Integrated Dose Counter with Actuation Timing for MDIs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical dose counters for metered dose inhalers (MDIs) only provide information on the number of doses dispensed or remaining, without tracking how the doses are taken or when they are consumed, and existing electronic systems are not easily integrated with existing MDIs without significant modification.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system combining a mechanical dose counter with an electronic module that records dose actuations, using a force-sensitive resistor to detect actuations and a low-power electronic module for data logging and wireless communication, which can be easily attached to existing MDIs without altering their functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a mechanical dose counter is used to count doses dispensed from or remain in the container, then the device structure remains simple and cost-effective, but it cannot track when doses are taken or provide information on dose adherence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a mechanical dose counter with an electronic module into an integrated system. The mechanical counter continues to provide reliable dose counting while the electronic module adds timing and adherence tracking capabilities. The two systems are merged through a shared force application mechanism where the same force that actuates the mechanical counter also triggers the electronic sensor, allowing both functions to operate together without requiring separate actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic module serves multiple functions: it detects force application events, records timing information, tracks dose adherence, and can communicate with external devices. This multi-functional approach allows the system to gain sophisticated monitoring capabilities while adding minimal complexity, as a single electronic component performs what would otherwise require multiple separate systems.
2Loss of information
If an electronic module is added to track dose actuations and timing, then dose adherence information is captured, but the integration with existing MDIs requires significant modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the force application itself as an intermediary mechanism. Instead of requiring direct electronic sensors integrated into the MDI structure, the system detects the force application event that naturally occurs during normal MDI actuation. This intermediary approach allows the electronic module to capture dose timing information through the existing mechanical actuation without requiring modification of the MDI's internal structure or给药 mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical integration approaches with a simpler force-detection-based electronic system. Instead of mechanically coupling the electronic module to the MDI's moving parts, the system uses force-sensitive sensors that detect the force application event, substituting mechanical integration with a more flexible electronic detection approach that requires minimal modification to existing MDIs.
3Loss of information
If existing MDIs are modified to include electronic sensing components, then dose timing can be recorded, but the functionality and usability of the original device may be altered
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic module is designed to automatically detect and record dose timing information without requiring any action or awareness from the user. The force-sensitive sensor passively detects the force application event as it occurs during normal use, and the electronic system automatically timestamps and stores the data. This preliminary automatic action ensures dose timing is captured without interfering with or requiring changes to the user's natural operation of the MDI.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting, recording, and storing dose timing information without user intervention. The electronic module monitors its own operation environment, detects force events, and manages data storage independently, allowing the MDI to maintain its original usability while the electronic system handles all tracking functions autonomously.
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
Provides additional information on dose adherence and compliance by tracking when doses are taken, while being cost-effective and easily integrated with existing MDIs, maintaining their usability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The force sensor is adapted to activate the acoustic sensor when a force is applied to the distal end of the canister is substantially equal to and/or above a predetermined force value
Data Source
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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.