Ultrasonic Transducer Metal Casing Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drug injection technologies lack accurate and cost-effective methods for tracking drug administration quantities and timing, particularly in devices like insulin pens, which are often disposable and lack dosage tracking capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The development of a miniature ultrasonic range-finding circuitry integrated into plunger heads of drug delivery devices, using a metal casing as a protective housing and electrical connector, eliminating the need for traditional connections, and incorporating a piezoelectric element, battery, and printed circuit board assembly for accurate dosage measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connectors and wiring are used for ultrasonic transducer connections, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the casing structure with the electrical connector function into a single integrated component. The casing serves dual purposes: protecting internal components and providing electrical connection pathways through integrated contact points, thereby eliminating the need for separate connector assemblies and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The casing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical protection of internal components, structural support, and electrical conduction. By making the casing multi-functional, the patent reduces the total number of components needed in the ultrasonic transducer assembly, simplifying the device while preserving all necessary functions including reliable electrical connections
2Reliability
If traditional connectors and wiring are used for ultrasonic transducer connections, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the casing structure with the electrical connector function into a single integrated component. The casing serves dual purposes: protecting internal components and providing electrical connection pathways through integrated contact points, thereby eliminating the need for separate connector assemblies and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The casing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical protection of internal components, structural support, and electrical conduction. By making the casing multi-functional, the patent reduces the total number of components needed in the ultrasonic transducer assembly, simplifying the device while preserving all necessary functions including reliable electrical connections
3Measurement precision
If ultrasonic range-finding circuitry is integrated into plunger heads, then dosage measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the ultrasonic transducer, electronic circuitry, and plunger head into a single unified assembly. By combining these previously separate components into one integrated unit, the system achieves precise dosage measurement through ultrasonic range-finding while eliminating the need for additional separate measurement devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical dosage measurement mechanisms with an ultrasonic electronic measurement system. The ultrasonic transducer uses acoustic waves to measure plunger position and calculate dosage, substituting mechanical measurement methods with a more precise electronic system that can be integrated into the existing plunger head structure
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
This solution enables precise measurement of drug quantities dispensed, reduces manufacturing costs, and provides a compact, reliable system for tracking injection data, enhancing user monitoring and management of drug administration.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element, battery, and printed circuit board assembly for accurate dosage measurement
Implementation Method 2
measuring a position of the plunger head relative to the cartridge based on a time of flight of the ultrasonic signals
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic assembly includes a casing to conduct electricity flowing between at least some electronic components disposed within the casing. The electronic components include an ultrasonic transducer coupled to emit ultrasonic signals, and a battery to provide the electricity. A controller is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer and the battery, and the controller includes logic that when executed by the controller causes the electronic assembly to perform operations, including: instructing the ultrasonic transducer to emit the ultrasonic signals.