Multifunctional Sensor with Phase-Change Temperature Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to accurately monitor the volume and temperature of medications or vaccines during storage and dispensation, leading to potential ineffectiveness due to temperature deviations and inaccurate dosing.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with temperature-sensitive components that melt at specific ranges to indicate temperature deviations and a volume monitoring system using RF-based sensor tags to track fluid levels, disabling monitoring when temperatures are outside the effective range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature monitoring is implemented using current methods, then temperature deviations can be detected, but volume monitoring accuracy deteriorates when temperature is outside effective range
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly performs preliminary temperature assessment before volume monitoring. The processor first determines if temperature is within the effective range, and only enables volume monitoring when conditions are appropriate, preventing inaccurate measurements from compromising system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system dynamically adjusts its operation based on temperature conditions. Volume monitoring is enabled or disabled in real-time based on whether the temperature falls within the effective range, allowing the system to optimize measurement accuracy while maintaining reliability across varying temperature conditions
2Device complexity
If a single sensor monitors both temperature and volume, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for both parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly segments the monitoring functions into distinct components: a temperature sensor for thermal monitoring and a separate volume sensor for quantity measurement. This segmentation allows each sensor to specialize in its specific measurement, maintaining high precision for both parameters while the integrated assembly keeps overall device complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly achieves multi-functionality by integrating both temperature and volume sensing capabilities into a single unified device. The processor coordinates both sensors to provide comprehensive monitoring, reducing the need for separate monitoring systems while maintaining measurement precision through dedicated sensing elements for each parameter
3Productivity
If volume monitoring continues when temperature is outside effective range, then productivity is maintained, but medication effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring temperature and using this information to control volume monitoring and dispensation operations. When temperature falls outside the effective range, the processor provides feedback to disable volume monitoring and prevent dispensation, ensuring medication effectiveness is not compromised while maintaining efficient operation within acceptable temperature conditions
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
Ensures accurate and effective medication dispensation by preventing use outside the effective temperature range and providing precise volume measurements, enhancing patient care by ensuring the right dose is administered.
Implementation Method 1
a first component configured to melt when a temperature of the sensor assembly reaches a first value below a minimum value of a predetermined temperature range
Implementation Method 2
a second component configured to melt when the temperature of the sensor assembly reaches a second value above a maximum value of the predetermined temperature range
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter of the present disclosure generally relates to a sensor assembly having a first component configured to melt when a temperature of the sensor assembly reaches a first value below a minimum value of a predetermined temperature range, a second component configured to melt when the temperature of the sensor assembly reaches a second value above a maximum value of the predetermined temperature range, and a third component configured to monitor a volume of fluid disposed in a vessel when the temperature of the sensor assembly is within the predetermined temperature range.