Medicament Fill-Level Sensing Triggered by Cap Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a simple and energy-efficient method to measure the fill level of medicament within drug delivery devices, such as insulin pens, to track the amount of medicament remaining in the container.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a cap sensor that detects the removal of the cap from the device, awakening a control unit to initiate measurement of the fill level using a sensor arrangement, which can include optical sensors and a wireless communication module to transmit data, allowing for discrete measurements and energy-efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous measurement of fill level is performed, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic measurement cycles where the sensor arrangement activates at predetermined intervals to measure fill level, then returns to a dormant state. This periodic operation maintains monitoring accuracy over time while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous measurement, directly resolving the technical contradiction between measurement precision and energy usage.
2Speed
If the control unit remains awake to continuously monitor fill level, then response time is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting cap removal as a trigger event that wakes the control unit from dormant state. This preliminary detection mechanism ensures the control unit is activated only when needed (when cap is removed), maintaining energy efficiency while ensuring timely response to actual measurement requirements without continuous power consumption.
3Loss of energy
If discrete time intervals between measurements are used, then energy efficiency is improved, but measurement frequency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of measurement intervals where the time between measurements can vary based on operational conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize between energy efficiency and measurement frequency by adapting the measurement schedule to actual usage patterns, resolving the contradiction between reduced measurement frequency for energy savings and maintaining sufficient monitoring productivity.
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
Provides intuitive and efficient monitoring of medicament levels, reducing power consumption and enabling accurate tracking of remaining doses.
Implementation Method 1
The cap sensor may comprise at least one of a reed switch, photodiode and/or a mechanical switch
Implementation Method 2
The cap sensor may comprise at least one of a reed switch, photodiode and/or a mechanical switch
Implementation Method 3
The sensor arrangement may comprise an array of LEDs and a light sensor
Implementation Method 4
The sensor arrangement may comprise an array of LEDs and a light sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a control unit, a sensor arrangement configured to measure the fill level of a medicament within a container of a drug delivery device, and a cap sensor configured to detect at least partial removal of a cap from the drug delivery device is described. The control unit is configured to be awoken from a dormant state in response to detection by the cap sensor that the cap has been at least partially removed from the drug delivery device. The sensor arrangement is configured to start measurement of the fill level subsequent to the control unit being awoken from the dormant state.