Capacitance Sensor Pill Removal Detection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pill removal detection devices for blister packages face issues with high power consumption and inaccurate detection, often mistaking movements for pill removal, and do not effectively track medication intake electronically.
Innovation Solution
A pill removal detection device featuring a metallic element with a sensor that detects changes in capacitance, activating only when a pill is removed, using a fusion sensor and communication means to reduce power consumption and enhance accuracy, allowing for longer operation and electronic tracking of medication intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a microphone sensor is used to detect pill removal, then the device can register sound of dispensation, but the power consumption becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using an accelerometer to detect motion patterns and only activating the microphone when specific motion patterns indicating pill removal are detected. This allows the system to maintain detection accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption by keeping the high-power microphone inactive during normal periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an accelerometer as an intermediary sensor that acts as a trigger mechanism. The accelerometer continuously monitors motion with low power consumption and only activates the high-power microphone when it detects motion patterns consistent with pill removal, thus mediating between continuous monitoring needs and power conservation.
2Reliability
If a microphone is continuously active to detect pill removal, then detection capability is maintained, but the device mistakes movements for pill dispensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the accelerometer's motion detection data to control microphone activation. The system continuously receives feedback from the accelerometer about device motion and adjusts microphone operation accordingly, only activating it when motion patterns suggest actual pill removal rather than mere device movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the microphone's operational state dynamic rather than static. The microphone transitions between active and inactive states based on real-time accelerometer data, allowing the system to adapt its detection sensitivity to the current motion context and reduce false positives.
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 accurately detects pill removal while minimizing energy use, enabling extended battery life and efficient data storage and transmission, allowing for reliable medication adherence tracking.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (236) for detecting a change in capacitance of the metallic element of the blister package
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a pill removal detection device (100) for a blister package (102) comprising a metallic element (104). Further, the pill removal detection device comprises a detection means (232, 240) for detecting removal of a pill (110) from the blister package. Yet further, the pill removal detection device comprises an energy source (230), a sensor (236) for detecting a change in capacitance of the metallic element of the blister package, means for communicating the detected change in capacitance to the detection means for waking up the detection means, and an attachment means for attaching the pill removal detection device to the blister package, the attachment means comprising an electrically conductive element connected to the sensor.