Capacitive Blister Pack for Intentional Pill Removal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining when a pill is removed from a blister pack are inaccurate and cannot differentiate between intentional and accidental removals.
Innovation Solution
The use of capacitive sensors positioned on each blister to detect the presence of skin and deformation, which triggers an item-extraction event, and includes puncture-detection sensors to confirm the removal, sending information wirelessly to an electronic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current techniques are used to detect pill removal, then detection capability is provided, but accuracy is insufficient and cannot differentiate intentional vs accidental removal
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent sensor types: capacitive sensors for skin detection, deformation sensors for blister deformation, and puncture sensors for foil puncture. Each sensor type monitors a specific aspect of the pill removal process, and their combined data enables accurate differentiation between intentional and accidental removal events.
Solution Approach 2:
Capacitive sensors serve as intermediaries that detect the presence of skin near the blister before removal occurs. These sensors detect changes in capacitance caused by the proximity of skin, providing an early indication of intended interaction with the blister pack, which helps distinguish intentional removal from accidental events.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor types are added to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensors serve multiple functions: they detect skin proximity, monitor blister deformation, and can potentially detect the pill itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors for each detection task, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The blister pack structure itself provides detection capabilities through its inherent properties: the foil backing naturally punctures during removal, creating a detectable signal, and the blister cavity naturally deforms during the removal process. These self-providing signals reduce the need for additional complex sensing mechanisms.
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
Accurately records and communicates whether a pill is removed intentionally or unintentionally, enhancing medication compliance tracking and adherence monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The capacitive sensors may be positioned on each blister of the blister and may detect the presence of the skin of the finger
Implementation Method 2
The capacitive sensors may be positioned on each blister of the blister and may detect the presence of the skin of the finger and/or the whether the blister has been deformed
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques provided herein are directed toward accurately determining when an item is removed from a blister pack by utilizing capacitive sensors. The capacitive sensors may be positioned on each blister of the blister and may detect the presence of the skin of the finger and/or the whether the blister has been deformed, which can occur when an item is removed from the blister. Some embodiments may determine whether skin was detected at the time of extraction to determine whether extraction was intentional.