Medicament Dispenser Evaluation Unit With Attachment-Triggered Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing evaluation units for medicament dispensers face issues with continuous power consumption, leading to rapid battery drain, especially when disconnected from the dispenser after initial operation, which is problematic for units used across multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
An evaluation unit with a switch mechanism that establishes a galvanic connection between the energy source and electronics only when attached to the medicament dispenser, using a push-button that returns to a disconnected state when not in use, and includes a temporary storage unit for brief operation after detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the evaluation unit is permanently energized to monitor usage continuously, then monitoring capability is improved, but battery consumption increases rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit transitions from a static permanently-energized state to a dynamic state where power is supplied only during actual usage monitoring. The spring-loaded electrical contact automatically establishes connection when the evaluation unit is inserted into the dispenser and breaks connection when removed, adapting the power supply state to the operational need.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous power supply, the system uses periodic/intermittent power supply triggered by insertion and removal events. The evaluation unit is powered only during the periods when it is actually inserted and monitoring is required, rather than maintaining continuous power.
2Ease of operation
If the battery remains connected to electronic loads after initial operation, then the device is ready for immediate use, but power is consumed even when uncoupled from the dispenser
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is effectively extracted from the active circuit when the evaluation unit is removed from the dispenser. The spring-loaded contact mechanism automatically disconnects the electrical connection between the battery and electronic loads when the evaluation unit is uncoupled, removing the power source from the circuit to prevent parasitic power consumption.
3Reliability
If a clamp connection or latched connection is used to secure the evaluation unit, then detachment is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded electrical contact serves a dual function: it provides the necessary electrical connection for power supply and simultaneously acts as a simple mechanical retention element. The spring force naturally maintains contact during normal operation, and the connection is released automatically when the evaluation unit is pulled out, eliminating the need for separate clamp or latch 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
This design significantly reduces power consumption by ensuring the evaluation unit is only powered when attached, preserving battery life and enabling efficient data collection and transmission without additional user activation steps.
Implementation Method 1
In the coupled state, a switch which is designed to connect the evaluation electronics to the energy source is capable of being connected by application of force from the medicament-dispenser to the button, so that the evaluation electronics are supplied with electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
The switch has preferably been formed in the manner of a push-button which returns to a separating end position automatically, in particular by means of force applied by a spring, if it is not acted upon by a force from outside
Data Source
AI summary
Evaluation unit for a medicament dispenser, designed to be attached in or to the medicament dispenser. The evaluation unit collects and processes data in the context of the medicament dispenser. The evaluation unit has an energy source, an evaluation electronics system, and a switch via which the energy source is galvanically connected to the evaluation electronics system and is galvanically isolated from the evaluation electronics system. The switch has a button for applying a mechanical force for establishing the galvanic connection between the energy source and the evaluation electronic system. This button is provided in the region of a contact surface, such that contacting the medicament dispenser applies force to the button and establishes the galvanic connection.