Systems and methods for peel-off detection for low-power electronics
Inventors
Mirov, Russell • Krasnow, Benjamin • Schleicher, Brett
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12408868-B1
Publication Date
2025-09-09
Expiration Date
Abstract
Systems and methods for peel-off detection for lower power electronics are disclosed. In one embodiment, a device includes: a housing; sensor electronics disposed within the housing; an electrode positioned to receive a charge and output a control signal upon removal of a material positioned proximate to the electrode; an electronic switch configured to control an electrical connection between a power supply and the sensor electronics; and an amplifier electrically coupled to the electrode and configured to receive the control signal from the electrode and output an amplified signal to change a state of the electronic switch based on the control signal.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to peel-off material removal activation for low-power electronics. An electrode covered by a passive removable material generates an induced charge characterized by a voltage across the electrode when the material is removed from the electrode. The device outputs a control signal from the electrode based on the induced charge created by the removal event.
The induced charge control signal is amplified by an amplifier, and the amplified signal changes a state of an electronic switch. The switch controls electrical connection between a power supply and sensor electronics or one or more active components, so that removal of the material activates the electronics.
The disclosed system includes a housing and sensor electronics, with optional sensor data processing, storage, and data transmission components such as processor, memory, and a network interface/antenna. Documented examples describe a single-use glucose sensing patch, therapeutic drug delivery devices, and a smart pill bottle, implemented with a removable passive material and the induced-charge-to-switch activation mechanism.
Claims Coverage
The document contains three independent claims (device with sensor electronics, electronic device, and method) that share a common inventive concept: using only one electrode to detect an induced charge generated by removal of a material and using an amplifier to control an electronic switch for powering active components. Across the independents, the inventive features are consistently centered on the single-electrode induced-charge signal and the amplifier-controlled switch state change.
Single-electrode induced-charge control signal on material removal
Only one electrode is positioned/configured to receive an induced charge generated by removal of a material from the electrode, where the induced charge is characterized by a voltage across the electrode and outputs a control signal.
Amplifier-amplified induced charge to change switch state
An amplifier electrically coupled to the electrode and configured to receive the control signal from the electrode outputs an amplified signal to change a state of the electronic switch based on the control signal.
Amplifier-controlled switch powers sensor electronics/active components
An electronic switch is configured to control an electrical connection between a power supply and the sensor electronics (or between the power supply and one or more active components), and a switch state change based on the amplified induced charge provides power.
Collectively, the independent claims cover a low-power activation architecture where a single electrode generates a removal-induced induced charge, an amplifier amplifies the resulting control signal, and the amplified signal changes the state of an electronic switch to power the device’s sensor electronics or active components.
Stated Advantages
Longer shelf life by minimizing battery drain.
Hermetic sealing enabled by removable tape.
Documented Applications
Single-use glucose sensing patch.
Therapeutic drug delivery devices.
Smart pill bottle.
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