Blister Pack Switch Circuit for Contactless Fill-Level Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing goods carriers, such as blister packs, lack a simple and effective method to read and track the number or quantity of items remaining or removed, making it difficult to determine the filling level and utilize this information for reminders or inventory management.
Innovation Solution
A goods carrier with integrated switches connected in parallel, where the packaging units form part of the circuit, allowing for contactless energy coupling and transmission of filling level data via an antenna, enabling easy determination and communication of the filling level using electronic means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complicated electronics are used to read the filling level, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The goods carrier is divided into multiple packaging units, each with its own switch element. Each packaging unit independently controls a switch, allowing the system to determine filling level by counting closed switches rather than using complex continuous measurement electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging units themselves form part of the circuit or are directly associated with switch elements. When a packaging unit is opened, it automatically changes the circuit state (opens or closes a switch), eliminating the need for separate sensors or complex detection electronics.
2Device complexity
If multiple switches are connected in series, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parallel connection of switch elements where each switch represents a discrete packaging unit. This allows the system to evaluate the state of each individual unit independently, providing sufficient information for accurate filling level determination without requiring complex series circuit analysis.
3Ease of operation
If contactless energy coupling is used, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic means are activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. Energy is transferred contactlessly only when needed for reading the filling level information, allowing the system to remain dormant and consume minimal energy between readings.
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 simple and accurate tracking of the filling level of goods carriers, allowing for efficient inventory management and user reminders without the need for additional steps or equipment, with the ability to store and forward this data for further processing.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical energy for the electronic means can be coupled in without contact and the first and the second switch are connected in parallel
Implementation Method 2
a value can be determined which correlates with the filling level of the goods carrier and which can be transmitted via an antenna which interacts with the electronic means
Data Source
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AI summary
The support (1) has switches (S1, S2) of an integrated circuit (3) opened in openings of packaging units (V1, V2), respectively, where the switches are connected in parallel. The circuit is arranged to cooperate with an electronic unit (6) e.g. radio frequency identification (RFID)- microchip, to determine a value correlated to a filling degree of the support based on the number of closed and/or opened switches. An antenna (7) e.g. slot antenna, working with the electronic unit transmits the value, where the electric power for the electronic unit is introduced in a contactless manner. An independent claim is also included for a system comprising a goods support and a receiver device.