Cap Assembly with Contactless Medication Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a medication compliance solution that is both more convenient and less costly than existing solutions, as patients often fail to follow their medication regimens, with a single missed dose potentially requiring restarting the regimen.
Innovation Solution
A medication container with a cap assembly that includes a receptacle with an inner space divided into chambers, a selective passage for medication dispensing, and sensors to detect medications in a contactless manner, coupled with a microprocessor and wireless module to record and transmit dispensing data to an external device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a medication tracking system is implemented, then medication compliance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a cap assembly with sensors, a receptacle with chambers, a microprocessor unit, and a wireless module. Each component performs a specific function, making the overall system manageable despite its complexity. The cap assembly can be detached and replaced, allowing the expensive electronic components to be reused.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly serves multiple functions: it seals the receptacle, provides a user interface for opening/closing, houses the medication sensors, contains the electronic control circuitry, and enables wireless communication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices while improving compliance tracking.
2Measurement precision
If sensors and electronic components are added to track medications, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle with chambers is designed as a disposable component that can be easily manufactured and replaced. The expensive electronic components are housed in a reusable cap assembly. This allows the system to use precision sensors while keeping the overall manufacturing cost manageable by replacing only the inexpensive receptacle when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The medication sensors automatically detect when pills are removed from the receptacle without requiring user input or manual tracking. The system self-monitors compliance and wirelessly transmits data, eliminating the need for additional manual tracking devices or services.
3Reliability
If a gate mechanism is added to control passage, then reliability of dosage control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is designed to be movable between open and closed positions, allowing dynamic control of medication passage. The gate can be opened by the user to retrieve medications and automatically closes afterward, providing reliable dosage control without requiring complex locking mechanisms or multiple moving parts.
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 solution improves medication compliance by accurately tracking medication intake and preventing missed doses or double dosages, while allowing for remote monitoring and automatic refill alerts, enhancing patient adherence and medical provider insights.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one medication sensor includes a light source and a light detector. The light detector is configured to produce a voltage or other signal when exposed to light.
Data Source
AI summary
The medication container includes a receptacle that has an inner space for holding medications. The cap assembly is coupled with the receptacle for retaining the medications in the inner space. The cap assembly includes at least one passage that can be selectively opened and closed and includes at least one medication sensor that is configured to detect any medications travelling through the passage and out of the receptacle in a contactless manner. A microprocessor is in electrical communication with the at least one medication sensor and with a memory. The microprocessor is configured to record data to the memory in response to the at least one medication sensor detecting a medication travelling through the passage. A wireless module is in electrical communication with the microprocessor for uploading the data to an external device.