Bendable Sensor Tracking Container Usage
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no reliable mechanism for tracking the usage of various products, particularly pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, which often end up being opened by the wrong individual or not used at all, posing challenges for manufacturers and providers.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a microprocessor, power source, and a structural layer with a bendable sensor that detects changes in capacitance, resistance, or voltage to determine if a container has been opened, allowing for tracking of item usage without breaking the sensor traces, even after the container is opened.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tracking mechanisms are used, then item usage can be monitored, but the sensor traces break when the container is opened, making continuous monitoring impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using flexible, thin film traces printed directly on the container surface. These traces remain intact during opening operations because they conform to the container's geometry and can bend without breaking, unlike rigid traditional sensors. The flexible nature of the thin film allows it to withstand deformation during container opening while maintaining electrical continuity for tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switches or break-circuit sensors with electrical field-based detection. Instead of relying on mechanical contact or physical breaking of circuits, the system uses changes in electrical properties (capacitance, resistance, inductance) of the flexible traces to detect opening events. This substitution eliminates the need for robust mechanical components that would need to withstand opening forces.
2Loss of information
If a sensor is placed over the container opening to detect opening events, then usage tracking is enabled, but the sensor must be broken or disconnected to register the opening, preventing continued monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical break-circuit sensors with electrical property-based detection. The flexible traces remain physically intact but exhibit measurable changes in capacitance, resistance, or inductance when the container is opened. This allows the system to detect opening events and continue monitoring without physically breaking or disconnecting the sensor, maintaining both sensor integrity and complete usage data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous monitoring capability by designing traces that remain electrically connected throughout the opening process. The flexible nature of the traces allows them to maintain electrical continuity even when bent or deformed during opening, enabling the system to continuously detect and record usage events without interruption or sensor replacement.
3Measurement precision
If rigid sensors are used to detect container opening, then opening detection is accurate, but the sensors cannot withstand the deformation caused by opening, leading to sensor failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly addresses this contradiction by using flexible thin film traces instead of rigid sensors. These traces can deform with the container during opening while maintaining their sensing capability. The flexibility allows the sensor to withstand deformation forces, while the electrical property changes during deformation provide accurate opening detection signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits changes in electrical parameters (capacitance, resistance, inductance) of the flexible traces during deformation to detect opening events. Instead of relying on rigid structural integrity, the system measures parameter changes that occur naturally as the flexible trace deforms during container opening, achieving both flexibility and detection accuracy.
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 accurate and reliable tracking of item usage, providing data on when and where containers are opened, helping manufacturers and healthcare providers to monitor compliance and prevent misuse.
Implementation Method 1
The microprocessor may be configured to determine whether the container has been opened using detected movements in the bendable sensor by detecting changes in capacitance, resistance, current, and/or voltage through the bendable sensor
Implementation Method 2
The microprocessor may be configured to determine whether the container has been opened using detected movements in the bendable sensor by detecting changes in capacitance, resistance, current, and/or voltage through the bendable sensor
Implementation Method 3
The cover layer may include at least one bendable sensor placed over the opening of the container. The microprocessor may be configured to determine, using detected movements in the bendable sensor, whether the container has been opened
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are generally directed to systems and apparatuses for tracking usage of an item. For example, an apparatus may be provided for tracking use of a packetized item. The apparatus may include a microprocessor, a power source, and a structural layer to which the microprocessor and power source are coupled. The structural layer may include a container that is configured to hold various items. The container may also include an opening that allows access to the items. The apparatus may further include a cover layer that is configured to cover the opening of the container. The cover layer may include at least one bendable sensor placed over the opening of the container. The microprocessor may be configured to determine, using detected movements in the bendable sensor, whether the container has been opened.