Insulin pen with injection pressure real-time monitoring and feedback functions
By integrating sensors and feedback mechanisms into insulin pens to monitor needle insertion pressure in real time and provide multi-level feedback prompts, the problems of uncontrolled insertion depth and lack of feedback are solved, improving injection safety and efficacy, and reducing the risk of hypoglycemia and complications.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511664867.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-13
AI Technical Summary
Current insulin injection techniques have the problems of uncontrolled insertion depth and lack of objective operational feedback, leading to pain, hypoglycemia, and long-term complications, and are particularly unfriendly to the elderly and novices.
The insulin pen integrates a sensor unit, a control unit, a feedback execution unit, and a user operation unit. It monitors the needle insertion pressure in real time through a piezoresistive sensor and uses a three-level feedback mechanism (tactile, visual, and auditory) to prompt the user whether the safe insertion pressure range has been reached.
It improves injection safety and efficacy, reduces the risk of acute hypoglycemia and intradermal injection complications caused by improper injection methods, optimizes insulin therapy effects, and saves treatment costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN121314005A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to an insulin pen with real-time injection pressure monitoring and feedback function. Background Technology
[0002] Insulin is a common treatment for diabetic patients. In most cases, insulin injection is performed by the patient himself, but existing insulin injection technology has two major flaws.
[0003] ① Risk of uncontrolled needle insertion depth. If the needle is not fully inserted into the subcutaneous layer (too steep an angle, insufficient force) and is injected intradermally, it will cause increased pain, and repeated intradermal injections will lead to local induration and fat hyperplasia, ultimately reducing insulin absorption by more than 50%. If the needle is inserted too deeply (vertical angle, excessive force) and injected into the muscle layer, it will cause insulin to be absorbed too quickly, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia by 3 times.
[0004] ②: Existing insulin injection methods lack objective operational feedback. Traditional insulin pens have no physical feedback mechanism to indicate whether the insertion depth has been reached; they rely entirely on the user's feel (such as a "feeling of emptiness") and experience, which is extremely unfriendly to elderly or novice users. Currently, patients learn insulin injection methods mostly through face-to-face instruction from medical staff and video tutorials, but the effects of this education and training are short-lived, and patients often fail to inject insulin correctly in clinical practice. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This application provides an insulin pen with real-time injection pressure monitoring and feedback. The purpose is to monitor the needle pressure at the skin in real time and provide multi-level feedback to indicate whether the safe injection pressure range has been reached. This provides standardized operation guidance for patients (especially the elderly, obese individuals, and beginners), improving injection safety and efficacy. It can effectively reduce the risk of acute hypoglycemia caused by improper injection methods and long-term complications from intradermal injection, thereby optimizing insulin therapy and saving treatment costs.
[0006] This application provides an insulin pen with real-time injection pressure monitoring and feedback function, employing the following technical solution: An insulin pen with real-time injection pressure monitoring and feedback function includes a pen body, a pen cap, a cartridge holder, a syringe cartridge, a needle, a dose adjustment knob, a plunger, and an injection button. The pen body and the pen cap are threaded together, the cartridge holder and the pen body are snap-fitted together, the syringe cartridge is embedded in the cartridge holder, and the end of the cartridge holder away from the pen body is connected to the needle. The dose adjustment knob is installed at the end of the pen body away from the cartridge holder, and the end of the plunger is located inside the syringe cartridge. The dose adjustment knob is used to set the injection dose. The pen body is equipped with a sensor unit, a control unit, a feedback execution unit, and a user operation unit. The sensor unit includes a piezoresistive sensor, which is integrated into the base at the end of the pen refill holder. The piezoresistive sensor is used to determine whether injection can be performed based on the received corresponding pressure range. The control unit receives the data transmitted by the piezoresistive sensor in real time. The feedback execution unit adopts a three-level linkage feedback mechanism, which is set as first-level feedback, second-level feedback and third-level feedback respectively. The user operation unit includes a play button, a volume adjustment button and a power button.
[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the electronic voice module can be highly integrated and encapsulated inside the pen body for easy cleaning and disinfection. The buttons are logically positioned for easy operation without increasing the pen's size or weight, thus not affecting user comfort. In actual use, the user contacts the needle with the skin and presses down. The piezoresistive sensor collects the corresponding pressure data in real time and determines the pressure range. The feedback execution unit then provides feedback: pressure of 1.5N–5N indicates "injectable"; pressure <1.5N indicates "insufficient force"; pressure >5N indicates "too deep penetration". During the injection phase, the injection is completed within a safe pressure range (the sensor continuously monitors, triggering a secondary alarm in case of abnormalities). After injection, the system displays "injection successful" or "injection failed" based on the pressure detection results.
[0008] This setup adds a sensor unit, control unit, feedback execution unit, and user operation unit to the basic mechanical structure of the insulin pen. These integrated electronic modules monitor the needle pressure at the skin in real time, providing multi-level feedback to indicate whether the safe insertion pressure range has been reached. This provides standardized operation guidance for patients (especially the elderly or novices), improving injection safety and efficacy. It effectively reduces the risk of acute hypoglycemia due to improper injection methods and long-term complications from intradermal injection, thereby optimizing insulin therapy and saving treatment costs.
[0009] Preferably, the primary feedback is tactile feedback, and a micro vibration motor is built into the pen body, which vibrates according to the corresponding pressure value range.
[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, when the user injects through the plunger, the control unit receives the pressure value transmitted by the piezoresistive sensor and controls the miniature vibration motor inside the pen to vibrate within the corresponding pressure value range. The user can judge whether the safe insertion pressure range has been reached based on different vibration intensities.
[0011] When the pressure reaches 1.5N–5N, the micro-vibration motor vibrates continuously, indicating that the pressure is within the injectable range and the user can proceed with the injection. When the pressure is <1.5N, the micro-vibration motor vibrates intermittently, indicating insufficient pressure and depth of insertion, and the user needs to increase the injection force. When the pressure is >5N, the micro-vibration motor vibrates at a high frequency, indicating that the needle has penetrated too deeply and the injection has failed, and the user needs to reduce the injection force.
[0012] During injection, users can intuitively judge whether the current injection pressure has reached the standard by feeling the different vibration frequencies of the micro-vibration motor. Users can judge whether the safe insertion pressure range has been reached based on different vibration intensities. This can effectively solve the problem that the elderly or novices rely entirely on feel and experience to judge the injection effect during insulin injection, providing standardized operation guidance for the elderly or novices and improving injection safety and efficacy.
[0013] Preferably, the secondary feedback is visual feedback, and a pressure indicator light is installed on one side of the pen body. The pressure indicator light has three colors.
[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, when the user injects through the plunger, the control unit receives the pressure value transmitted by the piezoresistive sensor and controls the pressure indicator light to light up according to the corresponding pressure value. The user can judge whether the safe insertion pressure range has been reached based on the different colors of the pressure indicator light.
[0015] When the pressure reaches 1.5N–5N, the pressure indicator light is green, indicating that the pressure value has reached the injectable range and the user can proceed with the injection. When the pressure is <1.5N, the pressure indicator light is yellow, indicating that the pressure is insufficient and the insertion depth is inadequate, and the user needs to increase the injection force. When the pressure is >5N, the pressure indicator light is red, indicating that the needle has been inserted too deeply and the injection has failed, and the user needs to reduce the injection force.
[0016] During insulin injection, users can use different colored pressure indicator lights to determine whether the safe injection pressure range has been reached. The brightly colored pressure indicator lights allow users to directly observe whether the current injection force meets the injection standard. Combined with the different vibration frequencies of the micro-vibration motor, the insulin treatment effect can be further optimized, and treatment costs can be saved.
[0017] Preferably, the third-level feedback is auditory feedback, and a microphone is installed on the pen body to announce the current injection pressure.
[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, when the user injects via the plunger, the control unit receives the pressure value transmitted by the piezoresistive sensor and controls the microphone to announce the current injection pressure based on the corresponding pressure value, indicating whether the injection is possible, the pressure is too low, or the pressure is too high. The user can make corresponding adjustments based on the different announcements during the injection process. Based on the pressure sensing, the system will indicate whether the injection was successful or failed after the injection is completed.
[0019] Utilizing a three-tiered synergistic feedback mechanism combining tactile, visual, and auditory feedback, this system can monitor the needle's pressure upon penetration into the skin in real time, providing multi-level feedback to indicate whether the safe insertion pressure range has been reached. It offers standardized operational guidance for patients (especially the elderly, obese individuals, and beginners), improving injection safety and efficacy. This effectively reduces the risk of acute hypoglycemia due to improper injection techniques and long-term complications from intradermal injections, thereby optimizing insulin therapy and saving treatment costs.
[0020] Preferably, a calibration unit is provided inside the pen body, which is used to calibrate the corresponding pressure value for needles of different lengths.
[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the pressure value received by the piezoresistive sensor needs to be calibrated accordingly. For example, for longer needles, users need to increase the depth of needle insertion to achieve the safe insertion pressure range. Therefore, when dealing with needles of different lengths, users can calibrate the pressure value on the piezoresistive sensor through the calibration unit, which helps improve injection safety and efficacy during use.
[0022] Preferably, the calibration unit includes a calibration key, a calibration lever, and a calibration preload component. The calibration key is mounted on the pen body, the calibration lever is mounted horizontally inside the pen body, the calibration key and the calibration lever are connected, one end of the calibration preload component is connected to the piezoresistive sensor, and the other end of the calibration preload component is connected to the calibration lever.
[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the user can press the calibration button during use. This button drives the calibration lever to slide within the pen body. During this sliding motion, the calibration lever drives the pre-compression component to pre-compress the piezoresistive sensor, generating a pressure value. Once the pre-compression reaches the specified pressure value, injection is performed via the push rod. In this state, when the pressure reaches 1.5N–5N, the pressure indicator light turns green, indicating that the pressure has reached the injectable pressure range, and the user can then perform the injection.
[0024] Preferably, the calibration lever includes a first lever and a second lever. The first lever is vertically arranged, and the second lever is horizontally arranged. The two together form an "L" shape. One end of the first lever is connected to the calibration key, and the end of the second lever away from the first lever is connected to the calibration preload component. The ends of the first lever and the second lever connected to each other are both wedge-shaped.
[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, after the user presses the calibration button, the first rod is pushed towards the second rod, which in turn drives the second rod to slide towards the pre-compression component. During the sliding process, the second rod drives the pre-compression component to pre-compress the piezoresistive sensor.
[0026] Preferably, a limiting nut is added to the outer side of the pen body, and a limiting screw is integrally connected to the bottom of the limiting nut in the vertical direction. An internal threaded hole is opened through the pen body, and the limiting screw passes through the internal threaded hole and abuts against the top of the second rod. The limiting nut is used to drive the limiting screw to slide towards the second rod and limit the second rod.
[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, after the pre-compression component has completed the pre-compression of the piezoresistive sensor, the limit nut is turned to make the limit screw fit tightly against the second rod, thereby completing the limit of the second rod.
[0028] Preferably, a transparent dosage scale window is provided on one side of the pen body.
[0029] By adopting the above technical solution, users can observe the specific dosage through the dosage scale window during use. This dosage scale window can be used as a backup for users, or it can be used to further confirm whether the current dosage is consistent with the dosage announced by voice.
[0030] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. A sensor unit, control unit, feedback execution unit, and user operation unit are added to the basic mechanical structure of the insulin pen. These integrated electronic modules monitor the needle pressure at the skin in real time, providing multi-level feedback to indicate whether the safe insertion pressure range has been reached. This provides standardized operation guidance for patients (especially the elderly or novices), improving injection safety and efficacy. This effectively reduces the risk of acute hypoglycemia due to improper injection methods and long-term complications caused by intradermal injection, thereby optimizing insulin therapy and saving treatment costs. 2. Utilizing a three-tiered synergistic feedback mechanism of tactile, visual, and auditory feedback, the system can monitor the needle's pressure upon penetration into the skin in real time. Through multi-level feedback, it alerts the user to whether the safe insertion pressure range has been reached. This provides standardized operational guidance for patients (especially the elderly, obese individuals, and beginners), improving injection safety and efficacy. Consequently, it can effectively reduce the risk of acute hypoglycemia due to improper injection methods and long-term complications caused by intradermal injection, thereby optimizing insulin therapy and saving treatment costs. 3. The pressure value received by the piezoresistive sensor needs to be calibrated accordingly. For example, with longer needles, users need to increase the depth of needle insertion to achieve the safe insertion pressure range. Therefore, when dealing with needles of different lengths, users can calibrate the pressure value on the piezoresistive sensor through the calibration unit, which helps improve injection safety and efficacy during use. Attached Figure Description
[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the calibration movable rod, the calibration preload component, the limiting screw, and the limiting nut in a specific embodiment of this application; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged diagram of point A in the middle.
[0032] Reference numerals: 1. Pen body; 2. Pen cap; 3. Pen refill holder; 4. Cartridge; 5. Needle; 6. Dosage adjustment knob; 7. Push rod; 8. Injection button; 9. Piezoresistive sensor; 10. Play button; 11. Volume adjustment button; 12. Power button; 13. Pressure indicator light; 14. Microphone; 15. Calibration button; 16. Calibration lever; 161. First lever; 162. Second lever; 17. Calibration preload component; 18. Limit screw; 19. Limit nut; 20. Dosage scale window. Detailed Implementation
[0033] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 3 This application will be described in further detail below.
[0034] Example: This application discloses an insulin pen with real-time injection pressure monitoring and feedback function, referring to... Figure 1 and Figure 2The device includes a pen body 1, a pen cap 2, a pen refill holder 3, a cartridge 4, a needle 5, a dosage adjustment knob 6, a push rod 7, and an injection button 8. The pen body 1 and the pen cap 2 are threaded together, and the pen refill holder 3 and the pen body 1 are snapped together. The cartridge 4 is embedded in the pen refill holder 3. The end of the pen refill holder 3 away from the pen body 1 is connected to the needle 5. The dosage adjustment knob 6 is installed at the end of the pen body 1 away from the pen refill holder 3. The end of the push rod 7 is located inside the cartridge 4. The dosage adjustment knob 6 is used to set the injection dose. Users can set the corresponding injection dose according to their own needs. The push rod 7 is used to execute the injection.
[0035] A sensor unit, control unit, feedback execution unit, and user operation unit are added to the basic mechanical structure of the insulin pen.
[0036] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sensor unit includes a piezoresistive sensor 9, which is a miniature thin-film piezoresistive sensor (thickness <0.5mm). The piezoresistive sensor 9 is integrated into the base at the end of the pen cartridge holder 3. During the injection process, the push rod 7 applies pressure to the piezoresistive sensor 9, and the piezoresistive sensor 9 determines whether injection can proceed based on the received pressure range. The range of the piezoresistive sensor 9 is 0-10N (covering the range of resistance to skin penetration).
[0037] The control unit receives data from the piezoresistive sensor 9 in real time and calculates the pressure change rate. Its preset pressure threshold logic is as follows: the safe range is 1.5N–5N (corresponding to subcutaneous resistance); too low (<1.5N) indicates a risk of intradermal injection; too high (>5N) indicates a risk of injection into the muscle layer.
[0038] The feedback execution unit adopts a three-level linkage feedback mechanism, which is set as first-level feedback, second-level feedback and third-level feedback respectively. Based on the corresponding pressure sensing, it will prompt "injection successful" or "injection failed" after the injection is completed.
[0039] This insulin pen is powered by a button cell battery, supports pressure-triggered wake-up, and integrates a low-power design to extend battery life.
[0040] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The user operation unit includes a play button 10, a volume control button 11, and a power button 12. The play button 10 is an independent button that the user can press at any time to actively trigger the playback of the currently set dosage. The volume control button 11 allows the user to adjust the voice volume according to the environment and personal needs. The power button 12 is used to control the power supply of the electronic module.
[0041] The electronic voice module is highly integrated and encapsulated inside the pen body 1, facilitating cleaning and disinfection. The buttons are logically positioned for easy operation without increasing the pen's size or weight, thus ensuring comfort during use.
[0042] In practical use, the user places the needle 5 into the skin and presses down. The piezoresistive sensor 9 collects the corresponding pressure data in real time and determines the pressure range. The feedback execution unit then provides feedback: pressure between 1.5N and 5N indicates "injectable"; pressure < 1.5N indicates "insufficient force"; pressure > 5N indicates "too deep insertion". During the injection phase, the injection is completed within a safe pressure range (the sensor continuously monitors, triggering a secondary alarm in case of abnormality). After injection, the system displays "injection successful" or "injection failed" based on the pressure detection results.
[0043] This setup adds a sensor unit, control unit, feedback execution unit, and user operation unit to the basic mechanical structure of the insulin pen. These integrated electronic modules monitor the pressure of the needle pendant against the skin in real time, providing multi-level feedback to indicate whether the safe insertion pressure range has been reached. This provides standardized operation guidance for patients (especially the elderly or novices), improving injection safety and efficacy. It effectively reduces the risk of acute hypoglycemia due to improper injection methods and long-term complications caused by intradermal injection, thereby optimizing insulin therapy and saving treatment costs.
[0044] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 A transparent dosage scale window 20 is provided on one side of the pen body 1. Users can observe the specific dosage through the dosage scale window 20 when using it. This dosage scale window 20 can be used as a backup for users, or it can be used to further confirm whether the current dosage is consistent with the dosage announced by voice.
[0045] Specifically, the primary feedback is tactile feedback. The pen body 1 has a built-in micro vibration motor. When the user injects through the plunger 7, the control unit receives the pressure value transmitted by the piezoresistive sensor 9 and controls the micro vibration motor inside the pen body 1 to vibrate within the corresponding pressure range. The user can judge whether the safe insertion pressure range has been reached based on different vibration intensities.
[0046] When the pressure reaches 1.5N–5N, the micro-vibration motor vibrates continuously, indicating that the pressure is within the injectable range and the user can proceed with the injection. When the pressure is <1.5N, the micro-vibration motor vibrates intermittently, indicating insufficient pressure and depth of insertion, requiring the user to increase the injection force. When the pressure is >5N, the micro-vibration motor vibrates at high frequency, indicating that the needle has penetrated too deeply and the injection has failed, requiring the user to reduce the injection force.
[0047] During injection, users can intuitively judge whether the current injection pressure has reached the standard by feeling the different vibration frequencies of the micro-vibration motor. Users can judge whether the safe insertion pressure range has been reached based on different vibration intensities. This can effectively solve the problem that the elderly or novices rely entirely on feel and experience to judge the injection effect during insulin injection, providing standardized operation guidance for the elderly or novices and improving injection safety and efficacy.
[0048] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The secondary feedback is visual feedback. A pressure indicator light 13 is installed on one side of the pen body 1. The pressure indicator light 13 has three colors: green, yellow, and red. When the user injects through the plunger 7, the control unit receives the pressure value transmitted by the piezoresistive sensor 9 and controls the pressure indicator light 13 to light up according to the corresponding pressure value. The user can judge whether the safe insertion pressure range has been reached by looking at the different colors of the pressure indicator light 13.
[0049] When the pressure reaches 1.5N–5N, the pressure indicator light 13 will be green, indicating that the pressure value has reached the injectable range and the user can proceed with the injection. When the pressure is less than 1.5N, the pressure indicator light 13 will be yellow, indicating that the pressure is insufficient and the insertion depth is inadequate, and the user needs to increase the injection force. When the pressure is greater than 5N, the pressure indicator light 13 will be red, indicating that the needle 5 has been inserted too deeply and the injection has failed, and the user needs to reduce the injection force.
[0050] During insulin injection, users can determine whether the safe insertion pressure range has been reached by using different colored pressure indicator lights 13. The brightly colored pressure indicator lights 13 allow users to directly observe whether the current injection force meets the injection standard. Combined with the different vibration frequencies of the micro-vibration motor, the insulin treatment effect can be further optimized, and treatment costs can be saved.
[0051] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The third level of feedback is auditory feedback. A microphone 14 is installed on the pen body 1. When the user injects via the plunger 7, the control unit receives the pressure value transmitted by the piezoresistive sensor 9 and controls the microphone 14 to announce the current injection pressure, indicating whether injection is possible, the pressure is too low, or the pressure is too high. The user can adjust accordingly during injection based on the announcements. Based on the pressure sensor, the system indicates successful or failed injection after the injection is completed.
[0052] Utilizing a three-tiered synergistic feedback mechanism combining tactile, visual, and auditory feedback, this system can monitor the needle's pressure upon penetration into the skin in real time. Through multi-level feedback, it alerts the user to whether the safe insertion pressure range has been reached. This provides standardized operational guidance for patients (especially the elderly or novices), improving injection safety and efficacy. Consequently, it effectively reduces the risk of acute hypoglycemia due to improper injection techniques and long-term complications from intradermal injections, thereby optimizing insulin therapy and saving treatment costs.
[0053] Furthermore, a calibration unit is added inside the pen body 1 to calibrate the pressure values received by the piezoresistive sensor 9 for needles of different lengths 5. For example, for longer needles 5, users need to increase the insertion depth of the needle 5 to achieve a safe insertion pressure range. Therefore, when dealing with needles of different lengths 5, users can calibrate the pressure values on the piezoresistive sensor 9 through the calibration unit, which helps improve injection safety and efficacy during use.
[0054] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The calibration unit includes a calibration key 15, a calibration lever 16, and a calibration pre-compression component 17. The calibration key 15 is mounted on the pen body 1, and the calibration lever 16 is horizontally mounted inside the pen body 1, with the calibration key 15 and the calibration lever 16 connected together. One end of the calibration pre-compression component 17 is connected to the piezoresistive sensor 9, and the other end is connected to the calibration lever 16. In actual use, the user presses the calibration key 15, which drives the calibration lever 16 to slide within the pen body 1. During this sliding process, the calibration lever 16 drives the calibration pre-compression component 17 to pre-compress the piezoresistive sensor 9, generating a pressure value. Once the pre-compression reaches the specified pressure value, injection is performed via the push rod 7. In this state, when the pressure reaches 1.5N–5N, the pressure indicator light 13 turns green, indicating that the pressure value has reached the injectable pressure range, and the user can perform injection.
[0055] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The calibration lever 16 includes a first lever 161 and a second lever 162. The first lever 161 is vertically positioned, and the second lever 162 is horizontally positioned, forming an "L" shape. One end of the first lever 161 is connected to the calibration key 15, and the end of the second lever 162 away from the first lever 161 is connected to the calibration pre-compression component 17. Both ends of the first lever 161 and the second lever 162 are wedge-shaped. When the user presses the calibration key 15, the first lever 161 is pushed towards the second lever 162, which in turn drives the second lever 162 to slide towards the pre-compression component. During the sliding process, the second lever 162 drives the pre-compression component to pre-compress the piezoresistive sensor 9.
[0056] At the same time, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 A limiting nut 19 is added to the outside of the pen body 1. A limiting screw 18 is integrally connected to the bottom of the limiting nut 19 in the vertical direction. An internal threaded hole is opened through the pen body 1. The limiting screw 18 passes through the internal threaded hole and abuts against the top of the second rod 162. The limiting nut 19 is used to drive the limiting screw 18 to slide towards the second rod 162 and limit the second rod 162.
[0057] After the pre-compression component has completed the pre-compression of the piezoresistive sensor 9, the limiting nut 19 is turned to make the limiting screw 18 fit tightly against the second rod 162, thereby completing the limiting of the second rod 162.
[0058] The implementation principle of an insulin pen with real-time injection pressure monitoring and feedback function according to an embodiment of this application is as follows: A sensor unit, control unit, feedback execution unit, and user operation unit are added to the basic mechanical structure of the insulin pen.
[0059] The sensor unit includes a piezoresistive sensor 9, which is a miniature thin-film piezoresistive sensor (thickness <0.5mm). The piezoresistive sensor 9 is integrated into the base at the end of the pen cartridge holder 3. During injection, the push rod 7 applies pressure to the piezoresistive sensor 9 while pushing the cartridge 4. The piezoresistive sensor 9 determines whether injection can proceed based on the received pressure range. The range of the piezoresistive sensor 9 is 0-10N (covering the range of resistance to skin penetration).
[0060] The control unit receives data from the piezoresistive sensor 9 in real time and calculates the pressure change rate. Its preset pressure threshold logic is as follows: the safe range is 1.5N–5N (corresponding to subcutaneous resistance); too low (<1.5N) indicates a risk of intradermal injection; too high (>5N) indicates a risk of injection into the muscle layer.
[0061] The feedback execution unit adopts a three-level linkage feedback mechanism, which is set as first-level feedback, second-level feedback and third-level feedback respectively. Based on the corresponding pressure sensing, it will prompt "injection successful" or "injection failed" after the injection is completed.
[0062] This insulin pen is powered by a button cell battery, supports pressure-triggered wake-up, and integrates a low-power design to extend battery life.
[0063] The user operation unit includes a play button 10, a volume control button 11, and a power button 12. The play button 10 is an independent button that the user can press at any time to actively trigger the playback of the currently set dosage. The volume control button 11 allows the user to adjust the voice volume according to the environment and personal needs. The power button 12 is used to control the power supply of the electronic module.
[0064] The electronic voice module is highly integrated and encapsulated inside the pen body 1, facilitating cleaning and disinfection. The buttons are logically positioned for easy operation without increasing the pen's size or weight, thus ensuring comfort during use.
[0065] In practical use, the user places the needle 5 into the skin and presses down. The piezoresistive sensor 9 collects the corresponding pressure data in real time and determines the pressure range. The feedback execution unit then provides feedback: pressure between 1.5N and 5N indicates "injectable"; pressure < 1.5N indicates "insufficient force"; pressure > 5N indicates "too deep insertion". During the injection phase, the injection is completed within a safe pressure range (the sensor continuously monitors, triggering a secondary alarm in case of abnormality). After injection, the system displays "injection successful" or "injection failed" based on the pressure detection results.
[0066] This setup adds a sensor unit, control unit, feedback execution unit, and user operation unit to the basic mechanical structure of the insulin pen. These integrated electronic modules monitor the pressure of the needle pendant against the skin in real time, providing multi-level feedback to indicate whether the safe insertion pressure range has been reached. This provides standardized operation guidance for patients (especially the elderly or novices), improving injection safety and efficacy. It effectively reduces the risk of acute hypoglycemia due to improper injection methods and long-term complications caused by intradermal injection, thereby optimizing insulin therapy and saving treatment costs.
[0067] Specifically, the primary feedback is tactile feedback. The pen body 1 has a built-in micro vibration motor. When the user injects through the plunger 7, the control unit receives the pressure value transmitted by the piezoresistive sensor 9 and controls the micro vibration motor inside the pen body 1 to vibrate within the corresponding pressure range. The user can judge whether the safe insertion pressure range has been reached based on different vibration intensities.
[0068] When the pressure reaches 1.5N–5N, the micro-vibration motor vibrates continuously, indicating that the pressure is within the injectable range and the user can proceed with the injection. When the pressure is <1.5N, the micro-vibration motor vibrates intermittently, indicating insufficient pressure and depth of insertion, requiring the user to increase the injection force. When the pressure is >5N, the micro-vibration motor vibrates at high frequency, indicating that the needle has penetrated too deeply and the injection has failed, requiring the user to reduce the injection force.
[0069] During injection, users can intuitively judge whether the current injection pressure has reached the standard by feeling the different vibration frequencies of the micro-vibration motor. Users can judge whether the safe insertion pressure range has been reached based on different vibration intensities. This can effectively solve the problem that the elderly or novices rely entirely on feel and experience to judge the injection effect during insulin injection, providing standardized operation guidance for the elderly or novices and improving injection safety and efficacy.
[0070] Specifically, the secondary feedback is visual feedback. A pressure indicator light 13 is installed on one side of the pen body 1. The pressure indicator light 13 has three colors: green, yellow, and red. When the user injects through the plunger 7, the control unit receives the pressure value transmitted by the piezoresistive sensor 9 and controls the pressure indicator light 13 to light up according to the corresponding pressure value. The user can judge whether the safe insertion pressure range has been reached by looking at the different colors of the pressure indicator light 13.
[0071] When the pressure reaches 1.5N–5N, the pressure indicator light 13 will be green, indicating that the pressure value has reached the injectable range and the user can proceed with the injection. When the pressure is less than 1.5N, the pressure indicator light 13 will be yellow, indicating that the pressure is insufficient and the insertion depth is inadequate, and the user needs to increase the injection force. When the pressure is greater than 5N, the pressure indicator light 13 will be red, indicating that the needle 5 has been inserted too deeply and the injection has failed, and the user needs to reduce the injection force.
[0072] During insulin injection, users can determine whether the safe insertion pressure range has been reached by using different colored pressure indicator lights 13. The brightly colored pressure indicator lights 13 allow users to directly observe whether the current injection force meets the injection standard. Combined with the different vibration frequencies of the micro-vibration motor, the insulin treatment effect can be further optimized, and treatment costs can be saved.
[0073] Specifically, the third-level feedback is auditory feedback. A microphone 14 is installed on the pen body 1. When the user injects via the plunger 7, the control unit receives the pressure value transmitted by the piezoresistive sensor 9 and controls the microphone 14 to announce the current injection pressure, indicating whether injection is possible, the pressure is too low, or the pressure is too high. The user can adjust accordingly during injection based on the announcements. Based on the pressure sensing, the system indicates whether the injection was successful or failed after injection.
[0074] Utilizing a three-tiered synergistic feedback mechanism combining tactile, visual, and auditory feedback, this system can monitor the needle's pressure upon penetration into the skin in real time. Through multi-level feedback, it alerts the user to whether the safe insertion pressure range has been reached. This provides standardized operational guidance for patients (especially the elderly, obese individuals, and beginners), improving injection safety and efficacy. Consequently, it effectively reduces the risk of acute hypoglycemia due to improper injection techniques and long-term complications from intradermal injections, thereby optimizing insulin therapy and saving treatment costs.
[0075] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. An insulin pen with real-time injection pressure monitoring and feedback function, characterized in that: The device includes a pen body (1), a pen cap (2), a pen cartridge holder (3), a cartridge (4), a needle (5), a dosage adjustment knob (6), a push rod (7), and an injection button (8). The pen body (1) and the pen cap (2) are threaded together, and the pen cartridge holder (3) is snapped into the pen body (1). The cartridge (4) is embedded in the pen cartridge holder (3). The end of the pen cartridge holder (3) away from the pen body (1) is connected to the needle (5). The dosage adjustment knob (6) is installed at the end of the pen body (1) away from the pen cartridge holder (3). The end of the push rod (7) is located inside the cartridge (4). The dosage adjustment knob (6) is used to set the injection dose. The pen body (1) is equipped with a sensor unit, a control unit, a feedback execution unit, and a user operation unit. The sensor unit includes a piezoresistive sensor (9), which is integrated into the base at the end of the pen refill holder (3). The piezoresistive sensor (9) is used to determine whether injection can be performed based on the received corresponding pressure range. The control unit receives the data transmitted by the piezoresistive sensor (9) in real time. The feedback execution unit adopts a three-level linkage feedback mechanism, which is set as first-level feedback, second-level feedback and third-level feedback respectively. The user operation unit includes a play button (10), a volume adjustment button (11) and a power button (12).
2. An insulin pen with real-time injection pressure monitoring and feedback function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The primary feedback is tactile feedback. The pen body (1) has a built-in micro vibration motor that vibrates according to the corresponding pressure value range.
3. An insulin pen with real-time injection pressure monitoring and feedback function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The secondary feedback is visual feedback. A pressure indicator light (13) is installed on one side of the pen body (1). The pressure indicator light (13) has three colors.
4. An insulin pen with real-time injection pressure monitoring and feedback function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The third-level feedback is auditory feedback. A microphone (14) is installed on the pen body (1), and the microphone (14) is used to announce the current injection pressure.
5. An insulin pen with real-time injection pressure monitoring and feedback function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pen body (1) is equipped with a calibration unit, which is used to calibrate the corresponding pressure values for needles (5) of different lengths.
6. An insulin pen with real-time injection pressure monitoring and feedback function according to claim 5, characterized in that: The calibration unit includes a calibration key (15), a calibration lever (16), and a calibration preload component (17). The calibration key (15) is mounted on the pen body (1), and the calibration lever (16) is mounted horizontally inside the pen body (1). The calibration key (15) and the calibration lever (16) are connected. One end of the calibration preload component (17) is connected to the piezoresistive sensor (9), and the other end of the calibration preload component (17) is connected to the calibration lever (16).
7. An insulin pen with real-time injection pressure monitoring and feedback function according to claim 6, characterized in that: The calibration lever (16) includes a first lever (161) and a second lever (162). The first lever (161) is vertically arranged, and the second lever (162) is horizontally arranged. The two together form an "L" shape. One end of the first lever (161) is connected to the calibration key (15), and the end of the second lever (162) away from the first lever (161) is connected to the calibration preload (17). The ends of the first lever (161) and the second lever (162) that are connected are both wedge-shaped.
8. An insulin pen with real-time injection pressure monitoring and feedback function according to claim 7, characterized in that: A limiting nut (19) is added to the outside of the pen body (1). A limiting screw (18) is integrally connected to the bottom of the limiting nut (19) in the vertical direction. An internal threaded hole is opened through the pen body (1). The limiting screw (18) passes through the internal threaded hole and abuts against the top of the second rod (162). The limiting nut (19) is used to drive the limiting screw (18) to slide towards the second rod (162) and limit the second rod (162).
9. An insulin pen with real-time injection pressure monitoring and feedback function according to claim 8, characterized in that: A transparent dosage scale window (20) is provided on one side of the pen body (1).