Elastomer Articles With Embedded Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 'smart' drug delivery devices with embedded electronics often require multiple components of different materials, leading to complex designs and limited control over electronic placement, which complicates their integration and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A molded elastomeric body with embedded electronic devices, allowing for a single-piece construction of medical components like pistons and plungers, where the electronics are fully encapsulated within the elastomeric material, enabling better integration and control over electronic placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional smart devices use multiple components of different materials, then electronic components can be protected and functional requirements can be met, but device complexity increases and control over electronic placement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (elastomeric body, electronic device, and encapsulation) into a single integrated elastomeric component. The electronic device is embedded directly within the elastomeric material during molding, eliminating the need for separate encapsulation steps and multiple material interfaces. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining precise control over electronic placement through mold cavity design.
2Device complexity
If electronics are embedded in elastomeric material, then integration is improved and design is simplified, but the electronics must withstand higher molding temperatures and pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device is pre-positioned within the elastomeric material while the material is in a moldable state (before final curing). This preliminary placement allows the electronic components to be embedded without exposure to extreme temperatures and pressures that would occur during subsequent curing or molding operations. The elastomeric material is then cured or set in place, securing the electronics without subjecting them to damaging conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece elastomeric construction is used, then manufacturing is simplified and electronic placement control is improved, but the electronics need to be fully encapsulated for protection
Solution Approach 1:
The protective encapsulation and the structural elastomeric body are merged into a single integrated component. The elastomeric material itself serves both as the structural body and as the protective encapsulation for the embedded electronic device. This eliminates the need for separate encapsulation layers or protective housings, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring the electronics are fully protected within the elastomeric matrix.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for a container to be filled with a pharmaceutical drug is provided. The assembly includes a first component and a second component. The first component has at least one electronic device fully embedded therein, a first end provided with a first engagement feature and an opposing second end. The second component has a second engagement feature configured to engage the first engagement feature of the first component.