Dispenser Discharge Detection Using Calibration Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dispensers face challenges in accurately coordinating detection systems with discharge processes due to component tolerances, leading to incorrect detection of discharge events.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with a sensor that generates multiple output signals based on the displacement of a reference component coupled to the actuating handle, combined with an electronic calibration memory to store dispenser-specific calibration data, ensuring precise detection of discharge initiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed displacement threshold is used to detect discharge processes, then the detection system is simple to implement, but component tolerances cause incorrect detection of discharge events
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration during manufacturing to determine the specific displacement threshold for each dispenser. This calibration data is stored in memory, allowing the detection system to use dispenser-specific thresholds rather than fixed thresholds, thereby accounting for component tolerances while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system changes the displacement threshold parameter based on individual dispenser characteristics determined during calibration. Instead of using a universal fixed threshold, each dispenser operates with its own optimized threshold value stored in memory, improving detection accuracy without increasing hardware complexity
2Measurement precision
If component tolerances are reduced to ensure consistent actuation distances, then discharge process detection becomes more accurate, but manufacturing costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each dispenser performs self-calibration during manufacturing where its specific actuation characteristics are measured and stored in its own memory. This allows the dispenser to compensate for its own component tolerances without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances across the production line, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process is performed preliminarily during manufacturing for each individual dispenser. This preliminary characterization of each unit's specific actuation distance allows the system to accommodate normal component tolerances while ensuring accurate discharge detection for each dispenser
Data Source
AI summary
Dispenser for the discharge of pharmaceutical media having a liquid storage, a base body, an actuating handle that is manually displaced with respect to the base body for causing a discharge process of media from the liquid storage into an environment, and an electronic detection system for detecting discharge processes. A sensor is provided, which, subject to the displacement of a reference component mechanically coupled to the actuating handle such that during a discharge process the reference component is displaced with respect to the base body, generates an output signal. The sensor is configured for generating output signals of two distinguishable types as a function of the extent of the displacement, and is provided with an electronic calibration memory in which calibration data regarding discharge behavior of the dispenser are stored.