Capacitive Spring State Detection for Medication Delivery Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medication-delivery devices face challenges in accurately determining the state of compression springs without physical contact, which can interfere with their operation, especially when temperature variations complicate capacitance measurements.
Innovation Solution
A sensing system using capacitive plates and a temperature sensor, coupled with a processing circuit, measures capacitance and temperature to determine the state of a compression spring, allowing accurate detection of its compressed or expanded state without physical contact, and can be integrated with existing devices without modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical contact is used to detect spring state, then detection reliability is improved, but spring operation is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based detection with a capacitive sensing system. Two capacitive plates are positioned to detect changes in capacitance caused by spring compression or expansion, eliminating the need for physical contact with the spring while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary capacitive sensing mechanism between the detector and the spring. The capacitive plates measure electrical field changes induced by spring position changes, serving as a non-contact intermediary that transmits spring state information without direct mechanical interaction.
2Device complexity
If temperature variations are not considered, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a temperature sensor that provides feedback on ambient temperature conditions. The processing circuit uses this temperature information to compensate for thermal effects on capacitance measurements, adjusting the detection threshold or calibration parameters to maintain precision across varying temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent accounts for temperature-induced parameter changes in the capacitive measurement system. By monitoring temperature and adjusting measurement parameters or compensation factors, the system maintains measurement precision despite thermal variations affecting capacitance values.
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 system provides reliable and cost-effective detection of spring states with enhanced accuracy by considering temperature variations, ensuring precise operation of medication-delivery devices.
Implementation Method 1
measure a capacitance between the first capacitive plate and the second capacitive plate
Implementation Method 2
measure a temperature based on a signal output by the temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing system for determining a state of a compression spring is provided. The system may include capacitive plates positioned on opposite sides of the compression spring, a temperature sensor, and at least one processing circuit configured to measure a capacitance between the capacitive plates, measure a temperature based on a signal output by the temperature sensor, and determine whether the compression spring is in a compressed state or an expanded state based on the measured capacitance and the measured temperature. In some embodiments, the sensing system may be used to detect a state of a compression spring disposed on or within a medication-delivery device, so as to determine a state of the medication-delivery device. For example, the sensing system may be used to determine whether the medication-delivery device has been activated, or whether the device has completed delivery of the medication.