DE102022119150A1 - Device and method for operating a device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1), in particular for reminding a user to apply a medication, with a fastening device (2) for fastening the device (1) to an object, a timer (3) for detecting a predetermined time interval, a Signal generator (4), which is designed to output a signal that can be perceived by the user in the time interval, a voltage source (5) for supplying the timer (3) and the signal generator (4) with a voltage and a housing (6). According to the invention, it is proposed that the device (1) comprises a separating element (7), wherein a first end (8) of the separating element (7) is arranged in the housing (6) in a delivery state of the device (1) in such a way that an electrical connection to the voltage source (5), and wherein a second end (9) of the separating element (7) is arranged outside the housing (6) in the delivery state of the device (1) in such a way that closing the fastening device (2) automatically results in removal of the first end (8) of the separating element (7) from the housing (6) and thereby leads to electrical contacting of the voltage source (5). The present invention also relates to a method for operating a device (1).

Description

The present invention relates to a device, in particular for reminding a user of the application of a medication, with a fastening device for attaching the device to an object, a timer for detecting a predetermined time interval, a signal generator which is designed to act in the time interval by the To output a user-perceptible signal, a voltage source for supplying the timer and the signal generator with a voltage and a housing. The present invention also relates to a method for operating a device, in particular a device for reminding a user to apply a medication, wherein after the device has been put into operation, a signal that can be perceived by a user is output at a predetermined time interval.

As a rule, medication must be taken at specified time intervals. Taking medications correctly can determine whether they have a positive effect on the patient or whether the course of the disease may even worsen. It can easily happen, especially in older patients, that people forget to take medication regularly. Devices that emit a signal at regular intervals to remind the patient to take medication can prove useful in this regard. It is particularly advantageous if such a device can be easily arranged on the packaging of a medication in order to be able to clearly assign the signal and the time interval to the medication. The devices can also be used in many other fields of application in which a user needs to be reminded at regular intervals to carry out an action. Examples include taking non-medical substances, performing physical exercises, or keeping regular appointments.

A device for medical use is, for example, from WO 80/00755 A1 known. The device includes a strap for attaching to a medication container, a timer for detecting a time interval, and a signal generator for emitting a signal. The device also includes a display for showing an elapsed time and various input options, on the one hand to switch off the signal and on the other hand to set a time interval.

The known device is rather complex due to the large number of components and therefore comparatively expensive to manufacture. In addition, the device requires a user to have a certain level of technical understanding and skill to properly operate the device.

The object of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages known from the prior art and to create a device for reminding a user of the application of a medication, which is as easy as possible for a user to handle and can be produced inexpensively as a mass product.

The object is achieved by a device, in particular for reminding a user of the application of a medication, and by a method for operating a device, in particular a device for reminding a user of the application of a medication, with the features of the independent claims.

The device according to the invention comprises a fastening device for fastening the device to an object. The device also includes a timer for detecting a predetermined time interval, a signal generator which is designed to output a signal that can be perceived by the user in the time interval, a voltage source for supplying the timer and the signal generator with a voltage, and a housing. According to the invention, it is proposed that the device comprises a separating element, with a first end of the separating element being arranged in the housing in a delivery state of the device in such a way that an electrical connection to the voltage source is interrupted, and with a second end of the separating element being outside in the delivery state of the device of the housing is arranged so that closing the fastening device automatically leads to a removal of the first end of the separating element from the housing and thereby to electrical contacting of the voltage source.

The device is therefore automatically activated when the fastening device is closed. In order to carry out its task as intended, it does not require any input from a user and can therefore also be used without errors, for example by older people or, for example, people without technical understanding. The device also does not require any input options and can therefore be manufactured simply and inexpensively. It is conceivable that the device is delivered with different preset time intervals. For example, different devices can have different marked with different colors at preset time intervals.

The fastening device is particularly suitable for arranging the device on a medication container. It is conceivable that the device is attached to the medication container by a specialist when a medication is dispensed, for example in a pharmacy, and is thus activated. In this case, no user interaction with the device is necessary for the device to function. The use of the device in this example in the pharmacy does not represent any significant additional effort compared to the usual dispensing of medication. The only additional step is the attachment of the device. It is not necessary to activate or program the device separately. The device is therefore particularly suitable for reminding a user of the application of a medication. The device can be referred to, for example, as a medication reminder.

However, the fastening device is also suitable for fastening the device to any objects. In particular, everyday objects that are constantly near the user, such as pens, come into question here. It is also conceivable to attach the device to a part of the user's body, such as a finger or a wrist.

The signal can be output after a time interval has elapsed, for example for a predetermined duration. However, it is also conceivable that a specific action by the user, which is detected by the device, interrupts the output of the signal. The voltage source is designed in particular as a battery. However, it is also conceivable that the voltage source is designed as a capacitor and/or induction coil. On the one hand, an induction coil can be used to supply voltage to the device from outside the device. On the other hand, a battery can be charged from outside the device, for example by an induction coil.

The timer can be provided on the one hand as an electronic component and on the other hand as a software component. If the timer is provided as a software component, the clock frequency of a microcontroller, for example, is used as the time standard.

The separating element can be designed, for example, as a film. In the delivery state, the first end of the separating element is arranged, for example, between the voltage source and a corresponding electrical contact, so that an electrical connection between the voltage source and the remaining components of the device is initially interrupted. The second end of the separating element is, for example, connected to the fastening device in such a way that the movement with which the fastening device is closed pulls the second end of the separating element out of the housing and thus establishes the electrical connection between the voltage source and the remaining components . For this purpose, the housing in particular has an opening in which the separating element is arranged in the delivery state and whereby the connection between the first end and the second end is established.

In an advantageous development of the device, the second end of the separating element is arranged in the delivery state of the device, in particular directly, on and/or in the fastening device and/or the fastening device comprises a head with a feed-through opening and a fastening tape with a free fastening end, the fastening end can be moved through the feed-through opening to close the fastening device. As already indicated, the direct arrangement of the second end of the separating element on and/or in the fastening device can be used to remove the first end of the separating element from the housing by a movement when closing the fastening device and thus activate the device. The second end of the separating element can, for example, be firmly connected to the fastening device, in particular glued to it.

The fastening device described with a head with a feed-through opening and a closure band with a free closure end ensures that the device is securely held on objects, for example. In addition, the operation of such a fastening device is known to almost all users or corresponding specialist personnel. The head can, for example, have a retaining element for fixing the fastening tape, particularly in the feed-through opening. The fastening device can be made, for example, from a plastic, in particular polyamide or polyurethane.

It also brings advantages if the second end of the separating element in the delivery state is at least partially arranged in and/or in front of the feed-through opening of the head, so that when the closure end is inserted into the feed-through opening and/or when the closure end is moved through the feed-through opening the second end of the separating element is taken along by the closure end and/or connects to one When a user grips the closure end, the second end of the separating element is also captured by the user. If the second end of the separating element is at least partially arranged in the through-opening of the head in the delivery state, unintentional activation of the device, for example during transport, is prevented.

By taking the second end of the separating element with the closure end, the second end of the separating element is placed in such a way that it is automatically detected by a user when gripping the closure end. A resistance of a fixing element of the fastening device can, for example, be dimensioned such that when closing the fastening device it is necessary for the user to grasp the closure end. This ensures that when the fastening device is closed, the device is activated by removing the first end of the separating element from the housing. In this embodiment, it is also not necessary to glue the second end of the separating element to the fastening device.

It is also advantageous if the second end of the separating element has a driving element for producing a positive and/or non-positive connection with the closure band, in particular with the closure end. In this way it is ensured that the second end of the separating element is always taken along by the closure tape, in particular the closure end. This reduces the susceptibility to errors in activating the device when closing the fastening device. The driving element can be designed, for example, as a bulge, as a thickening and/or as a pocket. The shape of the driving element can be adapted to the shape of the closure end.

It is also advantageous if the fastening device is designed as a cable tie and/or comprises a latching device, in particular with teeth and a pawl. A cable tie is a cost-effective, mass-produced product that ensures the device is held securely to an object or part of the body. It may be desirable that the device can no longer be removed from a corresponding object after the fastening device has been closed. A cable tie, which can usually no longer be opened, has additional advantages here. On the other hand, cable ties are also known whose closure can be opened and which can therefore be reused. The use of such a cable tie as a fastening device for the device according to the invention is also conceivable. In any case, the use of a locking device, in particular with teeth and a pawl, as is also commonly used in a cable tie, is advantageous in the present device. This closure principle can also be used in a fastening device that is not designed as a cable tie. The locking principle is well known and can most likely be used by almost any user without any prior knowledge.

It also has advantages if the housing is designed to be at least partially translucent. This allows a signal generator that outputs an optical signal to be arranged inside the housing, with the optical signal still being perceived by the user of the device. At the same time, the signal transmitter is protected by the housing. For aesthetic reasons, it may be desirable for the housing to be translucent, but for the components inside the housing not to be visible from the outside. This can be achieved by appropriately selecting the material and wall thickness of the housing. The housing can be made of plastic, for example. The housing can, for example, have a translucent area in the interior of which the signal transmitter is arranged. In addition, the housing can have further non-translucent areas, in the interior of which, for example, the remaining components of the device are arranged.

It is also advantageous if the signal transmitter is designed as an optical and/or acoustic signal transmitter. A visual or acoustic signal can be easily perceived by a user. For example, the signal can be output continuously or at intervals. In the case of a visual signal, this would be the flashing of a light signal; in the case of an acoustic signal, this would be the sound of a tone at regular intervals. The optical signal generator can, for example, be designed as an LED or include an LED. The acoustic signal generator can, for example, be designed as a buzzer or beeper or include them. The acoustic signal generator can, for example, work electromagnetically or include a piezo sound transducer. It is also conceivable that the signal generator is designed to generate vibrations. For this purpose, the signal generator can include, for example, an unbalance motor. As already described, it is advantageous if the housing of the device is translucent. Of course, with an acoustic signal generator, it is advantageous if the housing is designed to be sound-permeable. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the signal transmitter is at least partially arranged outside the housing or behind a window in the Housing is arranged, which is permeable to the corresponding signal.

It is also advantageous if the device includes a touch sensor and/or a button. The touch sensor and/or button may be used for user input. In particular, the output of the signal by the signal generator can be interrupted by pressing the touch sensor and/or the button, in particular until the time interval has expired again. It is conceivable that different functions of the device can be called up depending on, for example, a length or a pattern of actuation. For example, a long actuation of the touch sensor and/or the button can result in the device being switched off. It is also conceivable that one can select from different signal types of the signal generator by pressing one.

It is also advantageous if the device has a motion sensor, in particular a vibration sensor, a radio module, in particular a sub-GHz radio module and/or a Bluetooth radio module, and/or a circuit board that includes the timer and the signal generator. The motion sensor can be used to interrupt the signal from the signal generator. It is conceivable that a signal from the motion sensor, for example when the user picks up or opens a medication packaging to which the device is attached, is evaluated as a successful application of the medication. If, for example, the device is attached to the screw cap of a bottle of liquid medication, conclusions can be drawn from the signal from the motion sensor that the screw cap is turning. The motion sensor can, for example, have a metal ball that is displaceably arranged and closes the circuit of a potentiometer via a sliding contact. A measured resistance value can be used to detect the position and movement of the ball and thus a movement of the motion sensor. The device can also include several motion sensors in order to be able to differentiate movements in different directions.

The device can be coupled to other devices for data transmission using the radio module. It is conceivable that the specification of a time interval is transmitted to the device from another device. However, it is also conceivable that the device transmits the predetermined time interval and any interruptions in the signal from the signal generator caused by the user to an external device. A Bluetooth radio module can be used to establish connections to common household electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets or laptops. It is conceivable that the device could be linked to health applications that are now common on smartphones. The sub-GHz radio module works with a radio frequency below 1 GHz. Such a radio module therefore consumes little energy and does not generate any interference with other common radio frequency bands that are used, for example, in Bluetooth connections or for WLAN. Since the amount of data transmitted by the device is expected to be small, a low frequency in radio transmission is not a significant disadvantage. The device can communicate via the radio module, for example, with a router specifically intended for this purpose, in which case, for example, special security precautions can be taken for communication, which can be specified by the manufacturer of the device and the router. In this way, the router can, for example, check the correct functioning and the origin of the device. It is conceivable that the origin of a medication to which the device is attached can also be indirectly checked in this way.

The active interruption of the signal from the signal generator by the user, in particular through a movement that is perceived by the motion sensor, can be recorded by the device, for example. For this purpose, the device can, for example, additionally have a memory. Using the recordings described, a patient can credibly demonstrate that the medication has been administered in case of doubt. The stored data can be read out via the radio module, for example.

The timer and the signal generator and in particular the other components mentioned can be arranged on a circuit board or in a printed circuit. In this way, the device can be implemented in a particularly compact manner. The device can also include a microcontroller, which is used to control the components of the device, and in particular is also arranged on the circuit board.

It also has advantages if the radio module is designed to carry out a pairing mode after the first end of the separating element has been removed from the housing, in particular for a predetermined period of time. Pairing is sometimes necessary for secure communication between devices, especially according to the Bluetooth standard. The automatic execution of the pairing mode facilitates the use of the device since no additional actions are required from the user to activate the pairing. The before Direction can, for example, be coupled to the user's smartphone immediately after the fastening device is closed. The specified period of time can be, for example, five minutes, ten minutes or 15 minutes. It is conceivable that after the period of time has elapsed, the pairing mode is activated again by pressing the touch sensor and/or the button.

It is also advantageous if the device is designed as a disposable device, with the electrical connection to the voltage source preferably being uninterruptable and/or the fastening device being non-detachable. This is particularly advantageous if the device is attached to medication packaging in a pharmacy, for example. The device is then intended for this one application by the specialist personnel who dispense the medication. It can therefore even be dangerous for the user to subsequently use the device for another application. The housing can, for example, be designed in such a way that it cannot be opened by a user without tools. The fastening device can also be designed in such a way that it can be closed by a user without tools but cannot be opened without tools. This is the case, for example, when using a standard cable tie.

In the method according to the invention for operating a device, in particular a device for reminding a user of the application of a medication, a signal that can be perceived by a user is output at a predetermined time interval after the device has been put into operation. According to the invention, it is proposed for the method that the device is put into operation by closing a fastening device. The method is particularly suitable for operating the device according to the invention. The advantages already described in the context of the device are also realized in the method. In particular, the handling of the device or the medication reminder is simplified for the user. Older and technically inexperienced users in particular can use the device without errors within the scope of the method according to the invention. The method is particularly suitable for operating a medication reminder.

There are advantages if a first end of a separating element is removed from a housing of the device to start up the device, a second end of the separating element being initially at least partially arranged in a through opening of the fastening device and by the movement of a closure end of a closure tape Fastening device is taken through the through opening and is then moved further together with the closure end, whereby the first end of the separating element is removed from the housing. In this way, it is easily ensured that the first end of the separating element is removed from the housing and the device is thus activated when the fastening device is closed. For a user of the device, no further measures are necessary to operate the device. This type of activation of the device is particularly suitable if the fastening device is designed, for example, as a cable tie. If the second end of the separating element is at least partially arranged in a through opening of the fastening device in the delivery state of the device, this prevents the device from being accidentally activated, for example during transport.

It is advantageous if the time interval is fixed during the manufacture of the device and cannot be changed by a user. On the one hand, this makes the operation of the device easier for a user. On the other hand, incorrect operation of the device, which could be hazardous to health, is also prevented. For example, when dispensing medication in a pharmacy, a specialist can select a corresponding device with the time interval that matches the medication. The device can then, for example, be attached to the medication packaging by the specialist staff, whereby the device is put into operation. For example, devices with different preset time intervals can be marked with different colors.

There are also advantages if a radio module of the device executes a pairing mode for a predetermined period of time after commissioning. As already described, pairing is necessary for secure transmission between certain devices. Carrying out this pairing automatically makes it even easier to use the device. For example, a user can pair the device with their smartphone immediately after closing the fastening device. It is conceivable that activation of the pairing mode is still possible later, for example by pressing a button or a touch sensor on the device. Data transmission between the device and other devices can be used, for example, to synchronize alarm signals from other devices with the device. Information about the time preset in the device can also be obtained via the radio connection can be called up at intervals. It is also conceivable that a new time interval can be set in the device via the radio connection.

It is also advantageous if the signal is interrupted by a touch of a touch sensor, an actuation of a button and/or a movement of the device detected by a motion sensor until the time interval runs through again. This allows the signal to be actively interrupted by the user. This prevents the user from being unnecessarily bothered by the signal. As already described, a movement detected by the motion sensor can also be directly interpreted as taking a corresponding medication. This is particularly the case when certain movement patterns are necessary to open medication packaging. An example of this is turning a cap on a bottle for a liquid medication. Corresponding data about the detected movements can, for example, be recorded by the device. Whether the medication has been taken can then be checked independently by reading out the device.

• 1a eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung im Auslieferungszustand,
• 1b die Vorrichtung aus 1a während eines Schließens einer Befestigungsvorrichtung,
• 2a eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung im Auslieferungszustand,
• 2b die Vorrichtung aus 2a während des Schließens der Befestigungsvorrichtung,
• 3 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung im Auslieferungszustand,
• 4 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines vierten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung im Auslieferungszustand,
• 5 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines fünften Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung im Auslieferungszustand, und
• 6 eine perspektivische Darstellung der äußeren Form der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung.

Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. Show it:

• 1a a schematic sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention in the delivery state,
• 1b the device 1a while closing a fastening device,
• 2a a schematic sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention in the delivery state,
• 2 B the device 2a while closing the fastening device,
• 3 a schematic sectional view of a third exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention in the delivery state,
• 4 a schematic sectional view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention in the delivery state,
• 5 a schematic sectional view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention in the delivery state, and
• 6 a perspective view of the external shape of the device according to the invention.

In the following description of the figures, the same reference numbers are used for identical and/or at least comparable features in the various figures. The individual features, their design and/or mode of operation are usually only explained in detail when they are first mentioned. If individual features are not explained again in detail, their design and/or mode of operation corresponds to the design and mode of operation of the features with the same effect or the same name that have already been described.

1a shows a schematic sectional view of a device 1 according to the invention, in particular for reminding a user to apply a medication. The device 1 is designed in particular as a medication reminder. The device 1 has a fastening device 2 for fastening the device 1 to an object. The device 1 also includes a timer 3, which is designed to record a predetermined time interval. A signal generator 4 serves to output a signal that can be perceived by the user in the time interval recorded by the timer 3. The device 1 also includes a voltage source 5, which is designed to supply the timer 3 and the signal generator 4 with a voltage. The components mentioned are arranged in a housing 6.

The representation in 1 shows the device 1 in a delivery state. In this delivery state, the device 1 comprises a separating element 7 with a first end 8 and a second end 9. The first end 8 is arranged in the housing 6 in such a way that an electrical connection to the voltage source 5 is interrupted. In particular, the first end 8 is arranged between the voltage source 5 and a corresponding contact 10. The second end 9 of the separating element 7 is arranged outside the housing 6 in such a way that closing the fastening device 2 automatically results in the first end 8 being removed from the housing 6 and thus in electrical contacting of the voltage source 5 and activation of the device 1. A distance between the voltage source 5 and the contact 10 is shown in an exaggerated manner in the figures in order to clarify the functionality of the separating element 7. For an electrical connection between the contact 10 and the voltage source 5, they must of course touch each other directly. For this purpose, the contact 10 can be designed, for example, with a spring tension.

In this exemplary embodiment, the fastening device 2 has a head 11 with a through opening 12 and a closure band 13 with a closure end 14. The closure end 14 can be moved through the feed-through opening 12 to close the fastening device 2. The fastening device 2 is designed in particular as a cable tie with a latching device 15 which has teeth 16 and a pawl 17.

The second end 9 of the separating element 7 is arranged in the feed-through opening 12 of the fastening device 2 in the delivery state of the device 1 shown. On the one hand, this prevents the device 1 from being accidentally activated, for example during transport. On the other hand, as shown in 1b shown in more detail, when the closure end 14 moves through the through opening 12, the second end 9 of the separating element 7 is taken along by the closure end 14. The toothing 16 of the locking device 15 can, for example, be dimensioned such that moving the closure end 14 through the feed-through opening 12 without resistance is only possible until the separating element 7, which was previously at least partially rolled up in the feed-through opening 12, for example, is completely unfolded .

When the user subsequently grasps the closure end 14 to completely close the fastening device 2, the second end 9 of the separating element 7 is also grasped by the user. When closing the fastening device 2, the first end 8 of the separating element 7 is pulled out of the housing 6 by the user. Since the first end 8 of the separating element 7 is then no longer located between the voltage source 5 and the contact 10, an electrical connection in particular is established between the voltage source 5, the signal generator 4 and the timer 3. The device 1 is thereby automatically put into operation.

In this exemplary embodiment, the device 1 is designed as a disposable device. After the fastening device 2 has been closed for the first time, the fastening device 2 can no longer be opened without tools because of the interaction of the teeth 16 with the pawl 17. In addition, an electrical connection between the voltage source 5 and the other components of the device 1 can no longer be interrupted without destroying the housing 6.

The timer 3 and the signal generator 4 are arranged on a circuit board 18 in this exemplary embodiment. The signal generator 4 is designed, for example, as an optical signal generator 4, in particular as an LED. In order to make an optical signal from the signal generator 4 perceptible to a user outside the housing 6, the housing 6 is designed to be particularly translucent. In this example, the device 1 has a button 19. By pressing the button 19, for example, the signal from the signal generator 4 can be interrupted until the time interval expires again. It is conceivable that the button 19 can control various functions of the device 1 depending on a length of operation or a pattern of operation. For example, the time interval can be set by pressing the button 19 accordingly. The button 19 is also connected to the circuit board 18.

The device 1 has an opening 20 in the housing 6, through which the first end 8 and the second end 9 of the separating element 7 are connected to one another. The separating element 7 can be designed, for example, as a film, in particular as a plastic film. The voltage source 5 is designed as a battery in this exemplary embodiment. For example, commercially available button cells can be used.

2a shows a further exemplary embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention in the same view as in the 1 a and 1 b . 2 B shows this exemplary embodiment as before during the closing of the fastening device 2. In this exemplary embodiment, the second end 9 of the separating element 7 has a driving element 21, which is used to produce a positive and/or non-positive connection with the closure band 13, in particular with the closure end 14. is trained. The driving element 21 is designed, for example, as a pocket, with the shape of the driving element 21 being adapted to the shape of the closure end 14 of the fastening device 2.

2 B shows how the closure end 14 engages in the driving element 21 of the second end 9 of the separating element 7 when closing the fastening device 2. The second end 9 is taken along by the closure end 14 when the closure end 14 is passed through the feed-through opening 12. The first end 8 of the separating element 7 is thus removed from the housing 6 and the device 1 is put into operation. In this case, it may not be necessary for a user to grasp the second end 9 of the separating element 7.

The device 1 of this second exemplary embodiment additionally has a radio module 22 for a data connection between the device 1 and other devices. The radio module 22 can, for example be designed as a sub-GHz radio module and/or as a Bluetooth radio module. In particular, the radio module 22 is designed to execute a pairing mode for a predetermined period of time immediately after the device 1 is put into operation. It is conceivable that a further pairing mode of the radio module 22 can be triggered later by pressing the button 19. The radio module 22 is, for example, also arranged on the circuit board 18 and is supplied with voltage from the voltage source 5.

The 3 shows a third exemplary embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the separating element 7 is arranged on the other side of the device 1, in contrast to the previous exemplary embodiments. The functionality of the separating element 7 remains unchanged. In this exemplary embodiment, the device 1 also includes a motion sensor 23, which is designed to detect movements of the device 1. The movements detected by the motion sensor 23 can be used, for example, to interrupt a signal from the signal generator 4 until the time interval expires again. It is conceivable to combine several motion sensors 23 in order to be able to distinguish between movements in several directions. In particular, movements that are characteristic of opening medication packaging can be recorded. The detection of such movement patterns can be stored, for example, in a memory (not shown) of the device 1. Corresponding data can be transmitted, for example, via the radio module 22. In this example, the device 1 is designed without an input option.

4 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention in the delivery state. In this exemplary embodiment, the device 1 comprises a touch sensor 24, which is arranged in particular at an upper end of the housing 6. Touching the touch sensor 24 can in turn serve to interrupt the signal from the signal generator 4 until the time interval expires again. It is also conceivable to activate further functions of the device 1 by touching the touch sensor 24 in a similar way to the previously described actuation of the button 19. The touch sensor 24 can be designed, for example, as a capacitive touch sensor 24. This type of touch sensor 24 is known from a variety of devices with touch-sensitive displays. The touch sensor 24 is in particular also connected to the circuit board 18.

5 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention in the delivery state. In this example, the device 1 additionally comprises a microcontroller 25, which in particular is also arranged on the circuit board 18. The microcontroller 25 is designed, for example, to control the timer 3 and the signal generator 4. It is conceivable that the timer 3 is integrated into the microcontroller 25 as a hardware or software component. The microcontroller 25 is designed in particular to operate the device 1 according to the previously described method. The microcontroller 25 can in particular be designed to implement the described method features individually or in any combination. Of course, the microcontroller 25 is also supplied with voltage from the voltage source 5 during operation of the device 1. The microcontroller 25 can, for example, also take over the control of the electronic components shown in the other exemplary embodiments.

6 shows a perspective view of the external design of the device 1 according to the invention. For clarification, the fastening device 2 is shown here again in the form of a cable tie. The second end 9 of the separating element 7 is arranged in the through opening 12 of the fastening device 2 in the delivery state of the device 1. The housing 6 of the device 1 can be round, for example. In this example, the housing 6 comprises a first section 26, which is designed to be opaque, for example. This first section 26 can, for example, be colored depending on the preset time interval of the device 1. The housing 6 also includes a second section 27, which is designed to be translucent, for example. This second section 27 can, for example, be colored neutrally, in particular in white.

The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described. Modifications within the scope of the patent claims are possible, as is a combination of the features, even if these are shown and described in different exemplary embodiments.

Reference symbol list

1

contraption

2

Fastening device

3

Timer

4

Signal transmitter

5

voltage source

6

Housing

7

Separator

8th

first ending

9

second ending

10

Contact

11

Head

12

Through opening

13

Closing tape

14

Closing end

15

Latching device

16

gearing

17

pawl

18

circuit board

19

Button

20

opening

21

Takeaway element

22

Radio module

23

Motion sensor

24

Touch sensor

25

Microcontroller

26

first section

27

second part

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 8000755 A1 [0003]

Claims (16)

Device (1), in particular for reminding a user to apply a medication, with - a fastening device (2) for fastening the device (1) to an object, - a timer (3) for detecting a predetermined time interval, - a signal generator ( 4), which is designed to output a signal that can be perceived by the user in the time interval, - a voltage source (5) for supplying the timer (3) and the signal generator (4) with a voltage and - a housing (6), characterized in that the device (1) comprises a separating element (7), a first end (8) of the separating element (7) being arranged in the housing (6) in a delivery state of the device (1) in such a way that an electrical connection to the voltage source ( 5) is interrupted, and wherein a second end (9) of the separating element (7) is arranged outside the housing (6) in the delivery state of the device (1) in such a way that closing the fastening device (2) automatically results in the removal of the first end (8) of the separating element (7) from the housing (6) and thereby leads to electrical contacting of the voltage source (5). Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second end (9) of the separating element (7) is arranged in the delivery state of the device (1), in particular directly, on and/or in the fastening device (2) and/or in that the fastening device (2) has a head (11) with a feed-through opening (12) and a closure band (13) with a free closure end (14), the closure end (14) for closing the fastening device (2) through the feed-through opening (12 ) is movable. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second end (9) of the separating element (7) in the delivery state is at least partially arranged in and/or in front of the feed-through opening (12) of the head (11), so that in one Inserting the closure end (14) into the feed-through opening (12) and/or when the closure end (14) moves through the feed-through opening (12), the second end (9) of the separating element (7) is taken along by the closure end (14) and/ or when a user subsequently grasps the closure end (14), the second end (9) of the separating element (7) is also grasped by the user. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second end (9) of the separating element (7) has a driving element (21) for producing a positive and/or non-positive connection with the closure band (13), in particular with the closure end (14). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening device (2) is designed as a cable tie and/or comprises a locking device (15), in particular with a toothing (16) and a pawl (17). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (6) is at least partially designed to be translucent. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal generator (4) is designed as an optical and/or acoustic signal generator (4). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims , characterized by a touch sensor (24) and/or a button (19). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a motion sensor (23), in particular a vibration sensor, a radio module (22), in particular a sub-GHz radio module (22) and/or a Bluetooth radio module (22), and/ or a circuit board (18) which includes the timer (3) and the signal generator (4). Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the radio module (22) is designed to provide a pairing after the first end (8) of the separating element (7) has been removed from the housing (6), in particular for a predetermined period of time. Execute mode. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) is designed as a disposable device, wherein preferably the electrical connection to the voltage source (5) is uninterruptible and / or the fastening device (2) is non-detachable. Method for operating a device (1), in particular a device (1) for reminding a user of the application of a medication, wherein after the device (1) has been put into operation, a signal that can be perceived by a user is output at a predetermined time interval, characterized in that that the The device (1) is put into operation by closing a fastening device (2). Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that for the commissioning of the device (1), a first end (8) of a separating element (7) is removed from a housing (6) of the device (1), a second end (9) of the separating element (7) is initially at least partially arranged in a through-opening (12) of the fastening device (2) and is taken through the through-opening (12) by the movement of a closure end (14) of a closure band (13) of the fastening device (2) and then is moved further together with the closure end (14), whereby the first end of the separating element (7) is removed from the housing (6). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the time interval is fixed during the manufacture of the device (1) and cannot be changed by a user. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a radio module (22) of the device (1) executes a pairing mode for a predetermined period of time after commissioning. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal is generated by a touch of a touch sensor (24), an actuation of a button (19) and/or a movement of the device (1) detected by a motion sensor (23) until a new one Running through the time interval is interrupted.

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