Blister Pack Signal Detection Using Shared Return Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Blister pack monitoring systems are costly to manufacture and prone to errors in detecting medication dispensing due to reliance on precise current traces, which can lead to incorrect dosing and potential mistakes in patient medication schedules.
Innovation Solution
A container with a plurality of package segments, each associated with a conductive lead that is interrupted upon opening, utilizing a signaling source to provide distinguishable AC and DC signals on shared return lines to indicate whether a segment has been opened, allowing for accurate detection without the need for precise resistance values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discrete current traces with precise resistance values are used for each blister pack compartment, then detection accuracy of segment access is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection circuits into a single shared return line that can detect the state of multiple conductive leads simultaneously. Instead of requiring separate precise current traces for each compartment, the system uses one common return path where the presence or absence of individual segment signals can be detected, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared return line serves multiple functions: it acts as a common electrical pathway for multiple package segments and simultaneously serves as the detection medium for monitoring the state of each individual segment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated detection circuits for each compartment, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing cost.
2Reliability
If multiple separate detection circuits are used for each package segment, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate detection circuits into a single integrated detection system using a shared return line. Each package segment maintains its own conductive lead for reliable individual detection, but all leads converge to a common return path, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving the reliability of segment-specific detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared return line is designed to universally handle detection signals from multiple package segments simultaneously. It functions as both a common electrical pathway and a multi-channel detection medium, allowing the system to monitor multiple segments through a single circuit, thereby reducing overall system complexity without compromising detection reliability.
3Measurement precision
If precise resistance values are required for current traces, then measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional approach of using precise resistance values as the detection mechanism with a signal presence/absence detection method. Instead of measuring current magnitude through precise resistance traces, the system detects whether a segment signal is present on the shared return line, eliminating the need for high manufacturing precision in resistance values while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from current magnitude (which requires precise resistance values) to signal presence or absence (binary state detection). This parameter change allows the use of less precise conductive traces while maintaining accurate detection of segment access status, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
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
This solution reduces manufacturing costs and enhances accuracy in monitoring medication dispensing, enabling reliable compliance with medication schedules by using less expensive conductive inks and simplifying the detection process.
Implementation Method 1
each associated with a respective conductive lead that is interrupted when the package segment is opened
Data Source
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AI summary
An example container includes a plurality of package segments, each having a respective conductive lead that is interrupted when its package segment is opened. The container includes a signaling source configured to provide two signals that are distinguishable from each other. A presence of one or both of the signals on a shared return line indicates whether one of the package segments has been opened.