Liquid Delivery Cap with Sensor Carriage for Plunger Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid delivery systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently detecting the condition of a plunger position and volume of liquid remaining in the reservoir without manual manipulation, leading to inconsistent and unreliable dose measurements.
Innovation Solution
A cap device with a movable sensor carriage and integrated sensors, such as optical and position sensors, that automatically scans the plunger position and reservoir volume, facilitating accurate and repeatable detection without additional user operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual manipulation is used to detect plunger position and liquid volume, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor carriage is designed to move automatically along the liquid delivery device without requiring manual manipulation. The carriage self-propels using a spring mechanism that engages with the device geometry, enabling autonomous scanning of the plunger position and liquid volume while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical manipulation is replaced with an automated sensor carriage system that uses optical sensors and spring-driven mechanics to detect plunger position and liquid volume. This substitution eliminates human error while providing consistent, reliable measurements through automated scanning.
2Productivity
If additional user operation is required to activate sensors, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor carriage is pre-positioned and automatically activated upon engagement of the liquid delivery device with the cap device. The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to propel the carriage along the device without requiring additional user operation, enabling immediate detection upon insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs self-activation through the engagement action itself. When the liquid delivery device is inserted into the cap device, the geometry of the engagement automatically propels the sensor carriage along the device for scanning, eliminating the need for separate user operations to activate detection.
3Reliability
If manual manipulation is used for detection, then manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but reliability and consistency of measurement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensors provide continuous feedback signals during the carriage's movement along the liquid delivery device. This feedback enables real-time detection of plunger position and liquid volume, ensuring consistent and reliable measurements while compensating for manufacturing tolerances through active sensing and signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual manipulation is replaced with an automated optical sensing system that provides consistent, objective measurements. The optical sensors detect plunger position and liquid volume with high precision, eliminating the variability introduced by manual operation while maintaining acceptable manufacturing tolerances through robust sensor design.
4Ease of operation
If the sensor carriage moves without fixed device position, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement of the liquid delivery device with the cap device automatically initiates the sensor carriage movement. The preliminary engagement action propels the carriage along the device for scanning, combining ease of operation with consistent measurement precision through automatic activation upon insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor carriage self-positions and self-moves along the liquid delivery device without requiring external manipulation. The carriage uses the engagement geometry to automatically travel along the device for scanning, maintaining measurement precision while simplifying user operation to merely insertion and removal.
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 consistent and predictable sensor signals, reducing manual influence and manufacturing tolerances, allowing for efficient, cost-effective, and durable operation with various liquid delivery devices, improving user experience through automated dose management.
Implementation Method 1
one or more optical sensors configured to detect a position of the plunger
Implementation Method 2
The sensor carriage may be movable between first and second positions without user operation
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.