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EP4169500A1 - Unité de capteur destinée à être fixée à un distributeur de liquide et distributeur de liquide doté d'une telle unité de capteur - Google Patents

Unité de capteur destinée à être fixée à un distributeur de liquide et distributeur de liquide doté d'une telle unité de capteur Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4169500A1
EP4169500A1 EP21203894.7A EP21203894A EP4169500A1 EP 4169500 A1 EP4169500 A1 EP 4169500A1 EP 21203894 A EP21203894 A EP 21203894A EP 4169500 A1 EP4169500 A1 EP 4169500A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
clamping
sensor unit
liquid reservoir
ring
following additional
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21203894.7A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Jörg Kohnle
Joachim Körner
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Aptar Radolfzell GmbH
Original Assignee
Aptar Radolfzell GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Aptar Radolfzell GmbH filed Critical Aptar Radolfzell GmbH
Priority to EP21203894.7A priority Critical patent/EP4169500A1/fr
Priority to US18/701,389 priority patent/US20240407972A1/en
Priority to EP22801370.2A priority patent/EP4419061A2/fr
Priority to PCT/EP2022/077729 priority patent/WO2023066667A2/fr
Priority to CN202280070198.3A priority patent/CN118119368A/zh
Publication of EP4169500A1 publication Critical patent/EP4169500A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/14—Details; Accessories therefor
    • A61J1/16—Holders for containers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/05—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes for collecting, storing or administering blood, plasma or medical fluids ; Infusion or perfusion containers
    • A61J1/06—Ampoules or carpules
    • A61J1/067—Flexible ampoules, the contents of which are expelled by squeezing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J2200/00—General characteristics or adaptations
    • A61J2200/30—Compliance analysis for taking medication
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
    • A61J7/04—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers
    • A61J7/0409—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers with timers
    • A61J7/0427—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers with timers with direct interaction with a dispensing or delivery system
    • A61J7/0436—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers with timers with direct interaction with a dispensing or delivery system resulting from removing a drug from, or opening, a container

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a sensor unit for attachment to a liquid dispenser and a liquid dispenser with such a sensor unit.
  • a sensor unit within the meaning of the invention is a unit that can be handled separately, which is provided for coupling to a liquid dispenser and which has at least one sensor that is suitable for detecting the handling of the liquid dispenser.
  • a sensor can be designed, for example, as a motion sensor that detects the movement of the liquid dispenser, or as a force or pressure sensor that detects the actuation of the dispenser for the purpose of dispensing liquid.
  • the generic sensor unit is provided for detachable attachment to the bottom section of a liquid reservoir. It is thus possible to use the sensor unit one after the other or, if necessary, also alternately on different liquid reservoirs from different liquid dispensers. If a liquid reservoir is empty, the sensor unit can be detached from it, the liquid reservoir or the entire liquid dispenser can be replaced together with the liquid reservoir, and the sensor unit can be attached to a new liquid reservoir.
  • a sensor unit of the generic type is proposed, which is provided for attachment to the base section of a liquid reservoir.
  • This sensor unit has at least one sensor that is suitable for detecting the handling of the liquid dispenser, in particular its movement and/or its actuation.
  • a sensor unit has an annular wall structure which surrounds a receiving space closed on the bottom side by a receiving space floor for receiving the bottom section of the liquid reservoir.
  • the receiving space is preferably designed to be essentially rotationally symmetrical and also preferably designed to receive liquid reservoirs with a circular-cylindrical lateral surface.
  • the wall structure can be closed all around. However, it can also have interruptions or be formed by a plurality of wall segments.
  • the receiving space is open at the top and is used to push in the bottom section of the liquid reservoir from this open end.
  • the liquid reservoir is detachably coupled to the sensor unit in the area of the receiving space.
  • an adhesive element is provided, which is arranged between the base of the receiving space and the base section of the liquid reservoir and thus secures the liquid reservoir in the receiving space.
  • At least one inwardly facing and radially displaceable clamping surface is provided on the inside of the ring-shaped wall structure for secure contact with a lateral surface of the liquid reservoir.
  • a circumferential seal is provided on the inside of the ring-shaped wall structure, which is intended to rest against a lateral surface of the liquid reservoir and which, together with the lateral surface and the base section of the liquid reservoir, delimits an isolated pressure chamber.
  • a thread structure is provided on the inside of the ring-shaped wall structure for secure contact with a lateral surface of the liquid reservoir, the thread structure having an inner diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the lateral surface.
  • an adhesive element is provided, which is adhesively attached to at least one contact surface.
  • This at least one contact surface can be provided on the bottom section of the liquid reservoir or on the bottom of the receiving space.
  • the side of the wall structure pointing inwards is preferably free of adhesive surfaces, so that an adhesive connection is created exclusively on the bottom section. This makes handling easier and allows the sensor unit to be used with liquid reservoirs of different diameters.
  • the adhesive element is attached to the other contact surface without an adhesive connection
  • the adhesive element is designed as an adhesive element provided with adhesive surfaces on both sides, so that it is adhesively attached to both the contact surface of the base section and the base of the receiving space is.
  • the adhesive surface adhering to the bottom of the receiving space has a greater separating force than the adhesive surface adhering to the bottom section of the liquid reservoir.
  • the adhesive element therefore remains attached to the sensor unit when the sensor unit is separated from the liquid reservoir and is reused as intended if the remaining adhesive force permits this.
  • the greater separating force on the side of the base section can be brought about, among other things, by the design of the respective surfaces and/or by a contact area of different size.
  • the adhesive element can be formed from a polymer gel with adhesive properties.
  • Such adhesive elements retain their adhesive power over a long period of time and are therefore particularly well suited for reusability.
  • the adhesive element is preferably arranged in such a way that it lies against the floor of the receiving space. It can cover this area. However, an annular structure with a central cutout is preferred. This makes assembly easier. In addition, in the case of conventional bottom portions of liquid reservoirs, which have a central recess, no adhesion is possible in the middle, so that the ring structure does not cause deterioration in holding power.
  • At least one radially displaceable clamping surface is provided in the area of the wall structure of the sensor unit, which can be moved by radial displacement on the lateral surface of the liquid reservoir and clamps it in such a way that it is sufficiently difficult to separate the liquid reservoir from the sensor unit in order to remain secured to it during normal everyday stress.
  • At least two clamping surfaces must be provided in order to achieve the desired clamping effect, of which, however, only one has to be radially movable. It is advantageous if more than two clamping surfaces are provided, so that the liquid reservoir is held more securely as a result. In a clamping state, the at least two clamping surfaces press from the outside onto the lateral surface of the liquid reservoir, so that the liquid reservoir is held by the clamping surfaces in a frictionally engaged manner. In addition, the clamping surfaces can also bring about a positive fit if the bottom section of the liquid reservoir has an enlarged cross section, above which the clamping surfaces are in contact with the lateral surface.
  • This second variant includes both configurations in which the clamping surface or surfaces can be deflected by a switching means so that the liquid reservoir is subsequently inserted into the receiving space, and configurations in which the clamping surfaces are deflected by the insertion of the liquid reservoir.
  • the clamping surfaces can preferably be shifted relative to one another in such a way that liquid containers with different diameters can be held securely. It is particularly preferably provided that at least liquid reservoirs with a diameter that differs by 5% can be held securely.
  • a possible design of the second variant of the invention provides that a plurality of discrete clamping surfaces are distributed around the circumference, in particular two, four, six or eight clamping surfaces.
  • Discrete clamping surfaces are understood to mean that areas are provided between these clamping surfaces in which the sensor unit does not bear against the lateral surface.
  • the discrete clamping surfaces are preferably at least in part portions of a one-piece component. As explained above, not all clamping surfaces have to be radially displaceable. However, it is preferably provided that all clamping surfaces can be displaced radially, for example by means of a common tensioning element, as will be explained below.
  • the at least one clamping surface is formed by a single clamping surface spanning the lateral surface by more than 180° or by a helical clamping surface.
  • a clamping surface can develop the clamping effect by being elastic due to Deformation exerts a radial force on the liquid reservoir circumferentially or over a large angular range.
  • a clamping surface that encompasses the lateral surface by more than 180° alone can develop the desired clamping effect.
  • a helical clamping surface with at least one turn can rest circumferentially on the outer surface of the liquid reservoir.
  • the at least one clamping surface is preferably provided on an at least partially radially elastically deflectable clamping element. This allows the liquid reservoir to be pushed into the receiving space against the restoring force of the clamping element without additional switching means. If a switching means is present, configurations are also possible in which the elasticity of the components of the clamping mechanism is not important.
  • At least one clamping element is designed as a clamping element formed in one piece with the ring-shaped wall structure.
  • several or all of the clamping elements can be formed in one piece with the wall structure.
  • the clamping elements provided in one piece with the wall structure are preferably provided with a radially compressible deformation area. In particular, this preforming area is preferably formed by one-piece partial sections of the wall structure.
  • At least one clamping element that is separate from the ring-shaped wall structure can also be provided, which can be deflected or expanded relative to the ring-shaped wall structure in order to allow the liquid reservoir to be inserted. It can be provided in particular that the clamping element is manually deflected or expanded by a switching means before the liquid reservoir is then inserted into the receiving space.
  • this clamping element is designed as an expandable ring which at least largely surrounds the liquid reservoir, or as an expandable torsion spring which at least once surrounds the liquid reservoir.
  • one end of the ring or the torsion spring is fixed to the ring-shaped wall structure or directly to this wall structure and the other end of the ring or the torsion spring is movable to expand the ring or the torsion spring, with this other end preferably having a Handle is connected to conveniently shift the end in the circumferential direction to be able to and thereby expand the inner diameter of the ring or the torsion spring elastically.
  • Another preferred design provides that at least two clamping surfaces are provided, which are arranged opposite one another on the inside of a circumferential clamping ring.
  • this clamping ring In the maximally elastically relaxed state, this clamping ring has an oval shape which can be elastically deformed in the direction of a circular shape by direct or indirect application of radial force.
  • the oval shape has a semi-minor axis that is smaller than the diameter of the liquid reservoir.
  • clamping rings are preferably arranged rotationally offset relative to one another or can be rotated into a rotationally offset arrangement, so that the liquid reservoir is clamped in the clamped state by at least four clamping surfaces distributed around the circumference.
  • the clamping rings can be rotated, provision can be made for the clamping rings to be deformed in a matching angular position for inserting the liquid reservoir and for one of the clamping rings to be rotated after the liquid reservoir has been clamped, for example by 90°.
  • the clamping rings can be arranged in such a way that the larger semi-axes of the maximally relaxed oval shapes are set against one another at a fixed angle, preferably at 90°.
  • the application of force for the purpose of expanding in the direction of a round shape also takes place offset by this angle.
  • switching elements for manual application of force can be provided, with these switching elements preferably protruding through the ring-shaped wall structure and/or with these switching elements preferably being attached in one piece to the respective clamping rings.
  • switching elements are preferably switching elements that can be pressed in radially for the purpose of deforming the ring elements.
  • the switching elements can be provided, in particular, at opposite ends of the oval ring shape, aligned with the large semi-axis of the oval shape.
  • At least one switching element that is movable relative to the wall structure is provided for applying force to the at least one clamping ring, which switching element is designed as a separate component from the clamping ring is.
  • a force application surface for applying a force to the at least one clamping ring is provided on the inside of this switching element, which is separate from the clamping ring.
  • said switching element is designed as a rotatable and preferably circumferential switching ring.
  • This switching ring is intended to be twisted for the purpose of expanding the at least one clamping ring.
  • the force-application surface provided on the switching element is preferably a sliding surface that is inclined relative to the direction of rotation, so that there is an indirect radial displacement of the clamping ring and, associated therewith, a deformation.
  • a switching element as a common switching element can deform both clamping rings at the same time by means of corresponding sliding surfaces and thus produce the non-clamping state suitable for inserting the liquid reservoir in a particularly convenient manner.
  • the clamping surface is formed by an inner surface of a clamping element, which consists of an elastically compressible material and preferably has a circumferential sleeve structure.
  • a clamping element which consists of an elastically compressible material and preferably has a circumferential sleeve structure.
  • foam or a similar material can be used here.
  • the compression hardness of the material is preferably a maximum of 6 kilopascals.
  • the thickness of the material in the uncompressed state is preferably at least 0.5 mm, particularly preferably at least 1 mm. Larger thicknesses can also be expedient, in particular to improve the usability of the sensor unit for liquid reservoirs with different diameters.
  • the particularly sleeve-shaped clamping element or the multiple clamping elements are provided on the inside of the wall structure of the wall structure.
  • a combination with the above-mentioned adhesive element can be advantageous, so that the liquid reservoir is held on the one hand by the adhesive element by the adhesive effect and on the other hand is supported laterally by the compressible clamping element and held in a friction-locked manner.
  • a further design of the second variant of the invention provides that an at least axially movable clamping sleeve is provided, wherein the clamping sleeve can in particular be a threaded sleeve which can be displaced in a superimposed rotational and axial movement.
  • the threaded sleeve is preferably provided with a gripping surface on the outside in order to be turned manually, so that the axial displacement takes place indirectly.
  • a plurality of clamping surfaces is provided, which are radially displaced by axial displacement of the clamping sleeve in order to contact the outer surface of the liquid reservoir from the outside and clamp it.
  • These clamping elements can be provided on a component that is separate from the clamping sleeve. In particular, however, they are preferably provided on the clamping sleeve itself.
  • the radial displacement of the clamping surfaces takes place in particular via a wedge drive, through which the axial movement of the clamping sleeve is converted into the radial movement of the clamping surfaces.
  • the sensor unit is designed in such a way that, together with the liquid reservoir, it forms an at least temporarily isolated pressure chamber.
  • This pressure chamber holds the liquid reservoir in that when the liquid reservoir is pulled out, a negative pressure is formed or increased in the pressure chamber, which makes it difficult to pull it out.
  • the sensor unit is provided with a sealing lip that isolates the pressure chamber when the liquid reservoir is pushed in, but at least partially reduces the resulting overpressure by briefly detaching the sealing lip from the lateral surface. This ensures that a subsequent pulling out causes the negative pressure described to arise.
  • the pressure chamber has a volumetrically variable sub-chamber, the volume of which can be changed manually by means of a switching element. This allows the liquid reservoir to be pushed in with a minimum volume of the partial space and to enlarge the partial space after it has been pushed in, so that the negative pressure is increased as a result.
  • Another possibility for developing the third variant of a sensor unit according to the invention is to provide a pressure equalization channel that connects the pressure chamber to an environment, with a manually switchable valve also being provided, by means of which the pressure equalization channel can be closed, so that the pressure chamber is isolated as a result.
  • the valve is closed so that the pressure chamber is isolated and a negative pressure counteracts a tensile force on the liquid reservoir. If the liquid reservoir is to be changed, the valve is opened and the liquid reservoir can be easily pulled out while the pressure is equalized at the same time.
  • the valve is preferably biased to the closed position by spring force and is opened by manual application of force.
  • the sensor unit is designed with a thread structure designed as an internal thread.
  • the thread structure can be formed from individual helical sections or from one or more continuous thread turns.
  • the liquid reservoir can provide corresponding depressions in the form of an external thread, which are already introduced here during production.
  • the liquid reservoir has a circular-cylindrical lateral surface, since this is usually the case with liquid reservoirs that are not specifically adapted to sensor units.
  • the lateral surface is then compressed at least to a small extent in the area of the thread structure of the sensor unit. It is also possible to design the thread structure on the sensor unit with such sharp edges that it cuts a thread here when it is screwed onto the liquid reservoir.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B show a sensor unit 10 according to the invention, which is intended to be attached to the bottom section 104 of the liquid reservoir 102 of a liquid dispenser 100.
  • the Figures 1A and 1B as well as the following Figures 2A to 2D initially serve the purpose of clarifying the basic functionality.
  • the respective fixing means for fastening the base section 104 of the liquid reservoir 102 are shown in the further figures.
  • FIG. 1A The basic design of a sensor unit 10 according to the invention looks accordingly Figure 1A suggest that the sensor unit 10 has an approximately bowl-like structure with a receiving space floor 14 and a surrounding wall structure 12 .
  • the wall structure 12 is shown as a peripheral wall structure in the exemplary embodiments, constructions are also possible in which interruptions are provided in the wall structure. For example, three elements each extending over 90° and spaced apart circumferentially can likewise form a wall structure within the meaning of the invention.
  • a sensor unit 10 has electronic components which are used to record the handling of the liquid dispenser 100 .
  • Examples are shown in Figure 1B a circuit board 20 on which a battery 21, a microprocessor 22, sensors 23 to 25, a radio communication module 26 and a status LED 27 are provided. These electronic components are arranged in a base area of sensor unit 10 , which is delimited on the outside by a housing 18 .
  • the electronic components permit the acquisition of sensor data in order to acquire sensor data and sensor data trends characteristic of the handling and/or actuation of the liquid dispenser.
  • these sensors are, for example, a movement sensor 23, which can detect the position and acceleration of the sensor unit 10, an acoustic sensor 24, which can detect noises associated with actuation or handling, and a temperature sensor 25, which can be used, for example, to detect a rise in temperature associated with grasping the dispenser.
  • the microprocessor 22 processes the data from the sensors, and in the simplest case this processing can be limited to wireless transmission via the communication device 26, for example transmission to the user's smartphone or to an evaluation server. For other configurations it is also conceivable for the microprocessor 22 to carry out the evaluation of the data itself, without the need for communication with an external system for this purpose.
  • the collection of data for handling can serve various purposes.
  • the detection can serve to identify usage processes and to check correct handling by the user.
  • a sensor unit 10 of the type described in order to implement a counter via this, by means of which the user can estimate how many applications are still possible with the liquid in the liquid reservoir 102 .
  • a display device is also provided in addition to the electronic components described.
  • FIGS. 2A to 2D illustrate the intended use of a sensor unit 10.
  • a liquid dispenser 100 is inserted with the bottom section 104 of its liquid reservoir 102 into the receiving space 16 of the sensor unit 10, where a firm hold is ensured by means of the means described below.
  • the sensor unit can be manually switched between a jammed and a non-jammed state. In such cases, the liquid reservoir 102 is pushed in after the non-jammed state has first been brought about. Subsequently, the sensor unit 10 is then transferred to the clamped state.
  • the insertion takes place without prior preparation of the sensor unit 10, for example by elastically deflectable elements being deflected themselves during insertion and then exerting a clamping force on the inserted liquid reservoir 102.
  • the medication dispenser can be used as intended, with the sensor unit always being moved as a result of being attached to the liquid reservoir.
  • a use of the liquid dispenser 100 is exemplary for a drop dispenser in Figure 2C clarified.
  • the liquid reservoir 102 is designed as a squeeze bottle. If, in the illustrated overhead position of the liquid dispenser 100 with the coupled sensor unit 10, the lateral surface 106 of the liquid reservoir 102 is subjected to a force on both sides, this can cause droplets to be discharged.
  • the liquid dispenser 100 is detached as a whole from the sensor unit 10, as shown in FIG 2D is shown.
  • the liquid reservoir 102 can be pulled out of the sensor unit 10 without any problems, depending on the configuration after the sensor unit has been brought into the non-jammed state.
  • the aim is for sensor units according to the invention to have a pulling force of more than 5 Newtons for pulling out the liquid reservoir 102 from the fastened or clamped state, so that unintentional separation is usually not to be expected.
  • the sensor unit 10 can be attached to a new liquid dispenser 100 .
  • the electronic components are designed in particular to detect the change in position of the liquid dispenser 100 in connection with a discharge. That's how it is Figure 2C it is easy to see that the dispenser assumes a characteristic position when it is used for dispensing. This position and possibly movement sequences until this position is reached or after this position has been reached can be recognized and evaluated as a sign of a discharge taking place.
  • the sensor unit 10 can have sensors or be connected to additional sensors in order to detect the actuation or the discharge itself, for example by means of the acoustic sensor 24 described or a sensor module that is structurally separate from the sensor unit 10 for detecting drops in the area of the discharge opening 112. Es However, for many applications it is sufficient to merely analyze the movement sequence of the liquid dispenser 100 with the coupled sensor unit 10 in order to detect a discharge process with sufficient certainty.
  • FIGS 3A to 3C 12 show a first embodiment of a sensor unit 10 and the liquid reservoir 102 coupled thereto to create a permanent but detachable connection.
  • an annular adhesive element 40 is provided on the receiving space floor 14 .
  • This has adhesive adhesive surfaces 42, 44 on its top and bottom.
  • the adhesive element 40 can be an adhesive made from a polymer gel with adhesive properties. With the lower adhesive surface 42, the adhesive element 40 adheres to the receiving space floor 14. With the upper adhesive surface 44, the adhesive element 40 adheres in the state of Figure 3B at the bottom portion 104 of the liquid reservoir 102.
  • the ring shape simplifies assembly and does not lead to a significant reduction in the contact surface in the case of the bottom sections 104 of conventional medication bottles, which are typically provided with a depression.
  • the adhesive element 40 is preferably attached more strongly to the receiving space floor 14 than to the liquid reservoir 102 due to the larger adhesive surface or the respective material properties. If the liquid reservoir 102 is intentionally pulled out of the sensor unit 10, the adhesive element therefore remains on the sensor unit 10. A new liquid dispenser 100 with liquid reservoir 102 can then be pressed against the adhesive surface 44 in order to achieve a strong hold again.
  • the aforementioned polymer gel with adhesive properties allows the same sensor unit 10 to be attached to new liquid reservoirs 102 before the adhesive force no longer permits this, given a suitable choice of polymer gel, usually several times, in particular at least five to ten times. In that case the user can use a new adhesive element 40 .
  • the Figures 4A to 4C show a configuration of the sensor unit 10 in which a total of twelve clamping elements 66 are provided on the inside of the wall structure 12, which have a deformation area 68 with surface elements angled towards one another and an inside clamping surface 50.
  • the clamping surfaces 50 are arranged circumferentially, being in the state of Figure 4A together define a diameter that is less than the diameter of the liquid reservoir 102 . If the liquid reservoir 102 in the in Figure 4B is pressed into the sensor unit 10 as can be seen, the deformation regions 68 are deformed in the process, since the clamping surfaces 50 are pressed radially outwards. As a result of this elastic deformation of the deformation regions 68, a clamping force acts from the clamping elements 66 on the lateral surface 106 of the liquid reservoir 102, so that the latter is sufficiently held.
  • FIGS 5A to 5C show another design.
  • the special feature of this design of the sensor unit 10 lies in the fact that a torsion spring 60 is arranged in the edge area of the receiving space 16 .
  • a leg end 60A of this leg spring 60 is fixedly attached to the wall structure 12 of the sensor unit 10 .
  • the other leg end 60B is attached to a handle 62 movable in the circumferential direction of the sensor unit 10 .
  • the illustrated torsion spring 60 is shown with 2.5 turns, a smaller number of turns can also be provided. If only 1.5 turns are provided, then by shifting the leg end 60B by only 20° using the handle 62, the inner diameter can be increased by approximately 4%.
  • FIGS. 6A to 6C show a design in which a foam ring 70 is inserted as a clamping element on the inside of the wall structure 12 .
  • This foam ring 70 forms a clamping surface 54 with its inside. If the liquid reservoir 102 is pushed into the receiving space 16, then Figure 6B As can be seen, the foam ring 70 is radially compressed so that the required holding force is achieved. If sufficient force is applied, however, the liquid reservoir 102 can be pulled out of the sensor unit 10 and the clamping element 70 located there in order to change it.
  • the clamping element 70 can be fixed to the wall structure 12 in a manner not shown in detail by mechanical means or by an adhesive. Alternatively, the foam ring 70 can also have a certain oversize on the outside in order to remain securely in the receiving space 16 without additional fixing means. This has the advantage that the foam ring 70 can be changed if necessary.
  • a clamping element in the form of a clamping ring 74 which is approximately oval in the relaxed state is provided in the receiving space 16 .
  • Switching elements 76 are provided at two opposite ends of this clamping ring 74, which extend through openings in the wall structure 12 (not shown in detail) and can thus be subjected to a force from the outside.
  • an application of force in the area of the switching elements 76 towards one another leads to a deformation of the clamping ring 74 in the direction of a more circular shape.
  • the liquid storage 102 are inserted into the receiving space 16.
  • the clamping ring 74 If the force is then no longer applied to the switching elements 76, the clamping ring 74 returns elastically to its starting position as far as the inserted liquid reservoir 102 allows.
  • the inside of the clamping ring 74 forms two clamping surfaces 56, each offset by 90° to the switching elements 76, which rest against the liquid reservoir 102 and clamp it.
  • the switching elements 76 are pressed in again, the clamping surfaces 56 detach from the lateral surface 106 of the liquid reservoir 102 and the liquid reservoir 102 can be pulled out of the receiving space 16 largely without force.
  • FIG. 8A to 8D The design of Figures 8A to 8D is similar to the design of Figures 7A to 7D kind. However, two clamping rings 74A, 74B are provided here, which are offset from one another by 90° and which each have switching elements 76A, 76B. The functioning of each individual clamping ring 74A, 74B is identical to the aforementioned exemplary embodiment. The special feature is that a total of four clamping surfaces 56 are formed by the two clamping rings 74A, 74B, which bear against the outside of the liquid reservoir 102 after the switching elements 76A, 76B are released.
  • a clamping sleeve 82 is placed on the wall structure 12 of the sensor unit 10, the outside of which is formed by a gripping surface 82A.
  • the clamping sleeve 82 is attached to the housing 18 of the sensor unit 10 by means of a thread 84 .
  • On the inside of the clamping sleeve 82 a total of twelve clamping arms 86 are distributed circumferentially provided, the distal End is formed by clamping surfaces 58 on the inside.
  • the clamping arms 86 rest against a wedge surface 19 of the housing, whereby the clamping process Figures 10D and 10E is made possible.
  • Figure 10D shows the unstressed and therefore not jammed state, in which the liquid reservoir 102 can be inserted and removed without any problems.
  • the clamping sleeve 80 is further screwed onto the housing 18 after the liquid reservoir 102 has been inserted.
  • the clamping arms 86 slide off the wedge surface 19 of the housing 18 so that they are in the in Figure 10E Illustrated manner from the outside against the lateral surface of the liquid reservoir 102 and thereby securely fasten the liquid reservoir 102.
  • the receiving space 16 has a peripheral sealing element 90 on the inside of the wall structure 12 .
  • This sealing element 90 results in the majority of the receiving space 16 forming a pressure space 92 that is isolated from the environment when the liquid reservoir 102 is inserted. If ambient pressure prevails in the pressure chamber 92, then if the liquid reservoir 102 is unintentionally pulled out, a negative pressure forms here, which counteracts the pulling out of the liquid reservoir 102.
  • a pressure compensation channel 94 is provided, which can be closed by a valve 96 and is also usually closed due to a spring force. However, by pressing a button 97, the pressure compensation channel 94 can be opened. In this open state, the liquid reservoir 102 can then be pushed in without an overpressure forming in the pressure chamber 92 . If the liquid reservoir 102 is fully pushed in, the valve 96 is closed and the liquid reservoir is held securely. In addition to the negative pressure that forms in the pressure chamber 92 when the liquid reservoir is pulled out, the sealing element 90 as such also makes it more difficult to pull out the liquid reservoir 102 .
  • Figures 12A to 12C in turn provides that a sealing element 90 creates a pressure chamber 92 that is isolated from the environment after the liquid reservoir 102 has been pushed in.
  • the special feature here is that in addition to the pressure chamber 92 that has already emerged from the previous example, an additional partial chamber 92B is also provided, the volume of which can be changed via a piston switching element 98 . If this switching element is pressed in by means of a button 99 when inserting the liquid reservoir, the volume of the partial space 92B is small.
  • the button 99 is released after the liquid reservoir has been inserted, the partial space 92B enlarges and the pressure in the pressure space 92 is reduced, so that the removal of the liquid reservoir 102 is made even more difficult.
  • the sensor unit 10 has a thread structure 46 on the inside of the wall structure 12 . This has an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the lateral surface 106 of the liquid reservoir 102.
  • the liquid reservoir 102 has no corresponding external thread. Nevertheless, it allows the sensor unit 10 to be unscrewed, with local helical compression occurring on the outside of the lateral surface 106 . If a suitable material is selected and/or if the thread structure 46 is sufficiently sharp-edged, the thread structure 46 can press into the lateral surface 106 in such a way that an external thread 108 is formed as a result.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
  • Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
EP21203894.7A 2021-10-21 2021-10-21 Unité de capteur destinée à être fixée à un distributeur de liquide et distributeur de liquide doté d'une telle unité de capteur Pending EP4169500A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21203894.7A EP4169500A1 (fr) 2021-10-21 2021-10-21 Unité de capteur destinée à être fixée à un distributeur de liquide et distributeur de liquide doté d'une telle unité de capteur
US18/701,389 US20240407972A1 (en) 2021-10-21 2022-10-05 Sensor unit for attachment to a liquid dispenser, and liquid dispenser comprising such a sensor unit
EP22801370.2A EP4419061A2 (fr) 2021-10-21 2022-10-05 Unité de détection destinée à être placée sur un distributeur de liquide et distributeur de liquide doté d'une telle unité de détection
PCT/EP2022/077729 WO2023066667A2 (fr) 2021-10-21 2022-10-05 Unité de détection destinée à être placée sur un distributeur de liquide et distributeur de liquide doté d'une telle unité de détection
CN202280070198.3A CN118119368A (zh) 2021-10-21 2022-10-05 用于安装在液体分配器处的传感器单元和带有这样的传感器单元的液体分配器

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21203894.7A EP4169500A1 (fr) 2021-10-21 2021-10-21 Unité de capteur destinée à être fixée à un distributeur de liquide et distributeur de liquide doté d'une telle unité de capteur

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4169500A1 true EP4169500A1 (fr) 2023-04-26

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Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21203894.7A Pending EP4169500A1 (fr) 2021-10-21 2021-10-21 Unité de capteur destinée à être fixée à un distributeur de liquide et distributeur de liquide doté d'une telle unité de capteur
EP22801370.2A Pending EP4419061A2 (fr) 2021-10-21 2022-10-05 Unité de détection destinée à être placée sur un distributeur de liquide et distributeur de liquide doté d'une telle unité de détection

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EP22801370.2A Pending EP4419061A2 (fr) 2021-10-21 2022-10-05 Unité de détection destinée à être placée sur un distributeur de liquide et distributeur de liquide doté d'une telle unité de détection

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20240407972A1 (fr)
EP (2) EP4169500A1 (fr)
CN (1) CN118119368A (fr)
WO (1) WO2023066667A2 (fr)

Cited By (3)

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WO2023208569A1 (fr) * 2022-04-26 2023-11-02 Aptar Radolfzell Gmbh Distributeur et unité d'évaluation associée
WO2023208568A1 (fr) * 2022-04-26 2023-11-02 Aptar Radolfzell Gmbh Distributeur et son unité d'analyse
EP4408586A4 (fr) * 2021-09-28 2025-01-15 Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc Dispositif de retenue de tube à pompe à vide dotée d'une came à disque

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US20040241041A1 (en) * 1998-09-15 2004-12-02 Archie Woodworth Apparatus and method for fabricating a reconstitution assembly
DE69921659T2 (de) * 1998-08-05 2005-11-03 Kong, Carl Cheung Tung, Los Angeles Volumenvariable flasche und zugehöriges medizinisches flüssigkeitsinfusionsystem
WO2014004437A1 (fr) * 2012-06-25 2014-01-03 Gecko Health Innovations, Inc. Dispositifs, systèmes et procédés pour surveillance de l'adhésion et interaction de patient
US20150061867A1 (en) * 2013-08-28 2015-03-05 Gecko Health Innovations, Inc. Devices, systems, and methods for adherence monitoring and devices, systems, and methods for monitoring use of consumable dispensers
US20150173945A1 (en) * 2012-10-23 2015-06-25 Kali Care, Inc. Portable management and monitoring system for eye drop medication regiment
US20160220180A1 (en) * 2015-01-29 2016-08-04 Kali Care, Inc. Monitoring adherence to a medication regimen using a sensor
US9452256B2 (en) * 2014-07-21 2016-09-27 Medtronic Minimed, Inc. Smart connection interface
US20180072505A1 (en) * 2016-09-09 2018-03-15 The Procter & Gamble Company Vacuum Holder and Carrier with Autonomous Vacuum
US20180353327A1 (en) * 2017-06-09 2018-12-13 Kali Care, Inc. Universal modular attachments for eye drop containers
US20190307648A1 (en) * 2016-10-07 2019-10-10 Boehringer Ingelheim International Gmbh System and method for medication adherence management

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE69921659T2 (de) * 1998-08-05 2005-11-03 Kong, Carl Cheung Tung, Los Angeles Volumenvariable flasche und zugehöriges medizinisches flüssigkeitsinfusionsystem
US20040241041A1 (en) * 1998-09-15 2004-12-02 Archie Woodworth Apparatus and method for fabricating a reconstitution assembly
WO2014004437A1 (fr) * 2012-06-25 2014-01-03 Gecko Health Innovations, Inc. Dispositifs, systèmes et procédés pour surveillance de l'adhésion et interaction de patient
US20150173945A1 (en) * 2012-10-23 2015-06-25 Kali Care, Inc. Portable management and monitoring system for eye drop medication regiment
US20150061867A1 (en) * 2013-08-28 2015-03-05 Gecko Health Innovations, Inc. Devices, systems, and methods for adherence monitoring and devices, systems, and methods for monitoring use of consumable dispensers
US9452256B2 (en) * 2014-07-21 2016-09-27 Medtronic Minimed, Inc. Smart connection interface
US20160220180A1 (en) * 2015-01-29 2016-08-04 Kali Care, Inc. Monitoring adherence to a medication regimen using a sensor
US20180072505A1 (en) * 2016-09-09 2018-03-15 The Procter & Gamble Company Vacuum Holder and Carrier with Autonomous Vacuum
US20190307648A1 (en) * 2016-10-07 2019-10-10 Boehringer Ingelheim International Gmbh System and method for medication adherence management
US20180353327A1 (en) * 2017-06-09 2018-12-13 Kali Care, Inc. Universal modular attachments for eye drop containers

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4408586A4 (fr) * 2021-09-28 2025-01-15 Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc Dispositif de retenue de tube à pompe à vide dotée d'une came à disque
WO2023208569A1 (fr) * 2022-04-26 2023-11-02 Aptar Radolfzell Gmbh Distributeur et unité d'évaluation associée
WO2023208568A1 (fr) * 2022-04-26 2023-11-02 Aptar Radolfzell Gmbh Distributeur et son unité d'analyse

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP4419061A2 (fr) 2024-08-28
WO2023066667A2 (fr) 2023-04-27
CN118119368A (zh) 2024-05-31
US20240407972A1 (en) 2024-12-12
WO2023066667A3 (fr) 2023-06-15

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