Attachable Sensor Module for Medication Container Opening Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medication adherence systems fail to effectively detect the opening of conventional medication containers and provide timely reminders for patients to take their medication, leading to non-adherence issues that result in significant health consequences.
Innovation Solution
A device attachable to conventional containers that detects when the container is opened and sends notifications to the user or medical provider, tracking adherence and providing reminders for scheduled doses, with features like detection buttons and a communication module for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a sensor is attachable to an existing medication container to detect opening, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection function into separate components: a simple mechanical sensor unit that attaches to the container and a separate processing unit that analyzes the data. This segmentation allows the sensor to remain simple while the complexity is distributed to the processing system, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication protocol and data processing layer between the simple sensor and the final adherence determination. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of data processing, communication, and adherence calculation, allowing the sensor itself to remain simple while achieving sophisticated detection capabilities.
2Reliability
If reminders and tracking are provided to improve adherence, then patient compliance is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs reminders, tracking, and adherence determination without requiring active participation from the patient. The device autonomously monitors container opening, communicates adherence status, and provides notifications, eliminating the time patients would otherwise spend on manual tracking while improving adherence reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where adherence data is automatically collected, processed, and used to generate real-time notifications and reports. This automated feedback mechanism improves adherence by providing timely reminders and compliance information without requiring manual intervention, thus reducing time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, are provided for assisting users with adherence to a medication regimen. An attachable device includes a sensor module releasably attached to an adapter, which is in turn attached to a medication container using a connector. The sensor module can be removed from the adapter to change an included battery without removing the adapter from the medication container. The sensor module is in communication with a user device, such as a smart phone. A user can use an app on the user device to create a medicine regimen, or schedule, and send the schedule to the sensor module. The user can also set notification preferences on the user device to be sent to the sensor module. The sensor module includes audio and/or visual transducers that notify the user to take the medication at the scheduled times. The sensor module further includes one or more buttons that are pressed when a user opens the medication container. The button(s) are configured so the action of the user required to open the container also presses at least one button. The sensor module records the actions of the user, including when the medication container is opened, when a dose of the medication is missed, and when the user presses a mood indication button. The user actions can be transmitted to the user device, which can then transmit the recorded actions to a server. The sensor module may be configured to attempt communication with the user device on a periodic basis to conserve battery life.