Optical Medicament Dispenser for Reliable Removal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medicament dispensers relying on infrared or laser beams for detection are unreliable due to size variations and translucency issues, particularly when multiple medicaments are present, leading to improper detection.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser equipped with an optical sensor, such as a laser or infrared emitting component, and a light-sensitive component to detect the interruption or reflection of a beam by a user's finger during medicament removal, along with a transducer to signal the event, and optionally includes concentrically arranged holders with separate control for precise dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an infrared or laser beam is used to detect the presence of a medicament in a package or dispenser, then automatic detection capability is provided, but detection reliability deteriorates when the medicament is the wrong size, translucent, or when multiple medicaments are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective surface as an intermediary element between the light source and sensor. This reflective surface creates a controlled light path where the medicament's presence is detected through light reflection patterns rather than direct beam interruption. The intermediary allows reliable detection of translucent and varying-sized medicaments by detecting changes in light reflection rather than relying on complete beam blockage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from beam interruption (binary presence/absence) to light reflection characteristics (intensity, pattern, angle). This parameter change enables detection of translucent medicaments and distinguishes between single and multiple medicaments by analyzing variations in reflected light patterns rather than simply detecting whether the beam is blocked.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a beam is positioned at a height to be interrupted by the medicament, then detection is possible, but detection fails when the medicament size varies or multiple medicaments are present
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective surface detection system serves multiple functions: it detects the presence of medicaments, determines their size variations, identifies when multiple medicaments are present, and works with translucent materials. This universal detection method replaces the single-function beam interruption approach, making the system adaptable to various medicament types and configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional detection approach (beam height positioning) to a two-dimensional approach (light reflection patterns across multiple angles and intensities). By analyzing light reflection in multiple dimensions rather than simply detecting beam blockage at a fixed height, the system can detect and differentiate various medicament sizes, translucency levels, and quantities.
3Reliability
If some medicaments are translucent, then they may not be detected properly by beam interruption methods, but adding detection mechanisms increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical beam interruption detection system with an optical reflection-based system. Instead of relying on physical blockage of a light beam, the system uses light reflection patterns from a reflective surface to detect medicament presence. This substitution maintains detection capability for translucent medicaments while using similar optical components, avoiding significant increases in device complexity.
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
Provides reliable automatic monitoring and control of medicament removal, ensuring accurate detection and dispensing regardless of medicament size or transparency, with optional wireless communication and app integration for enhanced management.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor comprising a laser or infrared emitting component and a light-sensitive component
Implementation Method 2
the sensor comprising a laser or infrared emitting component and a light-sensitive component
Implementation Method 3
the sensor being arranged to detect the interruption or reflection of a beam, by the finger of a user removing the medicament
Implementation Method 4
a light-sensitive component
Data Source
AI summary
In a dispenser for dispensing discrete medicaments, a discrete medicament to be taken is contained in a dispensing part (6) of the dispenser. An optical sensor (100, 200) senses the removal of a medicament from the dispensing part, and a transducer (102) produces a signal indicating the removal. The sensor comprises a laser or infrared emitting component (100, 200) and a light-sensitive component (102), and is arranged to detect the interruption or reflection of a beam, by the finger of a user removing the medicament.