Multi-Dispenser Intake Monitoring for Total Nicotine Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to accurately track the intake of nicotine across various forms of delivery methods, such as patches, chewing gum, and sprays, leading to a high risk of users exceeding predetermined nicotine consumption limits.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising multiple dispensers equipped with sensors that detect handling actions, transmitting data to a central monitoring device, such as a smartphone, which calculates and displays the total nicotine intake, providing visual and acoustic warnings when limits are reached.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dispensers for different substance forms are used, then the versatility of substance delivery is improved, but the complexity of tracking total intake worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstance delivery formsVSAvoidintake tracking system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate tracking systems into a single unified monitoring device that aggregates data from various dispenser types (patches, sprays, chewing gum). The central monitoring device receives and consolidates intake information from all dispensers, providing a comprehensive total intake calculation in one place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring device is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple substance delivery forms simultaneously. It can process data from different dispenser types using various application forms (topical, oral, inhalation) through a single interface, making the system adaptable to diverse substance administration methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If manual tracking of substance intake is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of intake monitoring worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking systemVSAvoidintake monitoring accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automatic feedback mechanisms where dispensers communicate usage data directly to the monitoring device. Sensors detect dispensing events and automatically transmit this information to the central system, which then updates the total intake calculation and provides real-time feedback to the user, eliminating manual tracking errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with electronic sensing and data transmission systems. Sensors in the dispensers automatically detect and record usage events, substituting human manual recording with automated electronic measurement and communication systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If real-time monitoring is implemented, then the reliability of limit adherence is improved, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelimit adherenceVSAvoidmonitoring system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic communication intervals between dispensers and the monitoring device rather than continuous real-time transmission. Data is transmitted at regular intervals or upon significant events, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective monitoring of substance intake limits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring device autonomously calculates total intake and determines whether limits are exceeded without requiring constant external input or processing. The system self-manages data aggregation, calculation, and alert generation, reducing the energy burden of continuous active monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4116988B1System for monitoring the intake of substances
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 APTAR RADOLFZELL
  • EP4116988B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4116988B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4116988B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (10) for monitoring the intake of substances, in particular pharmaceutical substances or nicotine. The system (10) has at least two dispensers (20, 40, 60, 80) for dispensing the same substance, wherein the two dispensers (20, 40, 60, 80) are configured to dispense the substance in different application forms. The system (10) further comprises a monitoring device (100) connected to the at least two dispensers (20, 40, 60, 80) by a data connection. The two dispensers (20, 40, 60, 80) are configured to detect any handling associated with the dispensing of the substance and, in response, to send data regarding the dispensing of the substance to the monitoring device (100). The monitoring device (100) is designed to receive data on the dispensing of the substance from the at least two donors (20, 40, 60, 80) and to calculate a total quantity of the dispensed substance.The system (10) is proposed in particular to give users an overview of their nicotine consumption, even if they ingest the nicotine in different ways.