Ingestible Electronic Device Mounting on Pharmaceutical Tablets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating electronic devices with pharmaceutical products, such as pills or tablets, is challenging due to the risk of damaging the delicate components during the assembly process, especially when using pressure or adhesive materials.
Innovation Solution
A system that secures an ingestible electronic device to a pharmaceutical product using a marker assembly with protective and adhesive layers, which includes an ionic emission module (IEM) that activates upon contact with body fluids, and a galvanic tablet with an integrated circuit controlling drug release, ensuring protection from environmental parameters like temperature, pressure, and forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are placed inside a tablet or pill, then the pharmaceutical product can be integrated with an ingestible device, but the electronic components are damaged by the pressure applied during tablet pressing
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pharmaceutical product into separate components: the tablet itself and the electronic device assembly. The electronic device is secured to the exterior surface of the tablet rather than being embedded inside, allowing the tablet to be pressed without applying damaging pressure to the electronic components while maintaining integration of both elements into a single ingestible unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary adhesive layer that secures the electronic device to the tablet surface. This adhesive acts as a mediator that bonds the two components together without requiring the electronic device to withstand the high pressing forces applied to the tablet, thus protecting the electronic components from pressure damage while maintaining secure attachment
2Ease of manufacture
If adhesive material is used to secure the electronic component to the tablet surface, then the electronic device can be attached, but the adhesive damages the device through thermal or chemical activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the adhesive material by selecting an adhesive that does not require thermal or chemical activation, or by controlling the activation parameters to remain below thresholds that would damage the electronic device. This allows the electronic component to be securely attached to the tablet surface without exposing it to damaging temperatures or chemical reactions
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer is designed as a thin, sacrificial protective coating that can be applied and then removed or dissolves without affecting the electronic device. This disposable adhesive approach allows for easy attachment during manufacturing while ensuring the electronic device itself remains undamaged and intact for the duration of its functional life
3Volume of moving object
If the electronic device is made small to fit on or in the pharmaceutical product, then integration is achieved, but handling the device during assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional handling problem to a two-dimensional surface mounting problem. By securing the electronic device to the exterior surface of the tablet rather than embedding it within the bulk, the assembly process becomes similar to surface mounting technology used in electronics manufacturing, where small components are placed and bonded to surfaces using automated pick-and-place equipment, thereby improving ease of handling during assembly
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 effectively secures electronic devices to pharmaceutical products without damage, allowing for precise drug delivery and activation upon ingestion, providing controlled drug release and minimizing risks to the device and product stability.
Implementation Method 1
an ionic emission module (IEM) that activates upon contact with body fluids
Implementation Method 2
a marker assembly with protective and adhesive layers
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 1A~2A
Figure 1B~2C
AI summary
A system and are provided for securing an ingestible electronic device to a pharmaceutical product without damaging the ingestible electronic device. The product includes the ingestible electronic device being placed on the product in accordance with one aspect of of the present invention. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the ingestible electronic device is placed inside the product. Various embodiments are disclosed in accordance with the present invention for protecting and/or coating of the electronic marker as well as securing the ingestible electronic device onto the product.