Inhaler Electronic Module Power Stability via Segmented Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic modules for inhalers are prone to power failures due to mechanical forces such as shocks and vibrations, and they do not effectively preserve battery life during long-term storage, leading to increased costs and potential software failures.
Innovation Solution
An electronic module with a latching circuit and a permanently joined battery, where a removable insulating pull-tab separates the terminals during storage and connects them through a sprung loaded contact for power, maintaining power supply during disconnections and minimizing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a replaceable battery with battery holder is used, then the battery can be removed and reinserted, but the connection is not robust to mechanical forces causing power interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The battery holder is divided into a first portion (integrated with housing) and a second portion (integrated with circuit board), connected by a resilient element. This segmentation allows the battery to be removable while maintaining a robust connection through the resilient element that compensates for mechanical disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element (spring) is pre-loaded to maintain constant contact pressure between the battery terminals and the circuit board contacts. This beforehand cushioning ensures that mechanical forces such as drops or vibrations do not cause loss of electrical contact, preventing power interruptions.
2Power
If a rechargeable or replaceable battery is used, then power can be supplied to electronic components, but battery preservation during long-term storage is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive tab is provided in the battery holder that, when positioned in a specific location, electrically isolates the battery from the circuit board during storage. This preliminary action prevents self-discharge during long-term storage while allowing normal operation when the tab is moved to its operational position.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-conductive tab acts as an intermediary element between the battery and circuit board. It provides a simple mechanical means to control electrical connectivity, serving as both a storage isolation mechanism and an operational connection enabler.
3Productivity
If electronic components are continuously powered, then they can detect and process data, but power consumption increases during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic components are powered periodically rather than continuously. The battery connection is established only when needed for operation, and disconnected during storage periods. This periodic action reduces energy consumption while maintaining detection capability when required.
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 solution prevents power failures from mechanical shocks and vibrations, preserves battery life, and reduces power load during storage, ensuring robust and efficient operation of the inhaler's electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element (spring) to maintain electrical contact between the battery and the circuit board
Implementation Method 2
positioned in an isolating location, the non-conductive tab electrically isolates the battery from the circuit board
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An electronic module for an inhaler comprises a printed circuit board (24) and electronic components (25, 26, 27) configured to detect at least a status and/or at least a working parameter of the inhaler (2) when the electronic module (3) is attached to the inhaler (2). A battery (28) is permanently joined to the printed circuit board (24). A first terminal (33) and a second terminal (34) are electrically connectable one to the other through a main switch (100) to close a circuit between the battery (28) and the electronic components (25, 26, 27). In a rest configuration, the first and second terminals (33, 34) are electrically separated by the main switch (100). In a work configuration, the first terminal (33) and the second terminal (34) are electrically connected one to the other through the main switch (100).