Smart Metering Device for Precise Levodopa Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drinking bottles and fluid intake systems fail to provide precise, time-controlled dispensing of defined liquid quantities, particularly for medications like levodopa, lacking the ability to limit intake and requiring invasive or costly treatment methods for Parkinson's disease.
Innovation Solution
A dosing device integrated with a control unit and sensors to regulate liquid flow, ensuring precise and time-controlled dispensing of medications, with features like programmable logic controllers, wireless connectivity, and sensors to monitor and manage fluid intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a closure with adjustable liquid flow is used, then the flow rate can be adapted to liquid viscosity, but the absolute amount of liquid consumed cannot be limited
Solution Approach 1:
A dosing device with a control unit acts as an intermediary between the closure and the user. The control unit receives input signals (e.g., from sensors or user input) and converts them into drive movements that precisely control the dosing element, thereby limiting the absolute amount of liquid dispensed while still allowing flow rate adaptation through the closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the dispensing of liquid and provide feedback signals to the control unit. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to monitor the amount of liquid dispensed and adjust the dosing element accordingly, ensuring that the absolute quantity of liquid consumed is limited while maintaining adaptability in flow rate.
2Measurement precision
If precise, time-controlled dispensing is implemented, then defined quantities of liquid can be dispensed at specific times, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical dosing systems with a control unit that uses sensors and electronic control mechanisms. The control unit receives input signals and converts them into drive movements, eliminating the need for complex mechanical timing and dosing mechanisms while achieving precise, time-controlled dispensing of defined liquid quantities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it detects dispensing through sensors, processes input signals, generates drive movements for the dosing element, and can communicate with external devices. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating control tasks into a single integrated unit rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
3Duration of action of moving object
If invasive therapies like PEG tube with Jet-PEG are used, then continuous levodopa administration is achieved, but periprocedural complications and treatment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the dosing function from invasive therapeutic interventions and integrates it directly into the drinking vessel. The dosing device with control unit and sensors is incorporated into the closure or body of the drinking vessel, allowing continuous or scheduled dispensing of levodopa without requiring invasive PEG tube placement or other surgical interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service medication administration through the drinking vessel itself. The control unit automatically detects dispensing, controls the dosing element, and manages the delivery of levodopa according to preset parameters, eliminating the need for invasive medical procedures and reducing dependency on complex medical infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a metering device for a drinking vessel for dispensing a liquid from the drinking vessel, characterized by a control device which detects and/or controls the delivery of the liquid. Furthermore, the invention relates to a drinking bottle comprising such a metering device. The drinking bottle according to the invention is particularly suitable for administering a Levodopa suspension for the high-frequency treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease.