Drug Inhaler Package Sensor for Adherence Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for monitoring drug intake are unreliable, requiring patient effort and prone to errors, and lack a reliable means for medical practitioners to verify adherence to prescribed medication schedules.
Innovation Solution
A device that detects vibrational energy transferred to a drug package during interaction, using sensors and processors to calculate intake information and record adherence, with communication means for remote data access, providing a reliable and user-friendly method for monitoring drug intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a patient uses memory or paper sheets to record drug intake, then the method is simple and requires no additional devices, but the reliability of adherence data is low due to human error in remembering or transcribing
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service monitoring where the patient's own actions (opening the package, removing drugs) automatically generate adherence data through sensors, eliminating the need for manual recording while ensuring reliable data capture without human error
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual recording methods (paper sheets, human memory) with automated sensor-based detection systems that use movement sensors, light sensors, and communication modules to automatically track and report drug intake adherence
2Reliability
If a tablet box with electronic device is used to monitor drug intake, then adherence verification capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex programming and setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically configures itself by detecting the package structure and drug contents through sensors, eliminating the need for manual programming. The patient simply places drugs in the package and the system autonomously establishes the monitoring protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the package structure, drug contents, and dosage requirements before monitoring begins, automatically configuring all parameters in advance so that no setup or programming is needed by the patient at the time of use
3Ease of operation
If manual recording methods are used, then no additional devices are required, but the ability to provide accurate adherence data to medical practitioners is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automatic feedback to medical practitioners through communication modules that transmit adherence data, ensuring accurate information delivery without requiring the patient to manually report or interpret their own adherence behavior
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual information transfer (patient reporting to practitioner) with automated electronic communication systems that directly transmit verified adherence data from the monitoring device to medical practitioners
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 device accurately determines drug intake adherence, reducing errors and providing medical practitioners with reliable data on patient compliance, enhancing the effectiveness of medication therapy.
Implementation Method 1
sensor adapted to detect vibrational energy transferred to a drug package during interaction of a user with the package to release one or more doses of the drug
Data Source
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AI summary
Device for controlling the intake of drugs, applicable to a package of a drug inhaler containing one or more doses of a drug; said device comprises: sensor means adapted to detect the vibrational energy transferred to said drug inhaler package in response to interactions of a user with said drug inhaler package to release one or more doses of said drug, and a processor connected to said sensor means; said processor is configured to calculate intake information of said drug on the basis of the vibrational energy detected by said sensor means; said sensor means comprises at least one accelerometer implemented as MEMS.