Injection device with sensor assembly

The injection device with a sensor assembly addresses the lack of data capture in existing devices by measuring and transmitting injection parameters, improving medication delivery monitoring and user feedback.

JP7828958B2Active Publication Date: 2026-03-12BECTON DICKINSON FRANCE SAS
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-10-04
Publication Date
2026-03-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Many existing injection devices lack mechanisms for capturing and transmitting injection-related data, such as start time, duration, and force profiles, which are crucial for monitoring and improving medication delivery.

Method used

An injection device equipped with a sensor assembly that includes a spring, a movable component, a sensor connected to the spring, and a wireless communication device to measure and transmit parameters like force and acceleration during the injection process.

Benefits of technology

Enables real-time data capture and transmission of injection parameters, facilitating improved medication delivery monitoring and user feedback, enhancing the usability and effectiveness of injection devices.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The injection device may include a container, a movable component, a spring, a sensor, and / or a wireless communication device. The container may have an open proximal end, a substantially closed distal end, and a reservoir containing a medicament defined between the open proximal end and the substantially closed distal end. The movable component may be provided within the container and movable relative to the container to expel the medicament from the container. The spring may be connected to the movable component and configured to move the movable component within the container. The sensor may be connected to an end of the spring and configured to measure a parameter associated with the injection operation of the injection device. The wireless communication device may be configured to communicate information associated with the injection operation of the injection device to a computing device.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 20306153.6, filed October 5, 2020, entitled "Injection Device with Sensor Assembly," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] 1. Field The present disclosure relates generally to injection devices, and in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, to spring-based injection devices that include a sensor assembly.

[0003] 2. Technical considerations A wide variety of injection devices for injecting fluids are currently available on the market, however, many of these devices do not provide any mechanism for capturing and / or transmitting injection-related data. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Thus, improved systems, devices, products, apparatus, and / or methods for capturing and / or transferring injection-related data are provided.

[0005] According to certain non-limiting embodiments or aspects, there is provided an injection device for delivering a dose of medicament to a user, the injection device including: a container having an open proximal end, a substantially closed distal end, and a reservoir defined between the open proximal end and the substantially closed distal end, the reservoir containing a medicament; a mobile component disposed within the container and movable relative to the container, wherein movement of the mobile component expels the medicament from the container; a spring connected to the mobile component, the spring configured to move the mobile component within the container to expel the medicament from the container; a sensor connected to an end of the spring, the sensor configured to measure a parameter associated with an injection operation of the injection device; and a wireless communication device configured to communicate information associated with the injection operation of the injection device to a computing device.

[0006] Further embodiments or aspects are described in the following numbered clauses (clauses).

[0007] Clause 1. An injection device for delivering a dose of medication to a user, the injection device including: a container having an open proximal end, a substantially closed distal end, and a reservoir defined between the open proximal end and the substantially closed distal end, the reservoir containing a medication; a movable component disposed within the container and movable relative to the container, wherein movement of the movable component causes the medication to be expelled from the container; a spring connected to the movable component, the spring configured to move the movable component within the container to cause the medication to be expelled from the container; a sensor connected to an end of the spring, the sensor configured to measure a parameter associated with an injection operation of the injection device; and a wireless communication device configured to communicate information associated with the injection operation of the injection device to a computing device.

[0008] Clause 2. The injection device of clause 1, wherein the movable component includes a plunger rod and a stopper.

[0009] Clause 3. An injection device according to any of clauses 1 and 2, wherein the sensor connected to the end of the spring is in contact with the stopper.

[0010] Clause 4. An injection device according to any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the end of the spring connected to the sensor is opposite another end of the spring that is in contact with the stopper.

[0011] Clause 5. An injection device according to any of clauses 1 to 4, further comprising a conductive trace connecting the sensor to a wireless communication device.

[0012] Clause 6. An injection device according to any of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the spring forms at least part of the conductive trace.

[0013] Clause 7. An injection device according to any of clauses 1 to 6, further comprising a first housing containing a reservoir, a movable component, a spring, a sensor, and a wireless communication device, wherein the sensor is spaced apart from the wireless communication device within the housing.

[0014] Clause 8. An injection device according to any of clauses 1 to 7, further comprising a first housing containing the container, the movable component, the spring, and the sensor, and a second housing containing the wireless communication device, the second housing being connected to the outer surface of the first housing.

[0015] Clause 9. The injection device of any of clauses 1 to 8, further comprising a battery configured to power the sensor via the conductive trace.

[0016] Clause 10. An injection device according to any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the sensor comprises an adapter plate having a hollow cylindrical shape.

[0017] Clause 11. An injection device according to any of clauses 1 to 10, further comprising one or more processors programmed and / or configured to determine information associated with an injection operation of the injection device based on the measured parameters.

[0018] Clause 12. An injection device according to any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the information associated with an injection operation of the injection device includes at least one of a start time of the injection operation, a duration of the injection operation, a speed of the injection operation, a back pressure profile of the injection operation, or any combination thereof.

[0019] Clause 13. An injection device according to any one of clauses 1 to 12,

[0020] The injection device, further comprising a user feedback device, wherein the user feedback device comprises at least one of a display, a light emitting diode (LED), an audio output device, or any combination thereof.

[0021] Clause 14. An injection device according to any of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the sensor comprises a force sensor configured to measure a force associated with an injection action of the injection device.

[0022] Clause 15. An injection device according to any of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the sensor comprises an accelerometer configured to measure acceleration associated with an injection action of the injection device.

[0023] These and other features and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the method of operation and function of the associated elements of structure, combination of parts, and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent from a consideration of the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part hereof, and in which like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in the various views. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in this specification and the claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] Additional advantages and details of embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure are explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying schematic drawings. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of an environment in which the systems, devices, products, apparatus, and / or methods described herein may be implemented. [Figure 1B]1B is a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of one or more devices and / or components of one or more systems of FIG. 1A. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1C is a diagram of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of one or more devices and / or components of one or more systems of FIGS. 1A and 1B. [Figure 3A] 1A, 1B, and 2. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an implementation of aspects of a non-limiting embodiment or component of one or more devices and / or one or more systems of FIGS. [Figure 3B] 1A, 1B, and 2. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an implementation of aspects of a non-limiting embodiment or component of one or more devices and / or one or more systems of FIGS. [Figure 3C] 1A, 1B, and 2. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an implementation of aspects of a non-limiting embodiment or component of one or more devices and / or one or more systems of FIGS. [Figure 4] 1A, 1B, 2, and 3A-3C are diagrams of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of one or more devices and / or components of one or more systems of FIGS. [Figure 5A] 2A-2C are side, top, and cross-sectional views taken along line AA of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of an adapter plate. [Figure 5B] 10A-10C are perspective views of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of adapter plates for improved interfacing of sensors with spring ends. [Figure 5C] 10A-10C are perspective views of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of adapter plates for improved interfacing of sensors with spring ends. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] It should be understood that the present disclosure may contemplate various alternative modifications and step sequences unless expressly specified to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and described in the following specification, are merely exemplary and non-limiting embodiments or aspects. As such, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics associated with the embodiments or aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting.

[0026] Hereinafter, for purposes of explanation, the terms "end," "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "lateral," "longitudinal," and their derivatives shall refer to the present invention as oriented in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure may contemplate various alternative modifications and step sequences unless expressly specified to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics associated with the embodiments or aspects of embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting, unless otherwise indicated.

[0027] As used herein, aspects, components, elements, structures, acts, steps, functions, instructions, and / or the like should not be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with "one or more" and "at least one." Furthermore, as used herein, the term "set" is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, combinations of related and unrelated items, etc.) and may be used interchangeably with "one or more" or "at least one." Where only one item is intended, the term "one" or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms "has," "have," "having," etc. are intended to be open-ended terms. Additionally, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on," unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0028] As used herein, the terms “communication” and “communicate” refer to the receipt or transfer of one or more signals, messages, commands, or other types of data. For one unit (e.g., any device, system, or component thereof) to communicate with another unit means that the one unit can receive data from and / or transmit data to the other unit, directly or indirectly. This may refer to a direct or indirect connection that is wired and / or wireless in nature. Furthermore, two units may communicate with each other even if the transmitted data is modified, processed, relayed, and / or routed between the first and second units. For example, a first unit may communicate with a second unit even if the first unit passively receives data and does not actively transmit data to the second unit. As another example, a first unit may communicate with a second unit where an intermediate unit processes data from one unit and transmits the processed data to the second unit, although it will be appreciated that many other arrangements are possible.

[0029] It will be apparent that the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented in different forms of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The actual specialized control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods is not limiting of the implementation. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code, and it will be understood that software and hardware can be designed to implement the systems and / or methods based on the description herein.

[0030] Some non-limiting embodiments or aspects are described herein in relation to thresholds. As used herein, meeting a threshold may mean that a value is greater than the threshold, more than the threshold, higher than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, less than the threshold, lower than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, etc.

[0031] As used herein, the terms “computing device” or “computer device” may refer to one or more electronic devices configured to communicate directly or indirectly with or over one or more networks. A computing device may be a mobile device, a desktop computer, etc. Furthermore, the term “computer” may refer to any computing device that includes the components necessary to receive, process, and output data, typically including a display, a processor, memory, input devices, and a network interface. An “application” or “application program interface” (API) refers to computer code or other data sorted on a computer-readable medium that can be executed by a processor to facilitate interaction between software components for receiving data from a client, such as a client-side front end and / or a server-side back end. An “interface” refers to a generated display, such as one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs), with which a user can interact directly or indirectly (e.g., via a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, etc.).

[0032] As used herein, the term "server" may mean or include one or more processors or computers, storage devices, or similar computer configurations operated by or facilitating communication and processing for multiple parties in a network environment such as the Internet, although it will be understood that communication may be facilitated through one or more public or private network environments and that various other configurations may be possible. Furthermore, multiple computers, e.g., servers, or other computerized devices, such as POS devices, communicating directly or indirectly within a network environment may comprise a "system," such as a retailer's POS system. As used herein, the term "data center" may include one or more servers or other computing devices and / or databases.

[0033] As used herein, the term "mobile device" may refer to one or more portable electronic devices configured to communicate with one or more networks. As one example, a mobile device may include a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone or standard mobile phone), a portable computer (e.g., a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc.), a wearable device (e.g., a watch, eyeglasses, lenses, clothing, and / or the like), a personal digital assistant (PDA), and / or other similar devices. As used herein, the terms "client device" and "user device" refer to any electronic device configured to communicate with one or more servers or remote devices and / or systems. A client device or user device may include a mobile device, a network-enabled appliance (e.g., a network-enabled television, refrigerator, thermostat, and / or the like), a computer, and / or any other device or system capable of communicating with a network.

[0034] As used herein, the term "application" or "application program interface" (API) means computer code, a set of rules, or other data sorted on a computer-readable medium that can be executed by a processor to facilitate interaction between software components for receiving data from a client, such as a client-side front end and / or a server-side back end. "Interface" means a generated display, such as one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs), with which a user can interact directly or indirectly (e.g., via a keyboard, mouse, etc.).

[0035] 1, there is shown a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of an environment 100 in which the systems, devices, articles of manufacture, apparatus, and / or methods described herein may be implemented. As shown in FIG. 1, the environment 100 may include an injection device 102 and / or a computing device 104.

[0036] The injection device 102 may be configured to perform an injection action to deliver a dose of medication to a user. The injection device 102 may include a needle- or needleless injection device. The injection device 102 may be a disposable injection device (e.g., a disposable injection device) or a reusable injection device. The injection device 102 may include an auto-injector, a pen-type injector, a wearable injector, a passive needle guard, and / or the like. For example, the injection device 102 may include a BD Intevia™ auto-injector, a BD Libertas™ wearable auto-injector, a BD Sonic™ auto-injector, a BD UltraSafe Plus™ passive needle guard for pre-filled ISO-standard glass syringes, and / or the like. As an example, FIG. 1B illustrates various non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the injection device 102.

[0037] The computing device 104 may include one or more devices that can receive information and / or data from the injection device 102 (e.g., from the sensor module 210, etc.) and / or communicate information and / or data to the injection device 102 (e.g., to the sensor module 210, etc.). For example, the computing device 104 may include a computing device, a server, a group of servers, a mobile device, a group of mobile devices, a bridge, a router, a hub, and / or the like. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the computing device 104 includes one or more computing devices, chips, contactless transmitters, contactless transceivers, NFC transmitters, RFID transmitters, contact-based transmitters, and / or the like that enable the computing device 104 to receive information directly from and / or communicate information directly to the injection device (e.g., wireless communication device 216) via a short-range wireless communication connection (e.g., a communication connection using an NFC protocol, a communication connection using radio-frequency identification (RFID), a communication connection using the Bluetooth® wireless technology standard, and / or the like). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the computing device 104 may include and / or upload information and / or data to an electronic data management system, such as, for example, a hospital records system, a system used during a clinical trial to collect trial-related information, and / or the like, and / or to another computing device.

[0038] 2, 3A-3C, and 4, the injection device 102 may include a housing 200, a reservoir 202, a movable component 204 (e.g., plunger rod 204a, stopper 204b, etc.), a spring 206 (e.g., a coil spring, etc.), a sensor 208, conductive traces 209, and / or a sensor module 210. For example, the reservoir 202, the movable component 204 (e.g., plunger rod 204a, stopper 204b, etc.), the spring 206, the sensor 208, conductive traces 209, and / or the sensor module 210 may be contained within and / or connected to the housing 200 of the injection device 102. The sensor module 210 may include a housing 212, a processor 214, a wireless communication device 216, a user feedback device 218, a power source 220, and / or a memory 222. For example, the processor 214, the wireless communication device 216, the user feedback device 218, the power supply 220, and / or the memory 222 may be housed within the housing 212 (e.g., on a printed circuit board (PCB) within the housing 212, etc.). The conductive traces 209 may connect the sensor module 210 (e.g., one or more components of the sensor module 210, etc.) to the sensor 208. For example, the sensor 208, the conductive traces 209, and / or the sensor module 210 may form a sensor assembly.

[0039] The container 202 can have an open proximal end, a substantially closed distal end, and a reservoir defined between the open proximal end and the substantially closed distal end. The reservoir can contain a drug.

[0040] Movable component 204 may be provided within container 202 (e.g., received within an open proximal end of container 202) and movable relative to container 202. For example, movement of movable component 204 may expel medicament from the container in an injection action (e.g., through a needle connected thereto and out a substantially closed end of container 202). As one example, movable component 204 may include plunger rod 204a and stopper 204b.

[0041] The spring 206 may be connected to the movable component 204. For example, the spring 206 may be configured to move the movable component 204 within the container 202 to expel the medicament from the container 202. As one example, the spring 206 may be held in a compressed position until a trigger (e.g., a button, trigger, etc.) that initiates or triggers the injection operation is actuated or displaced from its compressed position, releasing the spring 206 from its compressed position and moving the movable component 204 connected to the spring 206 distally within the container 202 to expel the medicament from the container 202. In such an example, the spring 206 may expand to move the plunger rod 204a and the stopper 204b distally within the container 202. Although FIG. 2 shows the spring 206 directly connected to the plunger rod 204a and / or the stopper 204b, non-limiting embodiments or aspects are not so limited, and the spring 206 may be indirectly connected to the plunger rod 204a and / or the stopper 204b (e.g., via one or more other movable components, etc.), for example, as shown in FIG. 3A.

[0042] The sensor 208 may be connected to (e.g., directly connected to, directly attached to, or integrated with) an end of the spring 206. For example, the sensor 208 may be connected to the distal end and / or the proximal end of the spring 206. In one example, the sensor 208 may be connected to the stopper 204 opposite the base of the spring 206. bIn one example, the sensor 208 may be connected to another end of the spring 206 opposite the end of the spring 206 that is in contact with stopper 204b. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first sensor 208 (e.g., a force sensor, an accelerometer, etc.) may be connected to the first end of the spring 206, and the second sensor 208 (e.g., an accelerometer, a force sensor, etc.) may be connected to the second end of the spring 206 opposite the first end of the spring 206.

[0043] The sensor 208 may be configured to measure a parameter associated with the injection operation of the injection device 102. The sensor 208 may include a force sensor, an accelerometer, or any combination thereof. For example, the sensor 208 may include a force sensor (e.g., a strain gauge, an extensometer sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, etc.) configured to measure a force associated with the injection operation of the injection device 102. As one example, the sensor 208 may measure the mechanical deformation of a force applied to an object on which the sensor 208 is disposed (e.g., a force applied to the end of the spring 206, a force applied to the movable component 204, etc.) and convert the measured parameter into an electrical signal for processing and / or communication with the sensor module 210. For example, the sensor 208 may include an accelerometer configured to measure an acceleration associated with the injection operation of the injection device. As one example, the sensor 208 may measure the displacement velocity of an object (e.g., the end of the spring 206, the moving component 204, etc.) where the sensor 208 is positioned along one or more axes of the object and converts the measured parameter into an electrical signal for processing and / or communication with the sensor module 210.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3A , in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor module 210 (e.g., housing 212, etc.) is included within the housing 200 and / or housed within the housing 200 (e.g., completely housed within or integrated with the housing 200). In such examples, the sensor 208 may be spaced apart from the sensor module 210 (e.g., housing 212, etc.) within the housing 200. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, as shown in FIGS. 2 , 3B, and 3C , the sensor module 210 (e.g., housing 212, etc.) is connected to or attached to an exterior surface of the housing 200. For example, the sensor module 210 (e.g., housing 212, etc.) may be attached to an exterior surface of the housing 200. 2 ) and / or the injection device 102 (e.g., housing 200) may have a housing 21 on the outer surface of the housing 200. 2 The mechanical interface may include a mechanical interface configured to attach (e.g., removably attach, permanently attach, etc.) the connector. As one example, the mechanical interface may include a clip, a snap-fit ​​connection, an adhesive, and / or other mechanical interface.

[0045] The conductive trace 209 may connect the processor 214, the wireless communication device 216, the user feedback device 218, the power source 220, and / or the memory 222 to the sensor 208. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at least a portion of the conductive trace 209 is integrated into the housing 200 (e.g., integrated into the plastic molded housing of the injection device 102, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the spring 206 (e.g., a metal spring, a conductive spring, etc.) forms at least a portion of the conductive trace 209. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the spring 206 may function as a conductive trace that electrically connects the sensor 208 adjacent the stopper 204 b to the conductive trace 209 (e.g., extending between the base of the spring 206 and the sensor module 210) and / or the sensor module 210 (e.g., one or more components of the sensor module 210, etc.). As one example, the spring 206 may communicate a signal from the sensor 208 to the conductive trace 209 and / or the sensor module 210 (eg, one or more components of the sensor module 210, etc.).

[0046] The processor 214 may be programmed and / or configured to determine information associated with an injection operation of the injection device 102 based on signals or sensor data (e.g., measured parameters, measured forces, measured accelerations, etc.) received from the sensor 208. For example, the processor 214 may be programmed and / or configured to receive acquired signals from the sensor 208, and based on the received acquired signals, the processor 214 may be programmed and / or configured to perform signal processing (e.g., filtering, pattern detection, etc.) on the received signals, perform threshold level(s) extraction, and / or determine information associated with an injection operation of the injection device 102. As one example, the processor 214 may be programmed and / or configured to compare the signals received from the sensor 208 with one or more reference signals (e.g., stored in the memory 222, etc.) to determine at least one of a start time of the injection operation, a duration of the injection operation, a velocity of the injection operation, a backpressure profile of the injection operation, or any combination thereof. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the processor 214 may include a low-power microcontroller unit (MCU). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the information associated with the injection operation of the injection device 102 includes at least one of a measured parameter, a measured force, a measured acceleration, a start time of the injection operation, a duration of the injection operation, a velocity of the injection operation, a backpressure profile of the injection operation, or any combination thereof. The processor 214 may store the information associated with the injection operation of the injection device 102 in the memory 222.

[0047] The wireless communication device 216 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the computing device 104. For example, the wireless communication device 216 may be configured to communicate information associated with an injection operation of the injection device 102 to the computing device 104. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the wireless communication device 216 includes one or more computing devices, chips, contactless transmitters, contactless transceivers, NFC transmitters, RFID transmitters, contact-based transmitters, Bluetooth transceivers, and / or the like to enable the wireless communication device 216 to receive information directly from and / or communicate information directly to the computing device 104 via a short-range wireless communication connection (e.g., via a communication connection using an NFC protocol, a communication connection using radio frequency identification (RFID), a communication connection using the Bluetooth wireless technology standard, and / or the like).

[0048] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the computing device 104 may be programmed and / or configured to determine information associated with an injection operation of the injection device 102 based on signals or sensor data (e.g., measured parameters, measured forces, measured accelerations, etc.) received from the sensors 208 via the wireless communication device 216. For example, the computing device 104 may be programmed and / or configured to receive acquired signals from the sensors 208 via the wireless communication device 216, and based on the received acquired signals, the computing device 104 may be programmed and / or configured to perform signal processing (e.g., filtering, pattern detection, etc.) on the received signals, perform threshold level(s) extraction, and / or determine information associated with an injection operation of the injection device 102. As one example, the computing device 104 may be programmed and / or configured to compare the signal received from the sensor 208 via the wireless communication device 216 with one or more reference signals (e.g., stored in memory or the like) to determine at least one of the start time of the injection operation, the duration of the injection operation, the speed of the injection operation, the backpressure profile of the injection operation, or any combination thereof.

[0049] The user feedback device 218 may be configured to provide a user with indications and / or information associated with the injection operation of the injection device 102. For example, the user feedback device 218 may include at least one of a display, a light emitting diode (LED), an audio output device (e.g., a buzzer, a speaker, etc.), or any combination thereof. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the user feedback device 218 may include a user input device configured to receive user input from a user.

[0050] The power source 220 may be configured to provide power to the sensor 208, the processor 214, the wireless communication device 216, the user feedback device 218, and / or the memory 222. For example, the power source 220 may include a battery (e.g., a rechargeable battery, a disposable battery, etc.) and / or an energy harvester (e.g., a thermoelectric energy harvester, a photovoltaic energy harvester, a piezoelectric energy harvester, etc.).

[0051] The memory 222 may be configured to store information associated with an injection operation of the injection device 102 in the memory 222. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the memory 222 may store calibration data associated with one or more calibration settings of the sensor 208.

[0052] The number and arrangement of devices and systems shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 2, 3A-3C, and 4 are provided as examples. There may be additional, fewer, different, or differently arranged devices and / or systems than those shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 2, 3A-3C, and 4. Furthermore, two or more devices and / or systems shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 2, 3A-3C, and 4 may be implemented within a single device and / or system, and a single device and / or system shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 2, 3A-3C, and 4 may be implemented as multiple distributed devices and / or systems. Additionally or alternatively, a set of devices and / or systems (e.g., one or more devices or systems) of environment 100 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of devices and / or systems of environment 100.

[0053] Referring here to Figure 5A, Figure 5A is a side view, top view, and cross-sectional view taken along line AA of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the adapter plate 500 for the sensor 208. As shown in Figure 5A, the adapter plate 500 may have a shape corresponding to the end of the spring 206. For example, the adapter plate 500 may have a hollow cylinder shape. As one example, referring here to Figures 5B and 5C, Figures 5B and 5C show perspective views of the adapter plate 500 including a hollow cylinder shape for improving the interface of the sensor 208, which may allow for more accurate parameter measurement by the sensor 208. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the adapter plate 500 may be a separate component from the sensor 208 at the end of the spring 206 (for example, the sensor 208 is an adapter plate (e.g., it may be connected to 500). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor 208 may be fully integrated within the adapter plate 500 as a single component having a shape corresponding to the end of the spring 206 of the injection device 102. While embodiments or aspects have been described in detail for illustrative and explanatory purposes, it should be understood that such details are for that purpose only, and embodiments or aspects are not limited to those disclosed, but rather intended to encompass modifications and equivalent configurations within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it should be understood that, to the extent possible, this disclosure intends that one or more features of any embodiment or aspect may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment or aspect. In fact, any of these features may be combined in ways not specifically enumerated in the claims and / or disclosed herein. Each of the dependent claims listed below may depend directly on only one claim, but the disclosure of possible implementations includes each dependent claim combined with all other claims in a set of claims.

Claims

1. 1. An injection device for delivering a dose of medication to a user, the injection device comprising: a container having an open proximal end, a substantially closed distal end, and a reservoir defined between the open proximal end and the substantially closed distal end, the reservoir containing the agent; a movable component disposed within the container and movable relative to the container, the movement of the movable component causing the medicament to be expelled from the container; and a spring connected to the movable component, the spring configured to move the movable component within the container to expel the medicament from the container; and a sensor connected to an end of the spring, the sensor being configured to measure a parameter associated with an injection operation of the injection device; a wireless communication device configured to communicate information associated with the injection operation of the injection device to a computing device; and a conductive trace connecting the sensor to the wireless communication device; Including, 10. An injection device, comprising: a spring that functions as the conductive trace; and a sensor that is connected to the wireless communication device by the spring that functions as the conductive trace.

2. 10. The injection device of claim 1, wherein the movable component includes a plunger rod and a stopper.

3. 3. An injection device according to claim 2, wherein the sensor connected to the end of the spring is in contact with the stopper.

4. 3. An injection device according to claim 2, wherein the end of the spring connected to the sensor is opposite another end of the spring that is in contact with the stopper.

5. 10. The injection device of claim 1, further comprising a first housing containing the container, the movable component, the spring, the sensor, and the wireless communication device, wherein the sensor is spaced apart from the wireless communication device within the housing.

6. a first housing containing the container, the movable component, the spring, and the sensor; a second housing containing the wireless communication device, the second housing being connected to an exterior surface of the first housing; The injection device of claim 1 further comprising:

7. 10. The injection device of claim 1, further comprising a battery configured to power the sensor via the conductive trace.

8. 2. The injection device of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises an adapter plate having a hollow cylindrical shape.

9. 2. The injection device of claim 1, further comprising one or more processors programmed and / or configured to determine the information associated with the injection operation of the injection device based on the measured parameters.

10. 10. The injection device of claim 9, wherein the information associated with the injection operation of the injection device includes at least one of a start time of the injection operation, a duration of the injection operation, a speed of the injection operation, a backpressure profile of the injection operation, or any combination thereof.

11. 10. The injection device of claim 1, further comprising a user feedback device, wherein the user feedback device comprises at least one of a display, a light emitting diode (LED), an audio output device, or any combination thereof.

12. 10. The injection device of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a force sensor configured to measure a force associated with the injection action of the injection device.

13. 2. The injection device of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises an accelerometer configured to measure an acceleration associated with the injection action of the injection device.

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