Capacitive Sensing Medical Device Automatic Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patch-like syringes require manual activation via buttons, which increases cost, weight, and complexity, and may lead to user forgetfulness, causing inconvenience in initiating injections.
Innovation Solution
A medical device equipped with a capacitive sensing element that automatically activates upon removal of a protective film, utilizing electrodes on both the medical body and the protective film to detect capacitance changes and trigger corresponding functions, such as injection, without the need for manual button pressing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual buttons are provided for activating injection function, then the syringe can be activated, but cost, weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button system with a capacitive sensing system. The capacitive sensor detects changes in capacitance value when the protective film is removed or when the syringe is attached to skin, automatically triggering the injection function without requiring manual button pressing. This substitutes mechanical operation with electrical field-based detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The syringe system performs self-activation by automatically detecting when the protective film is removed through capacitive sensing. The system monitors its own state changes and triggers injection automatically, eliminating the need for external manual activation by the user.
2Ease of operation
If manual buttons are provided for activating injection function, then the syringe can be activated, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical button components with a capacitive sensing system that uses electrical field detection. This substitution reduces component count and manufacturing complexity, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining ease of activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the manual button component from the syringe system. By removing this unnecessary mechanical element and replacing it with capacitive sensing, the design simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces overall production costs.
3Ease of operation
If manual buttons are provided for activating injection function, then the syringe can be activated, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical button components with lightweight capacitive sensing elements. The capacitive sensor consists of conductive layers and dielectric materials that are significantly lighter than mechanical buttons, actuators, and associated mechanical structures, thereby reducing overall syringe weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the manual button mechanism from the syringe design, eliminating the weight contribution of buttons, mechanical linkages, and associated components. This extraction of unnecessary mechanical elements directly reduces the moving weight of the device.
4Extent of automation
If protective film is removed to activate syringe, then automatic activation is enabled, but user may forget to press button
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual button pressing with automatic capacitive detection. The system continuously monitors capacitance changes and automatically triggers injection when the protective film is removed or skin contact is detected, eliminating human memory dependency and improving activation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensing system provides continuous feedback on the syringe's operational state by detecting capacitance changes. This feedback mechanism ensures the system automatically responds to user actions (protective film removal, skin attachment) and confirms activation, preventing user forgetfulness and improving reliability.
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 simplifies the design and cost of medical devices, reduces weight, and enhances user-friendliness by automating the activation process, ensuring accurate and reliable function activation upon skin contact.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive sensor is formed by the electrode of the medical body and the electrode of the protective film and configured to be a part of the sensing circuit. A capacitance value of the capacitive sensor is changed on the condition of tearing off the protective film
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device with a capacitive sensing function includes a medical body having a syringe and a sensing circuit having an electrode, a protective film adhered to the medical body and including a plastic film, an electrode provided on the plastic film and opposite from the electrode of the medical body, and a capacitive sensor formed by the electrode of the medical body and the electrode of the protective film and being a part of the sensing circuit, wherein a capacitance value of the capacitive sensor changed under the condition of removing the protective film from the medical body, the sensing circuit being configured to detect the capacitance value and trigger corresponding function of the medical body.