Wearable Electronic Substance Dispenser with Interchangeable Parts and Operating Method
20210283627 · 2021-09-16
Inventors
- Daniel Andrinal Lopez (Madrid, ES)
- Ramón Ignacio Cisneros De Los Arcos (Madrid, ES)
- Helga Seyler´ (Madrid, ES)
US classification
- 1/1
Cpc classification
A61M15/08 A61M15/08
A61M2230/208 A61M2230/208
A61M11/007 A61M11/007
A61M2205/8206 A61M2205/8206
A61M2205/3592 A61M2205/3592
A61M2205/8243 A61M2205/8243
A61L9/14 A61L9/14
A45F2005/008 A45F2005/008
A61M2205/505 A61M2205/505
A61M2205/3324 A61M2205/3324
A61M2210/0612 A61M2210/0612
A61M2210/0625 A61M2210/0625
A61M2205/3569 A61M2205/3569
A61M11/005 A61M11/005
A61M2205/3303 A61M2205/3303
A61M2205/582 A61M2205/582
B05B17/0646 B05B17/0646
A61M2205/3368 A61M2205/3368
A45D34/02 A45D34/02
A45D2034/005 A45D2034/005
B05B9/08 B05B9/08
A61M2205/3375 A61M2205/3375
A61M2230/06 A61M2230/06
A61L2209/111 A61L2209/111
A44C15/002 A44C15/002
A61M2209/088 A61M2209/088
A61M2210/0618 A61M2210/0618
A61M15/0003 A61M15/0003
A61M11/00 A61M11/00
A61M2205/6054 A61M2205/6054
A61L2209/133 A61L2209/133
A61M2205/276 A61M2205/276
B05B17/0669 B05B17/0669
A61M2230/65 A61M2230/65
A61M2230/50 A61M2230/50
A61M15/003 A61M15/003
A61M15/0085 A61M15/0085
A44C5/0007 A44C5/0007
International classification
Abstract
Disclosed are methods and wearable electronic devices for dispensing substances, it being possible to release the substances by means of a diffuser or atomiser system. The device, which has a function that allows the wearing of swappable capsules containing substances, comprises specific connectors that allow the complete modularity of the capsules, of the display/control pane and of the straps, thereby permitting the device to be fully personalised and optimised. The tightening/loosening and attachment system allows the device to be secured to a body automatically and intuitively. Of note is the inclusion of motors, sensors, readers and antennas in the system, which allow sensory impact to be integrated into the use experience (emission of visual, haptic or olfactory signals). In addition, communication and identification systems integrated into the elements provide interoperability between same, with other devices and between users.
Claims
1. A wearable substance dispenser device with interchangeable parts comprising: a. at least one interchangeable capsule (5, 8) containing at least one substance and operatively linked to a processor, a base (4), a plurality of straps (3a,3b) and a substance dispenser; b. wherein the processor is programmed to receive electronic information, generate and send an electronic instruction to temporarily activate one or several parts connected to the device; c. the base (4) to which the at least one interchangeable capsule (8) is connected and that supports an interchangeable display/control panel (1) in a recess (11) and that, in turn, includes sensors, readers, data, power and wave storage and transmission systems, and is operatively linked to the processor and to the parts connected to a wearable dispenser device; d. the substance dispenser system operatively linked to the interchangeable capsule(s) (5, 8) and to the processor, and that includes at least one electronic particle dispenser and a spray propellant mechanism; e. the interchangeable display/control panel (1) operatively linked to the processor and the base (4) through temporary connections (12), so that it secures the interchangeable capsule (8) and acts as a user interface information display; f. a primary strap (3a) configured to secure the wearable dispenser to a body and that operatively links the base (4), the processor and the interchangeable capsules (5,8) to the parts connected to that strap (3a) via a bus and integrated connections (14, 15a, 26); g. the secondary strap (3b) configured, along with the primary strap (3a), to secure the wearable dispenser to a body and, in turn, operatively link the interchangeable capsule (8) to the parts connected to that strap (3b) via integrated connections (15b); h. at least one connector (2) operatively coupled and connected to at least one of the primary strap (3a), the secondary strap (3b), the base (4) and the interchangeable capsule(s) (5,8); i. a tightening/loosening and securing system operatively linked to the processor, the base (4), the dispenser system, the primary strap and the secondary strap (3a, 3b), and that activates the movement of at least one of the straps (3a, 3b).
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] The objects, characteristics and advantages of this invention will be made clear in the following detailed description. However, it must be remembered that the detailed description and the examples given are for illustrative purposes only, despite indicating specific versions of the invention, as different changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will be clear to experts in the field based on this detailed description.
[0038] This invention combines several concepts: a wearable substance receptacle and dispenser, a smart electronic device and a decorative capsule holder that is both wearable and personalisable. Furthermore, the invention describes a method for dispensing substances, which allows for the complete personalisation of the use and appearance of the device (information displayed on display/control panel, device appearance and dispensing) and the use and personalisation of different connectivity functions. The electronic components of the device allow for controlled dispensing of the substance(s) contained in the capsules, and have a sensory-based impact on the user experience (through the output of visual, tactile and olfactory signals and/or a combination thereof) which provide greater personalisation for use and for the device in itself, in comparison with prior inventions.
[0039] The most innovative parts of the device in relation to devices and inventions found in the background information are described below:
[0040] Shown in
[0041] Shown in
[0042] Shown in
[0043] Shown in
[0044] Shown in
[0045] Shown in
[0046] Shown in
[0047] Interchangeable capsules. The capsules (8, 5—
[0048] These interchangeable capsules can incorporate a data communication/identification/storage system (9—
[0049] Base. The base (4—
[0050] The base components can be inside it, housed in and/or connected to it, and/or partially integrated into it. The base (4—
[0051] Interchangeable display/control panel (1—
[0052]
[0053] Dispenser system (diffuser/atomiser) (
[0054] The electronic dispenser system (diffuser/atomiser,
[0055] The function of the atomisation system (
[0056] Tightening/loosening and securing system (
[0057] Based on this structure, the invention foresees an operating method of the wearable device (
[0058] In some versions, the electronic information received in the processor can also generate electronic instructions with additional functions, such as the personalisation of the information of a user interface, and interaction with the user and/or with other devices or users. For example, the capsule fitted in the device can send electronic information to the processor via connectivity elements, and this information is then processed as an electronic instruction to personalise the information displayed on the display panel. In another example, data from a pH sensor can be received and processed in the processor, leading to an electronic instruction to emit a specific tactile signal to the user of the need to dispense substance.
[0059] In other versions, the electronic information received in the processor of the wearable dispenser can generate electronic instructions to temporarily activate any element of the wearable dispenser, such as the particle propellant system and the tightening/loosening and securing system.
[0060] The following description of the preferential version of the invention and/or of any structural part thereof, as explained in this patent, gives an indication as to how they are at least configured in this way, but they can also be configured in a different manner that is not included in this description.
[0061] The device of the invention is made up of the following removable and interchangeable parts (see
[0062] The following are the preferential versions of the electronic dispensing modes for the substances contained in the interchangeable capsules of the device.
[0063] Atomisation system (DIRECT MODE). Electromagnetic system that allows for substances to be sprayed through an actuator (spray) using the repulsion/attraction action of electromagnets and permanent magnets, controlled using software and an electronic connection from the motherboard/battery and through connections (14—
[0064] Diffusion system (INDIRECT MODE) System that sprays substances using ultrasounds (see
[0065] Software can be used to programme the atomisation/spray time, activate the electromagnet and valve changes, piezoelectric materials and membranes, and control the intensity and frequency of the pulses emitted. The electromagnet system and the ultrasound system may incorporate a motor and/or tactile sensor and/or ultrasound transducers (see
[0066] The following are the preferential versions of the tightening/loosening and securing system modes for the device:
[0067] In a preferential version of the invention, the primary strap (3a—
[0068] In a preferential version, the electronic connection (26—
[0069] The device, the methods, the systems described and/or claimed in this document may be produced and developed without experimentation due to the extent of this description. While the devices, systems and methods of this invention have been described in terms of specific versions, it will be clear to experts in the field that variations can be applied to the devices, systems and/or methods in their steps or in the sequences of steps of the method described in this document without diverging from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. All these replacements and similar modifications for experts in the field are considered as part of the spirit, scope and concept of the invention, as defined for the attached claims.
[0070] The term “holder” is understood in this document as the part or set of parts in the electronic device with the function of supporting, organising, connecting and also decorating and embellishing the interchangeable capsules.
[0071] The term “part” is understood in this document as the different components of the wearable substance dispenser device, which may be fixed or removable and that are connected to the device. They may also be autonomous in terms of power.
[0072] The term “incorporate” is understood in this document as the action of integrating non-interchangeable parts.
[0073] The term “base” is understood in this document as the physical mount where the interchangeable capsule and the interchangeable display/control panel are connected, and that may contain the necessary electronic components for the functionality of this device (processor, battery, motherboard, integrated circuit for the transfer of information and power, etc.).
[0074] The term “screen” is understood in this document as the set of parts that enable it to operate and that include a display panel, integrated circuits, controls and mount.
[0075] The term “display/control panel” is understood in this document as the part of the screen that contains at least one front protective surface, a touch screen or digitiser, an OLED or LCD panel, and a rear mount.
[0076] The term “straps” is understood in this document as the parts of the system that allow for the wearable to be adjusted to a body and are, in turn, the physical mount for the tightening/loosening and securing system of the device and of the spray/atomisation systems, and physical connection, electronics and fluid system between the system parts (bus).
[0077] The term “wearable substance dispenser device” is understood in this document as the set of parts that contain the electronic, mechanical and substance flow circuits required to dispense substances contained in the interchangeable capsules either autonomously or at will.
[0078] The term “substance” is understood in this document as any element capable of being stored inside the interchangeable capsules in liquid, solid or gaseous state, or a combination of these states, and that is capable, once the interchangeable capsule is connected to the device, of flowing along connection channels in the device to reach the dispenser system (spray/atomisation) to be released into the atmosphere in line with any of the spraying modes described in this document.
[0079] The term “connection” is understood in this document as the electrical, data, fluid, physical, or wireless link, or a combination of the aforementioned.
[0080] The term “spray” is understood in this document as the action of transforming a substance in particle and/or droplet form into fine mist or vapour.
[0081] The term “diffusion” is understood in this document as the combination of the actions of spraying and dispersing the substance in the environment.
[0082] The term “operative link” is understood in this document as the physical or logical link between parts, devices and/or combinations thereof to fulfil a specific role.
[0083] The term “device security system” is understood in this document as the mechanism that prevents the wearable from being used illegitimately, that prevents accidental leakage from the device after it has been correctly secured and connected, and that allows for the flow of power to any part of the device to be opened or closed.
[0084] The term “user interface” is understood in this document as the medium (physical or logical) of the wearable for the interaction of one or several users with this device.
[0085] The term “bus” is understood in this document as the set of conductors and channels in the device to distribute power, information, and substance flow between the parts of the device.
[0086] The invention includes:
[0087] (1) A wearable substance dispenser device with interchangeable parts that comprises:
[0088] a. at least one interchangeable capsule (5, 8) containing at least one substance and operatively linked to a processor and/or a base (4), and/or to straps (3a,3b) and/or to a substance dispenser;
[0089] b. the processor programmed to receive electronic information, generate and send an electronic instruction to temporarily activate one or several parts connected to the device;
[0090] c. the base (4) to which the interchangeable capsule (8) is connected and that supports an interchangeable display/control panel (1) in a recess (11) and that, in turn, includes sensors, readers, data, power and wave storage and transmission systems, and is operatively linked to the processor and/or the parts connected to the wearable dispenser device;
[0091] d. the substance dispenser system operatively linked to the interchangeable capsule(s) (5, 8) and to the processor, and that includes at least one electronic particle dispenser and/or spray and/or propellant mechanism;
[0092] e. the interchangeable display/control panel (1) operatively linked to the processor and the base (4) through temporary connections (12), so that it secures the interchangeable capsule (8) and acts as a user interface and/or information display;
[0093] f. the primary strap (3a) configured to secure the wearable dispenser to a body and that operatively links the base (4), the processor and the interchangeable capsules (5,8) to the parts connected to that strap (3a) and/or another strap via a bus and integrated connections (14, 15a, 26);
[0094] g. the secondary strap (3b) configured, along with the primary strap (3a), to secure the wearable dispenser to a body and, in turn, operatively link the interchangeable capsule (8) to the parts connected to that strap (3b) via integrated connections (15b);
[0095] h. at least one connector (2) operatively coupled and connected to the primary strap (3a) and/or the secondary strap (3b), and/or the base (4) and/or the interchangeable capsule(s) (5,8);
[0096] i. a tightening/loosening and securing system operatively linked to the processor, the base (4), the dispenser system, the primary strap and the secondary strap (3a, 3b), and that activates the movement of at least one of the straps (3a, 3b).
[0097] (2) The device (above) characterised because the interchangeable capsule(s) (5, 8) include at least one material configured to provide the mechanical and chemical strength required to store the substance.
[0098] (3) The device (above) characterised because the interchangeable capsule(s) (5, 8) are solid and/or hollow and include at least one compartment with a volume to hold 0.1-100 millilitres.
[0099] (4) The device (above) characterised because the interchangeable capsule(s) (5, 8) are operatively linked at least to a fluid circuit in the base (4) and/or in the straps (3a, 3b) and/or in the dispenser system through an adaptor with a combined substance flow closure function, anti-drip valve and/or connector.
[0100] (5) The device (above) characterised because the interchangeable capsule(s) (5, 8) is operatively linked to the processor by way of means of electronic identification and/or connectivity parts (RFID, NFC chips or similar technologies) configured to send unique operational and identifying electronic information from the interchangeable capsule(s) to the processor, which will then generate electronic instructions to temporarily activate the parts of the device and/or of other devices.
[0101] (6) The device (above) characterised because the interchangeable capsule(s) (5, 8) contains substances in liquid, solid or gaseous state, or combinations of substances in said states.
[0102] (7) The device (above) characterised because the interchangeable capsule(s) (5, 8) is functionally available on other mounts outside the device, provided these mounts have the necessary minimum components for its connection.
[0103] (8) The device (above) characterised because the base (4) is made of at least one material configured to provide the function of support for the parts partially integrated and/or housed and/or contained and/or connected to said base.
[0104] (9) The device (above) characterised because the base (4) also connects the processor and an electronic control circuit of the device, and because the processor and the electronic control circuit are configured to use software to control the dispensing of the substance (programming of the manner, the time and the frequency of release, programming of release by GPS or other parameters, or a combination of the aforementioned).
[0105] (10) The device (above) characterised because the sensors of the base (4) are formed by biometric sensors, pH sensors, temperature sensors, electrodermal activity sensors, blood flow sensors, heart rate sensors, photoplethysmographic sensors, humidity sensors, ultrasound sensors, analyte sensors, and/or sensors of a similar nature, configured to gather data from the user and/or the environment and then send it to the processor to generate adapted instructions.
[0106] (11) The device (above) characterised because the sensors and data and wave transmission parts of the base (4) are formed by touch-sensitive stimulus generating tactile transmitters and/or connectivity parts to provide notification/alert functions and/or device interoperability functions with the user, other devices and/or the environment using interactive multimedia technology.
[0107] (12) The device (above) characterised because the base (4) includes independent spaces sealed from the circulating flow of substances in the device and containing power storage and transmission parts, which include a battery and means for charging through a connector and/or a contact and/or a wireless connection by magnetic and/or resonant induction or similar technologies.
[0108] (13) The device (above) characterised because the connection (12) involves a multiple connector with slot and/or magnetic and/or spring coupling systems, and the recess (11) in the base (4) connect, operatively link the processor and the base to the interchangeable display/control panel (1) and enable it to operate, and/or can be functionally connected to other parts (mechanical, electronic and/or decorative).
[0109] (14) The device (above) characterised because the processor receives electronic information, generates and transmits one or several electronic instructions via a wireless or physical connection, or a combination of the two, and via connections of the same nature, and also operatively links said processor to the capsule(s) (5, 8) and/or the base (4) and/or the substance dispenser system and/or the display/control panel (1) and/or the tightening/loosening and securing system.
[0110] (15) The device (above) characterised because the straps (3a, 3b) are formed by at least one material configured to provide the support and bus function, and configured to provide the mechanical and chemical strength required for the substances and the flow running through them.
[0111] (16) The device (above) characterised because the tightening/loosening and securing system is formed by at least one motor and/or movement drive actuator for at least one of the straps (3a, 3b), which includes at least one mechanical and/or magnetic and/or electronic and/or piezoelectric-type configurable mechanism or a combination thereof and/or similar technologies.
[0112] (17) The device (above) in which the operative link of the tightening/loosening and securing system is formed by at least one temporary electrical connection (26) that acts as a safety system for the electrical circuit.
[0113] (18) The device (above) characterised because the dispenser system is formed so that its activation and substance dispensing can be controlled at will, by way of electronic programming, via the display/control panel (1), remotely from another device, or using a button.
[0114] (19) The device (above) characterised because the dispenser system is formed by a spray atomisation system (DIRECT MODE) operated by electromagnets.
[0115] (20) The spray atomisation system (above) characterised because the atomiser can be activated by movement of the unit (29) towards the actuator (28) or movement of the actuator (28) towards the unit (29).
[0116] (21) The device (above) characterised because the dispenser system is formed by a modular atomisation system that connects nozzles for specific applications (nasal, oral, ophthalmic, or of a similar nature) in which these nozzles send electronic control information to the processor, which generates an electronic instruction to adapt the operating of the dispenser system to a specific mode.
[0117] (22) The device (above) characterised because the dispenser system is formed by an ultrasound diffusion system (INDIRECT MODE) operated by one or several ultrasound transducers.
[0118] (23) The device (above) characterised because the particle propellant system of the dispenser system is formed by transducers and/or actuators and/or motors and/or other similar propellant systems configured to displace the particles released into the atmosphere.
[0119] (24) The device (above) characterised because the connections and connecting systems of the straps (3a, 3b), of the connectors (2), of the base (4), and of the dispenser system are of a magnetic and/or spring and/or slot-type nature and also include independent internal and/or extrinsic channels (15a, 15b) and the necessary means (valves, mixers, flow controllers, membranes) to combine and transport the substances contained in the interchangeable capsules (5, 8) and operatively link these capsules to said parts of the device.
[0120] (25) The device (above) characterised because the connections of the interchangeable capsule(s) (5, 8), of the straps (3a, 3b), of the connectors (2), of the base (4), of the dispenser system, and of the tightening/loosening and securing system are formed by conducts and/or wiring and/or contacts configured to provide data and/or electricity transfer through semi-conducting polymers and/or conducting materials and/or inorganic semi-conducting materials and/or composite materials and/or nanomaterials, or a combination thereof, and this configuration also operatively links the processor to said parts of the device.
[0121] (26) The device (above) characterised because the sensors are operatively linked to the strap(s) (3a, 3b) and/or to the dispenser system and the processor, and can obtain biometric data or data with similar characteristics based on which the processor generates electronic instructions to temporarily activate the parts of the device and/or of other devices.
[0122] (27) A method for dispensing at least one substance contained in one or several interchangeable capsules through a wearable dispenser, where the method involves at least the following operating phases:
[0123] a) connect the interchangeable capsules to the wearable dispenser;
[0124] b) once connected, generate electronic information from an interface based on data;
[0125] c) after generating the electronic information, send it to a processor in the wearable dispenser;
[0126] d) in response to the receipt of the electronic information, generate an electronic instruction to activate a substance dispenser system in the wearable dispenser; and
[0127] e) in response to generating the electronic instruction, temporarily activate the substance dispensing system in the wearable dispenser to spray and release the substance.
[0128] (28) The method (above) which also includes, after the processor has received the electronic information, the generating of an electronic instruction to customise the information accessible over the interface of the wearable dispenser and/or other devices.
[0129] (29) The method (above) characterised because the electronic information is generated from the interface based on data from the interchangeable capsules.
[0130] (30) The method (above) which also includes, after the processor has received the electronic information, the generating of an electronic instruction to encode the information from the interchangeable capsules into pulses and/or vibrations on the user's skin as a notification/alert via motors and/or tactile sensors.
[0131] (31) The method (above) characterised because the electronic information is generated from the interface based on data from sensors in the wearable dispenser and/or from another device.
[0132] (32) The method (above) which also includes, after temporarily activating the substance dispenser, the activation of a propellant to spray the substance into the atmosphere.
[0133] (33) The method (above) which also includes, after the process of the wearable dispenser has received the electronic information, the generating of an electronic instruction to activate a tightening/loosening and securing system to adapt the position of the straps together.
[0134] (34) The method (above) characterised because the electronic information is generated from the user interface of the wearable dispenser and/or another device.
[0135] (35) The method (above) characterised because the temporary activation of the substance dispenser involves the spraying of said substance by atomisation.
[0136] (36) The method (above) characterised because the temporary activation of the substance dispenser involves the spraying of said substance by ultrasounds.