Liquid Delivery Cap With Optical Plunger Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid delivery systems lack accurate and repeatable methods for detecting the condition of a plunger position and volume of liquid remaining in a reservoir, often requiring manual manipulation and being incompatible with various device types.
Innovation Solution
A cap device with a movable sensor carriage and integrated sensors, such as optical and position sensors, that automatically detects the plunger position and volume without additional user operation, facilitating consistent and predictable sensor signals across different liquid delivery devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual manipulation is used to detect plunger position, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated optical sensor system. The optical sensor detects plunger position by measuring light transmission through the reservoir, eliminating the need for manual manipulation while achieving consistent and accurate measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement of plunger position and liquid volume through automated optical detection. The sensor carriage automatically moves and detects features without requiring user intervention, enabling the device to monitor its own state continuously.
2Reliability
If automated sensor detection is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor carriage is designed to move dynamically between positions to scan different portions of the liquid delivery device. This dynamic movement enables comprehensive detection of plunger position and liquid volume while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through controlled motion rather than multiple fixed sensors.
3Ease of operation
If manual manipulation is required for detection, then ease of manufacture improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cap device automatically performs detection functions without requiring user manipulation. The sensor carriage moves and detects features autonomously when the cap is attached, significantly improving ease of operation while the modular design keeps manufacturing complexity manageable.
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 cap device enables accurate and repeatable measurement of plunger position and reservoir volume, improving user experience through automated dose management and compatibility with diverse device types, while reducing manufacturing complexity and enhancing durability.
Implementation Method 1
one or more optical sensors configured to detect a plunger of the liquid delivery device
Implementation Method 2
a linear potentiometer configured to output a signal indicative of a position of the sensor carriage
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid delivery system cap device is provided. In some embodiments, an example cap device includes a body defining a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of a liquid delivery device, a first sensor configured to output a first sensor signal indicative of a plunger of the liquid delivery device, a second sensor configured to output a second sensor signal indicative of a position, and a processor configured to detect a plunger of the liquid delivery device based on a variation in the sensor signal of the first sensor and to determine a corresponding position based on a sensor signal output by the second sensor.