Barrel Wall Waveguide for Plunger Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plunger sensing systems in fluid delivery devices are complex and costly, requiring multiple components, which increases the risk of failure and occupies more space, making them unsuitable for compact and portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A sensing system using a light source and detector that utilizes the barrel wall as a waveguide to determine the axial position of the plunger within a fluid container, with a controller processing data from the detector to determine the plunger's position, allowing for accurate measurement of medication remaining and dose dispensed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional optical sensing systems are used to detect plunger position, then measurement precision is achieved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light guide function and waveguide function into a single barrel wall structure. The barrel wall is made of light-transmitting material that acts as both the container and the optical waveguide, eliminating the need for separate light guide components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel wall serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the fluid, provides structural support, and acts as an optical waveguide for light transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the sensing system
2Measurement precision
If traditional optical sensing systems with multiple components are used, then plunger position can be determined, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the barrel and waveguide into a single integrated structure, the manufacturing process is simplified. The barrel wall is manufactured with light-transmitting properties built-in, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel wall itself provides the waveguide function without requiring additional components. The light-transmitting material of the barrel wall naturally guides the light along the axial direction, making the system self-sufficient and reducing manufacturing complexity
3Measurement precision
If traditional optical sensing systems are used, then plunger position detection is achieved, but the number of potential failure modes increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the waveguide function into the barrel wall itself, the patent reduces the number of separate components that could potentially fail. The single integrated structure eliminates interfaces and connections between separate parts, thereby reducing the number of potential failure modes while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel wall provides its own optical guiding function without requiring external components. This self-sufficiency reduces the system's dependency on multiple separate components, thereby improving reliability by reducing the number of potential failure points
4Measurement precision
If traditional optical sensing systems with multiple components are used, then plunger position can be detected, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the barrel and waveguide into a single integrated structure, the patent significantly reduces the space required for the sensing system. The light guide function is embedded within the barrel wall itself, eliminating the need for separate light guide components and allowing for a more compact overall device design while maintaining detection precision
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 system is simpler, cost-effective, and compact, enabling precise plunger position determination and medication monitoring while maintaining device portability and reducing the risk of failure.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is configured to emit light into the barrel wall so that the barrel wall serves as a waveguide to guide the light to travel therein in the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
The light detector is positioned to detect reflected light that was emitted by the light source, traveled through the barrel wall serving as the waveguide, and then reflected off the at least one peripheral surface region
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing system for determining a position of a plunger within a fluid container. The sensing system includes a light source, a light detector and a controller. The light source is configured to emit light into a barrel wall of the fluid container so that the barrel wall serves as a waveguide to guide the light to travel therein in an axial direction. The light detector is positioned to detect reflected light that was emitted by the light source, traveled through the barrel wall serving as the waveguide, and then reflected off a surface of the plunger. The controller is in communication with the light detector to determine an axial position of the plunger surface based on data from the light detector of the detected reflected light.