Medicament Sensor Movement-Based Wireless Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor apparatuses attached to medicament containers require a separate operating element for wireless coupling to a computer unit, leading to increased costs and energy consumption, and are not accessible after attachment, making them impractical for monitoring medicament intake, especially in scenarios where manual handling is necessary.

Innovation Solution

A sensor apparatus with an electronic connection device that triggers data transmission and coupling to a computer unit via a sequence of detected movements, eliminating the need for a separate operating element and optimizing energy use by transmitting data only when necessary, using an acceleration sensor to monitor and confirm medicament removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate operating element is provided on the sensor apparatus for wireless coupling, then coupling to the computer unit is enabled, but the device complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling operationVSAvoidsensor apparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor apparatus performs self-coupling to the computer unit automatically based on detected movement patterns. The evaluation logic identifies when coupling should be initiated through the acceleration sensor detecting specific movement sequences, eliminating the need for manual operation of separate coupling elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical operating element (button or switch) with an automated electronic coupling mechanism that uses the acceleration sensor and evaluation logic to trigger wireless coupling based on detected movement patterns, substituting manual mechanical input with automated sensor-based control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the sensor apparatus transmits data on every detected movement, then monitoring coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring coverageVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of transmitting data for every detected movement (excessive action), the system transmits data selectively based on predefined criteria such as minimum acceleration thresholds and movement duration requirements. This partial action approach reduces unnecessary transmissions while maintaining adequate monitoring coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The evaluation logic dynamically adjusts transmission parameters based on detected movement characteristics. By changing parameters such as transmission trigger thresholds, data sampling rates, and communication activation based on the intensity and duration of detected movements, the system optimizes the balance between monitoring reliability and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly monitoring of medicament intake by allowing coupling and data transmission without a separate operating element, reducing energy consumption, and ensuring timely alerts for missed doses.

Implementation Method 1

at least one acceleration sensor via which a movement of the object can be detected when the sensor apparatus is attached to the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration sensor detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS20240065939A1Sensor apparatus with an acceleration sensor for monitoring movement and transmitting data on a medicament container, monitoring system and monitoring method

Publication Date: 2024.02.29 IPB INTELLIGENT PILL BOX GMBH

AI summary

It is provided a sensor apparatus for attachment to a medicament container, comprising at least one acceleration sensor via which a movement of the medicament container can be detected when the sensor apparatus is attached to the medicament container, and an electronic connection device which is configured to wirelessly transmit data from the sensor apparatus to the computer unit.