Blister Card Circuit Trace for Automatic Dose Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dose tracking devices require users to manually log or record when a medication dose is taken, which can lead to non-compliance and errors in tracking medication adherence.
Innovation Solution
A dose tracking device with an electronic tracking module that includes voltage sensors coupled to a circuit trace applied to a medicament blister card. When a dose is dispensed, the corresponding circuit is broken, reducing voltage and increasing resistance, allowing the device to automatically track the removal of doses without user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual logging is required, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of dose tracking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blister card itself performs the tracking function through its integrated circuit trace that automatically detects when a dose is removed. The system serves itself by using the physical act of removing a dose to trigger the electrical signal change, eliminating the need for separate manual logging actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical logging actions with an automated electrical detection system. The circuit trace on the blister card uses electrical signals to detect dose removal and transmit this information wirelessly, substituting the mechanical act of manual recording with an automated electronic sensing mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If automatic tracking is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tracking function directly into the blister card packaging itself. The circuit trace is integrated onto the blister card, combining the medication storage function with the dose tracking function in a single unified component, thereby achieving precise automatic tracking without adding separate complex tracking devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The blister card serves multiple functions: it stores the medication, provides the dosing structure, and simultaneously acts as the tracking device through its integrated circuit trace. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate tracking hardware, achieving precise measurement while controlling overall system complexity.
3Extent of automation
If circuit trace is applied to blister card, then automation extent improves, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit trace is implemented as a thin, flexible conductive layer that can be directly applied to the blister card surface. This thin-film approach allows the electrical tracking components to be integrated into the existing blister card structure without requiring complex assembly processes or additional rigid components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a conductive adhesive or conductive paint as an intermediary material to create the circuit trace on the blister card. This intermediary substance enables the formation of electrical pathways on the blister card surface, facilitating the integration of tracking functionality while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple application processes.
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 device effectively tracks medication adherence by automatically detecting when doses are dispensed, reducing the risk of non-compliance and providing accurate data on medication usage.
Implementation Method 1
circuit voltage and resistance are correlated according to Ohm's law by the formula E=I×R, or voltage=current×resistance
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of a dose tracking device configured for use with commercial packages or “blister cards” of medicaments are disclosed. Disclosed tracking devices track the removal of medicament doses from the “blister cards” with which they are associated. Certain disclosed aspects concern an electronic tracking module comprising plural voltage sensors electrically coupled to a circuit trace that is applied to a medicament blister card obtained commercially or provided by a health care provider. The circuit trace comprises plural circuits that align with medicament blisters containing a medicament dose. When a dose is dispensed from a blister, a corresponding circuit of the circuit trace is broken, indicating that the dose has been dispensed. Patient dosing information can be conveyed to a remote server for monitoring and data storage.