Miniaturized Electronics in Oral Drug Delivery Forms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medication administration methods face challenges in ensuring correct dosing, timing, and verification, particularly for elderly or diseased individuals, and there is a lack of effective tracking and recall notification for patients taking multiple medications, especially with generic drugs having multiple manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
Integration of miniaturized electronics within oral drug delivery forms that include communication circuitry and memory for tracking medication information from manufacture to consumption, allowing verification and tracking through sensors and computational analysis for timely reminders and alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pill organizers are used to track medication, then medication tracking capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tracking functions (medication verification, supply chain tracking, recall notification) into a single integrated system embedded within the pill itself. The electronics module integrates memory, communication circuitry, and processing capabilities to perform multiple functions that previously required separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart pill system performs multiple functions: verifying medication identity, tracking supply chain information, providing recall notifications, and monitoring medication adherence. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple separate pill organizers while maintaining comprehensive tracking capability.
2Reliability
If pill organizers with multiple rows and compartments are used, then medication organization capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically verifies medication identity and tracks taking status without requiring user intervention. The electronics module autonomously communicates with readers to confirm pill identity and updates tracking information, eliminating the need for users to manually organize pills across multiple compartments or remember which pill goes where.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback to users through notifications and alerts when medication is taken or missed. This automated feedback mechanism replaces the need for complex manual tracking systems, as the system continuously monitors and communicates medication status to both patients and healthcare providers.
3Quantity of substance
If manual medication tracking is used, then information storage capability is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronics module continuously maintains and updates medication tracking information from manufacture through distribution to consumption. The system continuously verifies pill identity, updates taking status, and maintains supply chain records, ensuring information is preserved and transmitted throughout the entire medication lifecycle without gaps or manual intervention.
4Measurement precision
If electronics are integrated into oral drug delivery forms, then medication verification capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronics module is designed as a disposable component integrated into the pill itself, eliminating the need for expensive, complex, or reusable tracking devices. The low-cost electronics are discarded with the medication after use, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high verification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking systems (physical pill organizers, manual logging) with electronic verification and communication systems. The electronics module uses automated identification and communication protocols to verify medication identity and track status, replacing complex mechanical organization systems with simpler electronic processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A drug delivery form includes a drug and electronics. The electronics includes memory(ies) having drug delivery form information, including information about the drug and about at least part of a supply chain from manufacture of the drug delivery form to a current location in the supply chain. The electronics includes communication circuitry configured to read data from and write data to the drug delivery form information. An apparatus includes memory(ies) having computer readable code, and processor(s). The processor(s) cause the apparatus to perform operations including communicating with a drug delivery form including a drug and drug delivery form information, including information about the drug and about at least part of a supply chain from manufacture of the drug delivery form to a current location in the supply chain. The processor(s) cause the apparatus to perform reading data from or writing data into the drug and drug delivery form information.