Integrated Dose Counter With Electronic Adherence Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical dose counters in metered dose inhalers (MDIs) only provide information about the number of doses dispensed or remaining, without tracking when the doses were taken or how they were administered.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a mechanical dose counter with an electronic module that records and tracks when doses are dispensed, providing additional data on adherence and compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a mechanical dose counter is integrated with an electronic module to record dose administration times, then the information about when doses were taken is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a mechanical dose counter with an electronic module into a single integrated system. The mechanical counter continues to track the number of doses dispensed while the electronic module records timestamps for each dose administration event. This merging allows both mechanical reliability and electronic data capture to coexist, resolving the contradiction by integrating rather than separating the functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic module serves multiple functions: it records dose administration timestamps, stores this data in memory, and enables compliance monitoring. By making the electronic component multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while capturing comprehensive dose information.
2Reliability
If an electronic module is added to track adherence, then the adherence monitoring capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dose tracking system into two independent segments: a mechanical dose counter that handles dose counting and an electronic module that handles timestamp recording and data storage. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using established processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable adherence monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical dose counter automatically triggers the electronic module to record timestamps without requiring additional user input or complex coordination. The mechanical actuation of the dose counter directly activates the electronic recording function, allowing the system to self-monitor adherence with minimal additional manufacturing complexity.
3Loss of information
If both mechanical and electronic counting systems are integrated, then the data completeness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the mechanical dose counter as an intermediary that physically actuates the electronic module. Each time the mechanical counter registers a dose dispensing event, it mechanically triggers the electronic module to record a timestamp. This intermediary mechanism ensures data completeness by linking mechanical dose tracking with electronic timing without requiring complex digital communication protocols or additional sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
An indicating device includes a mechanical dose counter adapted to count the number of doses that have been dispensed from or remain in a container and an electronic module coupled to the mechanical dose counter and adapted to record when the doses have been dispensed from the container. Methods of using and assembling the device are also provided.