carrier that stores and transmits unlocking information wirelessly. The tag contains encoded data that the antenna reads to trigger the unlocking sequence, serving as a mediator between the user and the locking system without requiring direct physical interaction or complex authentication mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If manual locking and unlocking procedures are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but time tracking and automated relocking capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a digital display (170) that provides visual feedback to users about the locking system's status, including whether the device is locked or unlocked and the remaining unlocked duration. This feedback mechanism allows users to monitor usage time without manual tracking while the system automatically manages the locking state based on predetermined time parameters received from the identification tag.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system automatically relocks the medical device after a predetermined unlocked duration without requiring manual intervention. The motor (150) receives a signal from the integrated circuit (160) to automatically return the locking pin (152) to the locked position after the time period expires, enabling the system to serve itself by managing its own locking state based on embedded timing logic.
3Extent of automation
If wireless identification tags are used for unlocking, then automated time-based control is achieved, but device complexity and initial setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the locking system with multiple integrated functions: the antenna (120) performs wireless signal reception, the integrated circuit (160) processes multiple types of data from the identification tag including unlock commands and time parameters, the digital display (170) provides status information, and the motor (150) executes locking/unlocking actions. This multi-functional integration allows a single system to handle authentication, timing, user interface, and actuation without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.
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
Enables controlled and tracked usage of medical devices, ensuring they are only used for intended periods, enhancing cost management and operational efficiency in rental scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna configured to wirelessly receive information from an identification tag, wherein the identification tag comprises unlocked duration period data
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic locking device for selectively locking a medical device includes an antenna configured to wirelessly receive information from an identification tag, wherein the identification tag comprises unlocked duration period data, a motor coupled to the antenna, and a locking pin coupled to the motor, wherein the motor is configured to transition the locking pin from a locked position to an unlocked position for a predetermined period of time prescribed by the unlocked duration period data in response to an unlocking signal received by the antenna from the identification tag, wherein the locking pin is configured to prevent usage of the medical device in the locked position and allow usage of the medical device in the unlocked position.