Rechargeable dose detection module

Abstract

Disclosed embodiments relate to dose detection modules that are removably attachable to an actuator of a medication delivery device. A dose detection module may include a housing which couples to the actuator, and an electronics assembly disposed at least partially within the housing. The electronics assembly may include a processor and an actuation sensor. The actuation sensor is configured to detect actuation of the actuator and configured to transmit data indicative of the detected actuation to the processor. The processor is configured to determine dosing information based at least in part on the data indicative of the detected actuation. The electronics assembly also includes a rechargeable energy storage element configured to deliver power to the processor and the actuation sensor, and an energy transmission element configured to deliver power to the energy storage element from an external energy source external to the dose detection module.

Description

RECHARGEABLE DOSE DETECTION MODULEFIELD

[0001] Disclosed embodiments are related to rechargeable dose detection modules.BACKGROUND

[0002] Various medication delivery devices have been used by patients and medical personnel to administer medications. For example, some medication delivery devices known as pen injectors or injection pens may receive a cartridge of medication (e.g., insulin or other medication) and may allow a user to select a dose of the medication. Some medication delivery devices, including some injector pens, may be equipped with a dose detection module to monitor the selection and / or delivery of a dose. Some dose detection modules may communicate data related to the use of the medication delivery device to a network, computing device, or application to allow the user and / or medical personnel to track and / or monitor the use of the device.SUMMARY

[0003] In a first aspect of the disclosure, a dose detection module is described and is configured to removably attach to an actuator of a medication delivery device. The dose detection module includes a housing configured to couple to the actuator, and an electronics assembly disposed at least partially within the housing. The electronics assembly includes a processor, an actuation sensor configured to detect actuation of the actuator and configured to transmit data indicative of the detected actuation to the processor. The processor is configured to determine dosing information based at least in part on the data indicative of the detected actuation. The electronics assembly includes a rechargeable energy storage element configured to deliver power to the processor and the actuation sensor; and an energy transmission element configured to deliver power to the energy storage element from an external energy source external to the dose detection module. In a second aspect of the disclosure, a charging base for a dose detection module is provided. The base includes a cradle having at least one external sidewall, and an inner sidewall defining a module well that is sized and shaped to receive andsurround a proximal end of the dose detection module. The dose detection module is configured to removably attach to an actuator of a medication delivery device and having a sensor to detect actuation of the dose button; and a power delivery element contained within the at least one external sidewall, the power delivery element configured to provide electrical power to the dose detection module when the dose detection module is disposed in the module well.

[0004] In a third aspect of the disclosure, a method of recharging a dose detection module is described. The method includes one or more of the following steps: connecting a charging base to a power supply; inserting a proximal end of the dose detection module into a module well of the charging base such that the proximal end is surrounded by an inner sidewall of the charging base, the proximal end configured to be actuated by a user to deliver a dose of medication from a medication delivery device when the dose detection module is operably coupled to the medication delivery device; receiving power at the charging base from the power supply; and delivering power from the charging base to a rechargeable energy storage element of the dose delivery module.

[0005] It should be appreciated that the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts discussed below, may be arranged in any suitable combination, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. Further, other advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

[0006] In cases where the present specification and a document incorporated by reference include conflicting and / or inconsistent disclosure, the present specification shall control. If two or more documents incorporated by reference include conflicting and / or inconsistent disclosure with respect to each other, then the document having the later effective date shall control.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0008] Fig. l is a perspective view of a medication delivery device and a dose detection module according to one embodiment;

[0009] Fig. 1 a is a perspective view of a medication delivery device with another embodiment of an actuator with the dose detection module;

[0010] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of an electronics assembly of a dose detection module according to one embodiment;

[0011] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a dose detection module attached to a medication delivery device;

[0012] Fig. 4A is a bottom exploded view of a proximal wall assembly of a dose detection module, according to one embodiment;

[0013] Fig. 4B is a top exploded view of the proximal wall assembly of Fig. 4A;

[0014] Fig. 5 is a top perspective view of a dose detection module inserted into a charging base; according to one embodiment;

[0015] Fig. 6 is an exploded view of charging base for a dose detection module, according to one embodiment;

[0016] Fig. V is a partial cross-sectional view of the dose detection module placed within the charging base;

[0017] Fig. 8 is a diagram of the electronics of the dose detection module and the electronics of the charging base; and

[0018] Fig. 9 is a flow diagram, showing a method of recharging the dose detection module.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Medication delivery devices, including pen injectors, may be used in clinical or at-home settings to facilitate accurate, reliable, and / or convenient delivery of a medication. For example, some pen injectors may be configured to receive a cartridge of a medication, and may allow a user to select a dose of medication to be delivered. In some medication delivery devices, the dose may be selected by actuating a dose setting component of the device. For example, some medication delivery devices may include a dose selector, which may be rotatable by a user to select a dose to be delivered. Once the dose has been selected, the user may then deliver the selected dose from the delivery device, for example by self-injection or by injection into a patient or other individual under the user’s care. In some devices, dose delivery may be accomplished by actuating a dose delivery component of the device. For example, a dose delivery component may deliver a dose by actuating a needle assembly or other dosing mechanism in response toactuation of the dose delivery component by the user. Some medication delivery devices may include a dose button, which may be depressed by a user to deliver a dose. Some embodiments include an actuator that comprises two components: the dose selector and the dose button. Some medication delivery devices, such as the KwikPen® distributed by Eli Lilly and Company, may include an actuator that is a single structure that is rotatable by a user to select a dose to be delivered and that is depressed by a user to deliver a dose.

[0020] In some applications, it may be beneficial to monitor and / or track information related to delivery of the medication (e.g., a dose or drug load selected or delivered, a time and / or date of a delivery, errors associated with a delivery, and / or any other appropriate dosing information). Accordingly, a dose detection module may be coupled to, removably attached to, and / or otherwise associated with a medication delivery device or a portion thereof to detect the desired dosing information. For example, in some embodiments, a dose detecting module may be configured to removably attach to an actuator (such as a dose button and / or a dose selector) of a medication delivery device. Further, in some embodiments, a dose detection module may be configured to detect a dose selected by the user, for example by detecting actuation of a dose setting component of the device (e.g., a dose dial or other dose setting component). Additionally or alternatively, a dose detection module may be configured to detect a delivery of the medication from the device, for example by detecting actuation of a dose delivery component (e.g., a dose button or other dose delivery component). In some embodiments, the dose setting component and the dose delivery component will be the same component of the device that is detected during dose setting and dose delivery. Additionally, in some embodiments, a dose detection module may additionally be configured to transmit dosing information derived from the detected actuation(s) to a network and / or a separate electronic device to facilitate monitoring and / or tracking.

[0021] In some embodiments, the dose detection module may be configured to actuate with a dose delivery component and / or a dose setting component when the dose detection module is attached to the medication delivery device, for example by rotating with a dose selector and / or depressing with a dose button. This co-actuation may facilitate detection of the actuation of the medication delivery device, while also avoiding or at least decreasing changes in how a user handles and / or operates the medication delivery device. For example, the user may rotate the dose detection module to change a dose selection by co-rotation of the dose selector,and / or may depress the dose detection module to deliver a dose by co-actuation of the dose button.

[0022] Further to the above, a dose detection module may include various electronic components for performing the functions described herein. For example, a dose detection module may include an electronics assembly comprising a processor and one or more actuation sensors configured to detect actuation of a portion of a medication delivery device (e.g., a dose setting component and / or a dose delivery component). In some embodiments, the actuation sensor(s) may be operably connected to the processor to transmit data indicative of the detected actuation to the processor. Further, the processor may be configured to determine dosing information based at least in part on the data indicative of the detected actuation. In some embodiments, a dose detection module or electronics assembly thereof may further include a communication component configured to receive dosing information from the processor and transmit the dosing information via an appropriate wired or wireless communication protocol to a network or user device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, or other computing device). Further, a dose detection module and / or an electronics assembly thereof may include an energy storage element (e.g., a battery or other energy storage element) configured to provide electrical power to the various electronic components. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2020 / 0114087, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, describes one illustrative and non-limiting example of a dose detection module.

[0023] In some dose detection modules, an energy storage element may be physically mated within the structure of the module, such that a user may be unable to remove and / or replace the energy storage element without damaging or destroying the dose detection module. Because the energy storage elements conventionally used in dose detection modules are configured to provide only a single charge cycle having a limited useful life (in other words, they are conventionally non-rechargeable), a user of a conventional dose detection module may be required to replace the entire module when the energy storage element becomes fully discharged.

[0024] In view of the above, the inventors have recognized and appreciated the benefits of a dose detection module having a rechargeable energy storage element. The ability to recharge an energy storage element may reduce waste and / or costs associated with the replacement of single-charge dose detection modules which have been discharged. In some embodiments, a dose detection module may include a rechargeable battery, such as, for example, nickel-cadmium,nickel-metal-hydride, lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, lead-acid, or any other suitable type of rechargeable battery.

[0025] Additionally, in some embodiments, a dose detection module may include an energy transmission element in electrical communication with the rechargeable energy storage element to deliver power to the energy storage element from an external energy source (e.g., a wall outlet, external power supply, and / or a charging base as described herein).

[0026] Further to the above, in some embodiments, a dose detection module may be capable of recharging an energy storage element through any appropriate wired or wireless recharging arrangement. Some dose detection modules may include an energy transmission element capable of wirelessly receiving electrical power from an external energy source. For example, in some embodiments, a dose detection module and / or an energy transmission element thereof may include an induction coil. An induction coil may be configured to receive power wirelessly from a corresponding induction coil of a charging base or other external energy source, and may be configured to deliver the received power to an energy storage element of the dose detection module. In some applications, wireless recharging components and capabilities may facilitate faster, more reliable, and / or more convenient methods of recharging, for example by reducing or eliminating a need for cables and associated ports which may become lost, damaged, or may otherwise be inconvenient to manage.

[0027] Further to the above, the inventors have recognized and appreciated the benefits of a charging base for a dose detection module. A charging base may be configured to couple with and / or receive a dose detection module or a portion thereof, and may be configured to provide electrical power to the dose detection module. For example, some charging bases may include a power delivery element configured to provide electrical power to a dose detection module and / or an energy transmission element thereof via any appropriate wired or wireless charging circuit. In some embodiments, a charging base and / or a power delivery element thereof may be configured to provide electrical power wirelessly to the dose detection module or energy transmission element. For example, a charging base and / or a power delivery element may include an induction coil configured to provide electrical power to a corresponding induction coil of a dose detection module. Of course, while wireless recharging is described throughout the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that some dose detection modules and / or charging basesmay additionally or alternatively accommodate recharging of a dose detection module using a wired charging circuit, as the disclosure is not limited to wireless recharging.

[0028] In some embodiments, a charging base may be configured to receive and / or couple to a dose detection module or a portion thereof. For example, in some embodiments, a charging base may include a cradle configured to receive a dose detection module. Some cradles may include a module well, which may be an opening sized and shaped to receive and / or surround a portion of a dose detection module, for example a proximal end of the dose detection module. In some embodiments, a cradle may include an inner sidewall defining the module well.

[0029] In some applications, a charging base may further be configured to indicate a charge level of a dose detection module associated with the charging base in order to quickly and conveniently communicate the charge level to a user. Accordingly, some charging bases may include a processor configured to receive charge information from a dose detection module. The charge information may be indicative of a charge level of the dose detection module and / or an energy storage element thereof. In some embodiments, the processor may be operably coupled to one or more selectively activated indicators, such as one or more light(s), speaker(s), and / or any other appropriate indicator(s). The processor may be configured to selectively activate the indicator(s) to indicate a charge level of the dose detection module based at least in part on the charge information.

[0030] In addition to the above, the inventors have recognized that mishandling of a dose detection module by a user may result in inadvertent changes in dosing during operation. As described above, the co-rotation between a dose detection module and an actuator may result in inadvertent rotation of the actuator if the dose detection module is inadvertently rotated. For example, if a finger or thumb slips on the dose detection module during delivery of a dose, the slippage may generate a torque on the dose detection module. The torque may be transmitted from the dose detection module to the actuator of the medication delivery device by virtue of the removable attachment. If the torque transmitted is greater than a minimum torque required to rotate the actuator, the actuator may be rotated. There are opportunities to improve the precision of dose detection in the delivered dose.

[0031] In view of the above, the inventors have recognized and appreciated the benefits of a dose detection module configured to prevent a user from inadvertently changing a dose during delivery of the dose. For example, some dose detection modules may be configured toprevent a torque transmitted from a user to an actuator during delivery of a dose from reaching and / or exceeding a minimum torque required to rotate the actuator. In some embodiments, a dose detection module may be configured to produce lost motion between different portions of the module in response to a torque or force applied to one of the portions. For example, some dose detection modules may include a proximal wall assembly comprising a proximal wall and a disc disposed on a proximal side of the proximal wall. The disc may include at least one contact surface configured to be contacted and / or pressed by a user during dose delivery on a proximal side of the disc. The disc may be rotatably coupled to the proximal wall to allow the disc to rotate relative to the proximal wall in response to a torque generated on the disc and / or contact surface by a user. This relative rotation may produce a lost motion, in that the motion of the disc is not transmitted to other portions of the dose detection module. Furthermore, the relative motion and / or lost motion may reduce a torque transmitted through the dose detection module to the medication delivery device. In some embodiments, the proximal wall assembly may be configured to reduce the transmitted torque to below a torque required to rotate an actuator of the medication delivery device.

[0032] Turning to the figures, specific non-limiting embodiments are described in further detail. It should be understood that the various systems, components, features, and methods described relative to these embodiments may be used either individually and / or in any desired combination as the disclosure is not limited to only the specific embodiments described herein.

[0033] With reference to Fig. 1, a medication delivery device 100 may comprise an injection pen or pen injector. The device 100 may have a generally elongate geometry, having a distal end portion 102 and a proximal end portion 104 opposite the distal end portion along a longitudinal direction of the device 100 (e.g., along a longitudinal axis A-A). The distal end portion 102 may include a needle assembly configured to inject a medication from the device 100 into a patient or user. In the embodiment shown, the needle assembly may be contained within a cap 114 disposed at the distal end portion 102. In some embodiments, a medication delivery device may include a dose setting component 115 that is configured in the device to move into a position based on the selected dose of medication to be delivered, for example by moving an actuator 105. The dose setting component 115 can be one or more components that interact together to move to a position relative to the plunger for dose setting during movement of an actuator and advance the plunger distally during dose delivery. For example, the dosesetting component 1 15 can be a dose dial, a flange component, dose drum, or other component. An actuator 105 is provided that can be rotated during dose setting and / or depressed to initiate delivery of the dose set. In the embodiment shown, the device 100 may include a dose selector 106, which may be rotatable by a user in the directi on(s) of arrow 108 to select a dose. Additionally or alternatively, the device 100 may include an actuator configured to allow a user to deliver a dose of medication, for example by actuating the actuator that actuates the dose setting component 115 to move distally to operate the plunger within the cartridge that carries a medication. The actuation permits the plunger to advance within the cartridge to deliver the medication out the outlet end of the cartridge through an injection needle. In the embodiment shown, the device 100 may include a dose button 110, which may be depressible by a user in a longitudinal direction of the medication deliver device (e.g., in a direction towards the distal end portion 102). In some embodiments, actuation of a dose button or other dose delivery component may cause an actuation of the dose setting component 115 and movement of the plunger and / or other portions of the medication delivery device to effectuate delivery of the dose to a user or patient.

[0034] Devices according to the present disclosure may carry and dispense one or more liquid medications, which may also be referred to as medications or drugs and maybe held in the fluid chamber (not shown) but contained by the distal end portion 102 and in communication with the needle assembly. Such medications may include, for example, epinephrine, anaesthetics, analgesics, steroids, insulins, insulin analogs such as insulin lispro or insulin glargine, insulin derivatives, GLP-1 receptor agonists such as dulaglutide or liraglutide, glucagon, glucagon analogs, glucagon derivatives, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), GIP analogs, GIP derivatives, combined GIP / GLP-1 agonists such as tirzepatide, retratrutide, basal insulins, including long-acting basals such as, e g., insulin efsitora, oxyntomodulin analogs, oxyntomodulin derivatives, DACRA QW II, siRNA therapies, including GalNAc-conjugated small interfering RNA such as lepodisiran, therapeutic antibodies including but not limited to IL- 23 antibody analogs or derivatives, such as mirikizumab, IL-17 antibody analogs or derivatives, such as ixekizumab, therapeutic agents for pain-related treatments, such as galcanzeumab or lasmiditan, or lebrikizumab and any therapeutic agent that is capable of delivery by the devices described herein. Devices according to the present disclosure may be operated in a manner generally as described herein by a user (for example, a healthcare professional, a caregiver, oranother person) to deliver one or more medications to a patient (for example, another person or the user).

[0035] Fig. la shows the medication delivery device 100 having the actuator 105a that may be sometimes referred to a dose button, with only the actuator being shown and the remaining parts of the device being represented by dashed lines. The actuator 105a can be rotated by the user during dose setting in either direction to set to the desired dose amount, which moves the internal dose setting component 115 in the appropriate position for the desired dose. After the desired dose is set, the actuator 105a can be depressed distally to cause delivery of the dose to a user or patient. The actuator 105a is an integrated single piece component that can perform the function of the dose selector and the dose button in Fig. 1.

[0036] In some embodiments, the medication delivery device 100 may further include a dose indicating component configured to indicate a currently selected dose to a user of the device. For example, in the embodiment shown, the device 100 may include a dosage window 112 configured to allow a user to view the selected dose. In some embodiments, the dose setting component, dose delivery component, and / or dose indicating component may be disposed at the proximal end portion of the device. For example, the actuator 105, 105a, dose selector 106, the dose button 110, and the dosage window 112 may be disposed at the proximal end portion 104.

[0037] Further to the above, a dose detection module may be provided in conjunction with a medication delivery device. For example, the dose detection module 200 may be removably attachable to the medication delivery device 100. In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown, the dose detection module 200 may be removably attachable to a proximal end portion 104 of the medication delivery device 100. In particular, some dose detection modules may be removably attachable to a dose button and / or a dose selector, although it will be appreciated that a dose detection module may be removably attachable to any appropriate portion of a medication delivery device, as the disclosure is not limited in this regard. In the embodiment shown, the dose detection module 200 may be removably attachable to the dose button 110 and the dose selector 106. Additionally, the dose detection module 200 or a portion thereof may be configured to actuate with the dose button 110 and / or the dose selector 106 when the dose detection module is attached to the medication delivery device, such that actuation of the dose detection module 200 by a user may cause a corresponding actuation of the dose button and / or dose selector.

[0038] In some embodiments, the dose detection module or an electronics assembly thereof may include one or more actuation sensors to detect actuation of the dose detection module, the dose button, and / or the dose selector. In some embodiments, the dose detection module or electronics assembly may further include a processor and / or a communication component to receive, process, and / or transmit data obtained from the actuation sensor(s) and / or information derived from the sensor data. In some embodiments, a communication component may additionally or alternatively transmit information related to a charge level of an energy storage element, for example to an external device and / or a charging base as described herein.

[0039] In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the electronics assembly 214 may comprise a circuit board 216 including operating circuitry connecting the various electronic components. In various embodiments, the circuit board may be any appropriate circuit board, including a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), and / or any other appropriate circuit board. An energy storage element 218 may be mounted to the circuit board 216 to store electrical power and to provide electrical power to the various electronic components such as the processor and / or the actuation sensor(s). In some embodiments, the energy storage element may be a rechargeable energy storage element. For example, in some embodiments, the energy storage element 218 may be a rechargeable battery.

[0040] Further, a rechargeable energy storage element 218 (“RESE”) may be operably connected to an energy transmission element configured to transmit power from an external energy source to the rechargeable energy storage element. In various embodiments, an energy transmission element may be configured to transmit power via any appropriate wired and / or wireless charging circuit. For example, in some embodiments, the energy transmission element may be operably connected to a universal serial bus (USB) charging circuit to receive and transmit power from an external power supply via a wired USB connection. Additionally or alternatively, for example as shown in Fig. 2, an energy transmission element may be an induction coil 234 configured to receive and transmit power (shown as arrow 251 in Fig. 8) from an external power supply via a wireless inductive power supply circuit. In further embodiments, an energy transmission element may be any appropriate conductive element configured to receive and transmit power from an external power supply via any appropriate conductive power supply circuit.

[0041] In some embodiments, an energy transmission element may be isolated and / or insulated from various other components within the electronics assembly or dose detection module to prevent inadvertent or stray conduction to other components. For example, in the embodiment shown, the induction coil 234 may be in electrical contact on one or more sides with isolator members 220. In various embodiments, an isolator member 220 may comprise a polyimide film or any other appropriate insulating or isolating material.

[0042] In some embodiments, a dose detection module or an electronics assembly thereof may include one or more selectively activated indicators to provide information to a user. For example, one or more light(s), speaker(s), or other indicator(s) may be selectively activated by a processor of the module to indicate information about the dose detection module and / or a medication delivery device to which the module may be attached. For example, indicators may be used to communicate a charge status and / or any other appropriate information regarding the dose detection module and / or the medication delivery device. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the electronics assembly may include one or more indicator lights 222, which may be selectively activated by a processor to indicate a charge status of the rechargeable energy storage element 218. In various embodiments, an indicator light may be a light-emitting diode (LED) or any other appropriate light source.

[0043] Although not shown in Fig. 2, it should be appreciated that an electronics assembly 214 may additionally include any appropriate electronic component of a dose detection module, including one or more processors, one or more actuation sensors, and / or any other appropriate components.

[0044] Further, in some embodiments and with reference to Fig. 3, a dose detection module may include a housing in which an electronics assembly may be at least partially disposed. A housing may include a distal wall at a distal end portion of the housing, a proximal wall at a proximal end portion, and / or one or more lateral walls extending in a longitudinal direction of the dose detection module from the distal end portion to the proximal end portion. For example, the housing 224 may include a distal wall 226 at a distal end portion 242, a proximal wall 230 at a proximal end portion 244, and a lateral wall 228 extending from the distal end portion to the proximal end portion at least partially about an axial direction defined by a central axis A-A of the module 200 to define a cavity 229.

[0045] A housing of a dose detection module may be configured to cooperate with a medication delivery device in any appropriate manner. In some embodiments, a housing of a dose detection module may be configured to removably attach to the medication delivery device or a portion thereof. As shown in Fig. 3, where a medication delivery device 100 includes the actuator 105a, the housing may be configured to couple to the actuator 105a (or the dose button 110 and / or the dose selector 106 when used), and / or any other appropriate portion of the medication delivery device. For example, in some embodiments, the housing 224 may include one or more engagement features 232 configured to removably engage with the actuator 105a (or the dose selector 106, the dose button 110, and / or a corresponding engagement feature of the device 100 (e.g., a ridge 116 formed in the actuator 105a, the dose selector or dose button). An engagement feature 232 may include a tab, a flange, a magnet, a snap member, a friction fitting, a gasket, a spring-loaded member, and / or any other appropriate structure configured to removably engage with the actuator 105a, the dose selector, dose button, and / or corresponding engagement feature of the device.

[0046] As described above, the dose detection module may be configured to actuate with various portions of the medication delivery device when the dose detection module is removably attached to the device. In particular, according to some embodiments, when the dose detection module 200 is removably attached to the actuator 105a, rotation of the module 200 (e.g., in the directi on(s) of arrow 108) may cause the actuator 105a to rotate with the module 200. Accordingly, a user may be able to change a dose to be delivered by rotating the module 200. Similarly, when the module 200 is removably attached to the actuator 105a, depression of the dose detection module 200 (e.g., in the direction of arrow 118) may cause the actuator 105a to be depressed with the dose detection module. Accordingly, a user may be able to deliver a dose by depressing the dose detection module.

[0047] Further to the above, a dose detection module may include one or more actuation sensors configured to detect an actuation of the dose detection module and / or a portion of a medication delivery device. For example, the dose detection module 200 may include at least one rotational sensor 236 configured to detect a rotational movement of the dose setting component 115 in the device. Additionally or alternatively, the module 200 may include a translational sensor configured to detect a translational movement of the dose button 110. In various embodiments, an actuation sensor may be any appropriate type of sensor, including a magneticsensor, a magneto-resistive sensor, a Hall effect sensor, a proximity sensor, an optical sensor, a tactile sensor, an inertial sensor, or any other appropriate sensor or combination of sensors. Additionally, an actuation sensor may be configured to detect any appropriate actuation of any appropriate portion of a medication delivery device. The dose setting component may be configured to be detectable from its shape or material or may include a sensed component 117 that includes a sensed parameter that is detectable by the at least rotational sensor 236.

[0048] Further, in some embodiments, each actuation sensor may be in electrical communication with a processor 240 (shown in Fig. 8) to transmit data indicative of an actuation detected by the sensor to the processor. The processor may be configured to determine dosing information (e.g., a selected dose and / or a dose delivery) based at least in part on the data received from the actuation sensor(s). Further, the processor 240 may be operably connected to a communication component 258, which may be configured to transmit the dosing information, charge information, and / or other data to an external device or network by any appropriate wired or wireless communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, wi-fi, near-field communication, radio frequency, USB connectivity, or others). The same communication component 258 or another communication module 241 may be utilized to transmit information to the charging base 300. Communication module 241 may be configured by the protocols listed above or by another means as described below. Dosing information may include data indicative of total movement of the dose setting member, such as total angular rotation, total axial travel of the module from dose setting position to its zero position, the number of clicks based on the axial and / or rotational movement, the number of units of drug based on the number of clicks or axial and / or rotational movement, a time stamp, a battery charge level, a temperature, a color of the actuator, and the like.

[0049] In some embodiments, one or more portions of a housing may be configured to guide light from inside the housing to outside the housing. This may facilitate communication of any indications provided by an indicator light, such as a charge level of an energy storage device or other status of the dose detection module or medication delivery device. For example, in the embodiment of Fig. 3, the proximal wall 230 may be formed from an appropriate material and / or in an appropriate geometry to guide light emitted by the LED 222 from inside the housing 224 to an external surface of the proximal wall 230. In other embodiments, one or more other portions of the housing 224 may additionally or alternatively be formed as a light guide.

[0050] As will further be appreciated with reference to Fig. 3, a housing of a dose detection module may be configured to attach to a medication delivery device without preventing a user from easily determining a selected dose. For example, a length of the lateral wall 228 may be selected such that the distal end portion may terminate on a proximal side of the dosage window 112. Accordingly, the housing may be configured to allow a user to easily view the dosage window 112 of the medication delivery device while the dose detection module is attached to the medication delivery device.

[0051] In some embodiments, a proximal end portion of a housing may include a proximal wall assembly 260. The proximal wall assembly may include a proximal wall and a contact surface configured to be contacted by a user during dose delivery. In various embodiments, a contact surface may include any external face or combination of faces of the dose detection module, proximal wall assembly, and / or other portion of the module that is configured to be contacted by a user during dose delivery. In some embodiments, the contact surface may be configured to move with respect to the proximal wall, for example to produce lost motion in response to a torque applied to the contact surface such that the proximal wall does not move in response to movement of the contact surface. In some embodiments, a disc may be included in the proximal wall assembly, and the contact surface may include an external face of the disc. Additionally or alternatively, an external member may be included in the proximal wall assembly, and the contact surface may include an external face of the external member. In some embodiments, the contact surface 246 may include one or more faces of an external member 262, one or more faces of the disc 210, and / or one or more faces of any other appropriate portion of a dose detection module. In the embodiment shown, the contact surface 246 may include a proximal face 246A of the external member 262, a proximal face 246B of the disc 210, and an external face 246C of a circumferential raised portion of the disc 210. The proximal face 246B may be recessed within the proximal end of the disc 210 by a depth to define a radial wall to capture at least partially the circumferential outer edge of the external member 262.

[0052] The disc and / or external member may be configured to rotate with respect to the proximal wall. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the disc 210 may be rotatably coupled to the proximal wall 230 such that a torque applied to the disc 210 and / or the external member 262 (e.g., in the direction of arrow 248) may cause the disc 210 to rotate relative to the proximal wall230. As noted above, this may allow the dose detection module to absorb an inadvertent torque applied to the module during dose delivery (for example, by slippage of a thumb or finger) without allowing the inadvertent torque to rotate the dose selector of the medication delivery device.

[0053] With additional reference to Figs. 4A-4B, a disc 210 may be rotatably coupled to a proximal wall 230 or other portion of a dose detection module in any appropriate manner. For example, a disc may be coupled to a proximal wall by a rotatable snap fitting, a roller track, a bearing arrangement, a tongue and groove arrangement, and / or any other appropriate rotatable coupling. In the embodiment shown, the disc 210 may be rotatably coupled to the proximal wall 230 by a rotatable snap fitting. The disc may include one or more snap members 250 configured to pass through and snap into a corresponding bore 252 of the proximal wall 230. Additionally, in some embodiments, a disc may include a stabilizing feature to reduce a tendency of the disc to wobble about its center of rotation. For example, the disc 210 may include a stabilizing ring 254 extending from a distal face of the disc to cooperate with a proximal face of the proximal wall 230. Additionally, in some embodiments, a proximal wall may be configured to guide a rotation and / or limit a translational movement of the disc. For example, the proximal wall 230 may include an annular guide 256 extending from a proximal face of the proximal wall. In some embodiments, the annular guide 256 may be sized and shaped to receive the stabilizing ring 254 and may cooperate with the stabilizing ring to limit a radial translation and / or other unwanted movement of the disc 210.

[0054] As further shown in Figs. 4A-4B, the proximal wall assembly 260 may include the external member 262. The external member 262 may include a contact surface or a portion thereof, and may be configured to provide or enhance a frictional engagement between a user and the contact surface (e.g., to prevent slippage). Additionally or alternatively, the external member 262 may be configured to control and / or direct light emitted inside the housing. For example, in some embodiments, the external member 262 may be formed from a reflective material to prevent light from escaping through a proximal face of the disc 210. In other embodiments, the external member 262 may be formed from a translucent material to allow light to be seen through the proximal face of the disc.

[0055] With reference to Fig. 5, a charging base for a dose detection module may be configured to couple with the dose detection module and may be configured to provide electricalpower to the dose detection module when the dose detection module is coupled thereto. For example, a charging base 300 may be configured to receive and / or at least partially surround a portion of the dose detection module 200. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the charging base 300 may include a cradle 302 having at least one external sidewall 304. Although the cradle 302 is shown in a generally cylindrical or partially tapered geometry having only a single external sidewall 304, it will be appreciated that a cradle may be formed in any appropriate geometry having any appropriate number of external sidewalls, as the disclosure in not limited in this regard.

[0056] As seen in Fig. 6, the cradle 302 may further include at least one internal sidewall 330 defining a module well 306. The module well 306 may be sized and shaped to receive and surround a dose detection module 200 or a portion thereof, for example a proximal end and / or a distal end of the dose detection module. In various embodiments, the module well 306 may be sized and shaped to receive a dose detection module when the module is attached to a medication delivery device (e.g., by sizing the module well with a sufficient depth to stabilize the medication delivery device), when the module is detached from a medication delivery device (e.g., by sizing the module well with an appropriate depth to allow a user to grip the sides of the module to remove the module from the well), or both when the module is coupled to the medication delivery device, and when the module is decoupled from the medication delivery device (e.g., by providing the well with a moderate and / or variable depth around a perimeter of the well to stabilize the device while also allowing a user to grip the sides of the module). In some embodiments and as shown in Fig. 5, the module well may be sized and shaped to receive the dose detection module without receiving a distal end of the medication delivery device when the dose detection module is operably coupled to the proximal end of the medication delivery device. In this regard, a majority of the medication delivery device may be exposed to allow a user to easily remove the device from the charging base.

[0057] With reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 8, the charging base 300 may include appropriate circuitry and components for receiving electrical power from an external power supply (e.g., a wall outlet, a portable power supply, a computer or other powered device, or any other appropriate power supply). In some embodiments, the charging base 300 may include a cable port 310 formed in an external sidewall 304 to permit a power supply cable to be operably connected to the internal circuitry of the charging base 300. For example, a cable port 310 maybe configured to accept a USB cable, an alternating current (AC) power supply cable, a direct current (DC) power supply cable, and / or any other appropriate power supply cable. Further, in some embodiments, the charging base 300 may include a circuit board 312 including operating circuitry for and connectivity between the various components of the charging base 300 (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB) and / or any other appropriate circuit board). In some embodiments, the charging base 300 may include a processor 314 operably connected to various components and configured to send and receive signals to and from the various components, including operating instructions and / or any other appropriate data. In some embodiments, the processor may be configured to receive, process, and / or derive information related to a charge level of a dose detection module (e.g., by receiving charge information from a communication component of the dose detection module at a corresponding communication component 308 of the charging base). The processor may further be configured to selectively activate an indicator (e.g., an indicator light or other indicator operably coupled to the processor) based at least in part on the charge information received and / or derived by the processor.

[0058] In some embodiments, the charging base 300 may further include a power delivery element 316 configured to provide electrical power to the dose detection module when the dose detection module is disposed in the module well. Detection can occur via the charging circuit of the base 300. In various embodiments, the power delivery element may be configured to receive and transmit power via any appropriate wired and / or wireless charging circuit. For example, in some embodiments, the power delivery element may be a USB charging circuit to receive and transmit power from an external power supply to a dose detection module via a wired USB connection. Additionally or alternatively, the power delivery element 316 may include an induction coil configured to receive power from an external power supply and to provide electrical power to a corresponding induction coil of a dose detection module via a wireless induction power supply circuit. In further embodiments, an energy transmission element may be any appropriate conductive element configured to receive power from an external power supply to transmit power to a dose detection module via any appropriate conductive power supply circuit.

[0059] Additionally, in some embodiments, the charging base 300 may include one or more selectively activated indicators, such as one or more light(s), speaker(s), and / or any other appropriate indicator(s). For example, one or more indicator lights 318 (e.g., an LED or otherappropriate light source) may be operably coupled to the processor 314, such that the processor 314 may selectively activate the indicator light(s) to indicate a charge level of the dose detection module based at least in part on charge information received from the dose detection module. In some embodiments, a charging base 300 may additionally include components to facilitate communication of information to a user. For example, in embodiments which include one or more indicator light(s), a charging base may include a light guide 320 to direct light from an internal indicator light source (e.g., the indicator light 318) to an external portion of the charging base. The light guide 320 may be configured to direct light from the indicator light 318 towards an external surface 322 of the light guide 320.

[0060] Also shown in Fig. 6, the charging base 300 may include a pedestal 326, which may be configured to stabilize the charging base on a supporting surface. For example, in some embodiments, a pedestal 326 may include a weighted portion near a bottom of the charging base to maintain a center of gravity of the charging base near the bottom. Additionally or alternatively, the charging base may include a foot 328, which may provide or enhance a frictional engagement between the charging base 300 and a supporting surface.

[0061] Fig. 7 illustrates at least a partial cross-section of the charging base 300 receiving the dose detection module 200. The dose detection module 200 is shown with the energy transmission element (shown as the induction coil 234) operably coupled with the energy storage element 218 via the circuit board (not shown). The charging base 300 is shown with the power delivery element 316 disposed along the circuit board 312. The cable port 310 is extended within the external sidewall 304 to permit a power supply cable (not shown) to be operably connected to the circuit board and internal circuitry of the charging base 300. Indicator lights (not shown) are coupled to the circuit board 312 and positioned to light the light guide 320. Light member 320 is shown as a ring; however, other embodiments such as an elongate member to form a window can be provided for less than 360 degrees of light indication that would be provided by the ring. The well 306 of the charging base 300 can be configured to align and position the power delivery element 316 and the energy transmission element 234 for facilitating the wireless charging of the module 200. For example, the power delivery element 316 and the energy transmission element 234 can be coaxially aligned along the axis AA and / or the axial distance X between the power delivery element 316 and the energy transmission element 234 for improved wireless charging.

[0062] Communication between the dose detection module 200 and the charging base 300 may occur with the communication modules 241, 341, respectively. The mode of communication can be with direct contact electrical interface, wirelessly, or triggering a sensor, such as, a mechanical switch, Hall Effect magnet sensor, inductive sensor, optical sensor, or the like. In one example, the communication module 241 include activating an optical pattern with an optical source as the module 241, and detecting the optical pattern with an optical sensor as the communication module 341 in the charging base 300. The optical pattern is detected by the charging base to determine at least one of a full charge, a need of charge, or an error state, as described above.

[0063] Fig. 9 shows a method 900 of recharging a dose detection module including one or more of the following steps. In operation, a method of recharging a dose detection module may include connecting a charging base to a power supply (step 902), for example using a cable port of a charging base as described herein. A proximal end of the dose detection module may then be inserted into a module well of the charging base (step 904). In some embodiments, the proximal end of the dose detection module may be surrounded by an inner sidewall of the charging base. Inserting the proximal end of the dose detection module into the module well may optionally include inserting a proximal end of a medication delivery device to which the dose detection module is coupled at least partially into the module well. As a further option, inserting the proximal end of the medication delivery device into the module well may include inserting the proximal end of the medication delivery device without inserting a distal end of the medication delivery device into the module well.

[0064] In some embodiments, after the inserting step 904, the power can be increased to (or wakes up) the dose detection module 200. Once inserted, a charge level from a stored plurality of levels of the rechargeable energy storage element in memory 217 of the module 200 can be determined. The stored plurality of levels can be any one or more of the following a full charge, a need of charge, or an error state. The full charge may be indicative of the capacity of the rechargeable energy storage element being 90%-100% of full capacity. The need of charge state may be indicative of the capacity of the rechargeable energy storage element being 0%-90% of full capacity. Error state may be that the rechargeable energy storage element is not chargeable, overheating, etc. Based on the determined charge level, the step of communicating between the dose detection module 200 and the charging base 300 a signal indicative of thedetermined charge level can occur. The charging base 300 can be configured to indicate to the user a status of the dose detection module 200 from a plurality of statuses. In some embodiments, prior to the increasing power step above, an insertion status of the dose detection module 200 into the charging base 300 can be determined. If the insertion status is positive, then proceed to the increasing power step, and if the insertion status is negative, then disallow the increasing power step, that is, do not start charging. In other words, when something other than the module is inserted within the charging base, it may be desirable to not activate the charging circuit so that power and heat generated may be avoided.

[0065] The insertion status can be determined by several means. For example, the insertion status can be determined by a charging circuit of the charging base 300. The charging circuit may be activated based on a presence of an inductive field being generated from the energy transmission element 234 of the dose detection module 200. Such inductive field may have certain electrical parameters that is known by the charging circuit to be certain as to the expected kind of module inserted into the base. In some examples, even when the right kind of module is inserted within the charging base (that is, the insertion status is positive), if the charge status is a full charge (or substantially full 90% to 100%), the charging circuit in the charging base may still be deactivated to avoid unnecessary charging.

[0066] Communication between the dose detection module and the charging base may occur via each of their communication modules 241, 341, respectively. Each of the communication modules can be a transmitter, a receiver, or a transceiver. In one embodiment, the processor of the module 200 is configured to activate an optical pattern, shown as arrow 261 in Fig. 8, with an optical source as the communication module 241. In response, an optical sensor in the charging base 300, as the communication module 341, can detect the optical pattern. The optical pattern is indicative of the charge status of the module and is detected by the charging base to determine at least one of a full charge, a need of charge, or an error state, as described above.

[0067] Power may be received at the charging base from the power supply (step 906), and delivered from the charging base to a rechargeable energy storage element of the dose delivery module (step 908) (e.g., a rechargeable battery of the dose delivery module). In some embodiments, delivering power from the charging base to the energy storage element may include delivering power from an induction coil of the charging base to a correspondinginduction coil of the dose delivery module. Power may then be delivered from the induction coil of the dose delivery module to the energy storage element. Additionally, in some embodiments, a charge level of the energy storage element may be indicated by the charging base, for example by selectively activating at least one indicator light of the charging base, such as, e.g., at least one red, green, amber, blue lights, in an optical pattern of many patterns stored in memory 317 of the charging base 300. The optical pattern may include the same or different colors remaining on or blinking repetitive sequences of on-off of same or different periods of time. For example, a red light may be blinking in an optical pattern when the error state discussed above is determined, a green light may be blinking in an optical pattern when the need of full charge is determined, and a green light may remain on when the full charge is determined.

[0068] The above-described embodiments of the technology described herein can be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, the embodiments may be implemented using hardware, software or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single computing device or distributed among multiple computing devices. Such processors may be implemented as integrated circuits, with one or more processors in an integrated circuit component, including commercially available integrated circuit components known in the art by names such as CPU chips, GPU chips, microprocessor, microcontroller, or co-processor. Alternatively, a processor may be implemented in custom circuitry, such as an ASIC, or semicustom circuitry resulting from configuring a programmable logic device. As yet a further alternative, a processor may be a portion of a larger circuit or semiconductor device, whether commercially available, semi-custom or custom. As a specific example, some commercially available microprocessors have multiple cores such that one or a subset of those cores may constitute a processor. Though, a processor may be implemented using circuitry in any suitable format.

[0069] Further, it should be appreciated that a computing device including one or more processors may be embodied in any of a number of forms, such as a rack-mounted computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a tablet computer. Additionally, a computing device may be embedded in a device not generally regarded as a computing device but with suitable processing capabilities, including a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a smart phone, tablet, or any other suitable portable or fixed electronic device.

[0070] Also, a computing device may have one or more input and output devices. These devices can be used, among other things, to present a user interface. Examples of output devices that can be used to provide a user interface include display screens for visual presentation of output and speakers or other sound generating devices for audible presentation of output. Examples of input devices that can be used for a user interface include keyboards, individual buttons, and pointing devices, such as mice, touch pads, and digitizing tablets. As another example, a computing device may receive input information through speech recognition or in other audible format.

[0071] Such computing devices may be interconnected by one or more networks in any suitable form, including as a local area network or a wide area network, such as an enterprise network or the Internet. Such networks may be based on any suitable technology and may operate according to any suitable protocol and may include wireless networks, wired networks or fiber optic networks.

[0072] Also, the various methods or processes outlined herein may be coded as software that is executable on one or more processors that employ any one of a variety of operating systems or platforms. Additionally, such software may be written using any of a number of suitable programming languages and / or programming or scripting tools, and also may be compiled as executable machine language code or intermediate code that is executed on a framework or virtual machine.

[0073] In this respect, the embodiments described herein may be embodied as a computer readable storage medium 217, 317 (or multiple computer readable media) (e.g., a computer memory, one or more floppy discs, compact discs (CD), optical discs, digital video disks (DVD), magnetic tapes, flash memories, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, circuit configurations in Field Programmable Gate Arrays or other semiconductor devices, or other tangible computer storage medium) encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more computers or other processors, perform methods that implement the various embodiments discussed above. As is apparent from the foregoing examples, a computer readable storage medium may retain information for a sufficient time to provide computer-executable instructions in a non-transitory form. Such a computer readable storage medium or media can be transportable, such that the program or programs stored thereon can be loaded onto one or more different computing devices or other processors to implement various aspects of the present disclosure as discussed above. Asused herein, the term "computer-readable storage medium" encompasses only a non-transitory computer-readable medium that can be considered to be a manufacture (i.e., article of manufacture) or a machine. Alternatively or additionally, the disclosure may be embodied as a computer readable medium other than a computer-readable storage medium, such as a propagating signal.

[0074] The terms “program” or “software” are used herein in a generic sense to refer to any type of computer code or set of computer-executable instructions that can be employed to program a computing device or other processor to implement various aspects of the present disclosure as discussed above. Additionally, it should be appreciated that according to one aspect of this embodiment, one or more computer programs that when executed perform methods of the present disclosure need not reside on a single computing device or processor, but may be distributed in a modular fashion amongst a number of different computers or processors to implement various aspects of the present disclosure .

[0075] Computer-executable instructions may be in many forms, such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Typically, the functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments.

[0076] The embodiments described herein may be embodied as a method, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

[0077] Further, some actions are described as taken by a “user.” It should be appreciated that a “user” need not be a single individual, and that in some embodiments, actions attributable to a “user” may be performed by a team of individuals and / or an individual in combination with computer-assisted tools or other mechanisms.

[0078] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is deemed tobe within the scope of the present invention. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is / are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The present invention is directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present invention.

[0079] Various aspects are described in this disclosure, including the summary, which include, but are not limited to, the following aspects:

[0080] In various aspects of the disclosure, a dose detection module configured to removably attach to an actuator of a medication delivery device, the module including: a housing configured to couple to the actuator; an electronics assembly disposed at least partially within the housing, the electronics assembly including: a processor; an actuation sensor configured to detect actuation of the actuator and configured to transmit data indicative of the detected actuation to the processor, the processor configured to determine dosing information based at least in part on the data indicative of the detected actuation; a rechargeable energy storage element configured to deliver power to the processor and the actuation sensor; and an energy transmission element configured to deliver power to the energy storage element from an external energy source external to the dose detection module.

[0081] In various aspects of the disclosure, wherein the actuator sensor is configured to detect movement of a dose setting component the medication delivery device.

[0082] In various aspects of the disclosure, the module configured to removably attach to ab actuator of a medication delivery device.

[0083] In various aspects of the disclosure, wherein rotation of the housing of the module is configured to rotate the actuator.

[0084] In various aspects of the disclosure, wherein the energy transmission element includes an induction coil configured to deliver power to the energy storage element from a corresponding induction coil of the external energy source.

[0085] In various aspects of the disclosure, wherein the housing includes a proximal end and a disc, the disc having a contact surface configured to be contacted by a user during dose delivery, the disc coupled to the proximal end such that the disc rotates relative to the proximal end during dose delivery.

[0086] In various aspects of the disclosure, wherein the disc is configured to rotate relative to the proximal wall such that torque transmitted to the proximal wall due to rotation of the disc is less than a minimum torque required to rotate a dose selector of the medication delivery device, the dose selector being rotatable to select a dose to be delivered by the medication delivery device.

[0087] In various aspects of the disclosure, wherein the disc is configured to produce lost motion between the disc and the proximal wall when the disc is rotated.

[0088] In various aspects of the disclosure, wherein the disc is rotatably coupled to the proximal wall by a rotatable snap fitting.

[0089] In various aspects of the disclosure, wherein a distal end portion of the module is configured to terminate on a proximal side of a dosage window of the medication delivery device when the housing is coupled to the actuator.

[0090] In various aspects of the disclosure, a charging base for a dose detection module, the base including: a cradle having at least one external sidewall, and an inner sidewall defining a module well, the module well sized and shaped to receive and surround a proximal end of the dose detection module, the proximal end configured to be actuated by a user to deliver a dose of medication from a medication delivery device when the dose detection module is operably coupled to the medication delivery device, the dose detection module being configured to removably attach to an actuator of a medication delivery device and having a sensor to detect actuation of the actuator; and a power delivery element contained within the at least one external sidewall, the power delivery element configured to provide electrical power to the dose detection module when the dose detection module is disposed in the module well.

[0091] In various aspects of the disclosure, wherein the power delivery element includes an induction coil configured to provide electrical power to a corresponding induction coil of the dose detection module.

[0092] In various aspects of the disclosure, wherein the module well is sized and shaped to receive the dose detection module without receiving a distal end of the medication delivery device when the dose detection module is operably coupled to a proximal end of the medication delivery device opposite the distal end.

[0093] In various aspects of the disclosure, wherein the module well is sized and shaped to receive the dose detection module both when the module is coupled to the medication delivery device, and when the module is decoupled from the medication delivery device.

[0094] In various aspects of the disclosure, further including a processor configured to receive charge information from the dose detection module, the charge information indicative of a charge level of an energy storage element of the dose detection module.

[0095] In various aspects of the disclosure, further including at least one indicator light operably coupled to the processor, the processor configured to selectively activate the at least one indicator light based at least in part on the charge information.

[0096] In various aspects of the disclosure, a method of recharging a dose detection module, the method including: connecting a charging base to a power supply; inserting a proximal end of the dose detection module into a module well of the charging base such that the proximal end is surrounded by an inner sidewall of the charging base, the proximal end configured to be actuated by a user to deliver a dose of medication from a medication delivery device when the dose detection module is operably coupled to the medication delivery device; receiving power at the charging base from the power supply; and delivering power from the charging base to a rechargeable energy storage element of the dose delivery module.

[0097] In various aspects of the disclosure, wherein delivering power from the charging base to the energy storage element includes delivering power from an induction coil of the charging base to a corresponding induction coil of the dose delivery module, and delivering power from the induction coil of the dose delivery module to the energy storage element.

[0098] In various aspects of the disclosure, wherein inserting the proximal end of the dose detection module into the module well includes inserting a proximal end of the medication delivery device at least partially into the module well without inserting a distal end of themedication delivery device into the module well, the distal end of the medication delivery device disposed opposite the proximal end of the medication delivery device.

[0099] In various aspects of the disclosure, the method further including indicating, by the charging base, a charge level of the rechargeable energy storage element by selectively activating at least one indicator light of the charging base.

[0100] In various aspects of the disclosure, further including: after the inserting step, increasing power to the dose detection module; determining a charge level of the rechargeable energy storage element from a plurality of levels; based on the determined charge level, communicating between the dose detection module and the charging base a signal indicative of the determined charge level; and indicating to the user via the charging base a status of the dose detection module from a plurality of statuses.

[0101] In various aspects of the disclosure, further including: prior to the increasing power step, detecting an insertion status of the dose detection module into the charging base, and if the insertion status is positive, then proceed to the increasing power step, and if the insertion status is negative, then disallow the increasing power step.

[0102] In various aspects of the disclosure, wherein the detecting the insertion status step is conducted via a charging circuit of the charging base, wherein the charging circuit is activated based on a presence of an inductive field from the dose detection module.

[0103] In various aspects of the disclosure, wherein when the insertion status is positive and the charge status is a full charge, then deactivate the charging circuit.

[0104] In various aspects of the disclosure, wherein the plurality of statuses indicated to the user includes a full charge, a need of charge, or an error state.

[0105] In various aspects of the disclosure, wherein the indicating to the user includes activating an optical pattern with an optical source in the charging base.

[0106] In various aspects of the disclosure, wherein the communicating between the dose detection module and the charging base step includes activating an optical pattern with an optical source in the dose detection module, and detecting the optical pattern with an optical sensor in the charging base.

[0107] In various aspects of the disclosure, wherein the optical pattern is detectable for the charging base to determine at least one of a full charge, a need of charge, or an error state.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A dose detection module configured to removably attach to an actuator of a medication delivery device, the module comprising: a housing configured to couple to the actuator; an electronics assembly disposed at least partially within the housing, the electronics assembly comprising: a processor; an actuation sensor configured to detect actuation of the actuator and configured to transmit data indicative of the detected actuation to the processor, the processor configured to determine dosing information based at least in part on the data indicative of the detected actuation; a rechargeable energy storage element configured to deliver power to the processor and the actuation sensor; and an energy transmission element configured to deliver power to the energy storage element from an external energy source external to the dose detection module.

2. The dose detection module of claim 1, wherein the actuator sensor is configured to detect movement of a dose setting component the medication delivery device.

3. The dose detection module of any one of claims 1-2, the module configured to removably attach to ab actuator of a medication delivery device.

4. The dose detection module of any one of claims 1-3, wherein rotation of the housing of the module is configured to rotate the actuator.

5. The dose detection module of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the energy transmission element comprises an induction coil configured to deliver power to the energy storage element from a corresponding induction coil of the external energy source.

6. The dose detection module any one of claims 1 -5, wherein the housing includes a proximal end and a disc, the disc having a contact surface configured to be contacted by a user during dose delivery, the disc coupled to the proximal end such that the disc rotates relative to the proximal end during dose delivery.

7. The dose detection module of claim 6, wherein the disc is configured to rotate relative to the proximal wall such that torque transmitted to the proximal wall due to rotation of the disc is less than a minimum torque required to rotate a dose selector of the medication delivery device, the dose selector being rotatable to select a dose to be delivered by the medication delivery device.

8. The dose detection module of claim 6, wherein the disc is configured to produce lost motion between the disc and the proximal wall when the disc is rotated.

9. The dose detection module of claim 6, wherein the disc is rotatably coupled to the proximal wall by a rotatable snap fitting.

10. The dose detection module of claim 6, wherein a distal end portion of the module is configured to terminate on a proximal side of a dosage window of the medication delivery device when the housing is coupled to the actuator.

11. A charging base for a dose detection module, the base comprising: a cradle having at least one external sidewall, and an inner sidewall defining a module well, the module well sized and shaped to receive and surround a proximal end of the dose detection module, the proximal end configured to be actuated by a user to deliver a dose of medication from a medication delivery device when the dose detection module is operably coupled to the medication delivery device, the dose detection module being configured to removably attach to an actuator of a medication delivery device and having a sensor to detect actuation of the actuator; anda power delivery element contained within the at least one external sidewall, the power delivery element configured to provide electrical power to the dose detection module when the dose detection module is disposed in the module well.

12. The charging base of claim 11, wherein the power delivery element comprises an induction coil configured to provide electrical power to a corresponding induction coil of the dose detection module.

13. The charging base of any one of claims 11-12, wherein the module well is sized and shaped to receive the dose detection module without receiving a distal end of the medication delivery device when the dose detection module is operably coupled to a proximal end of the medication delivery device opposite the distal end.

14. The charging base of any one of claims 11-13, wherein the module well is sized and shaped to receive the dose detection module both when the module is coupled to the medication delivery device, and when the module is decoupled from the medication delivery device.

15. The charging base of any one of claims 11-14, further comprising a processor configured to receive charge information from the dose detection module, the charge information indicative of a charge level of an energy storage element of the dose detection module.

16. The charging base of claim 15, further comprising at least one indicator light operably coupled to the processor, the processor configured to selectively activate the at least one indicator light based at least in part on the charge information.

17. A method of recharging a dose detection module, the method comprising: connecting a charging base to a power supply; inserting a proximal end of the dose detection module into a module well of the charging base such that the proximal end is surrounded by an inner sidewall of the charging base, the proximal end configured to be actuated by a user to deliver a dose of medication from amedication delivery device when the dose detection module is operably coupled to the medication delivery device; receiving power at the charging base from the power supply; and delivering power from the charging base to a rechargeable energy storage element of the dose delivery module.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein delivering power from the charging base to the energy storage element comprises delivering power from an induction coil of the charging base to a corresponding induction coil of the dose delivery module, and delivering power from the induction coil of the dose delivery module to the energy storage element.

19. The method of any one of claims 17-18, wherein inserting the proximal end of the dose detection module into the module well comprises inserting a proximal end of the medication delivery device at least partially into the module well without inserting a distal end of the medication delivery device into the module well, the distal end of the medication delivery device disposed opposite the proximal end of the medication delivery device.

20. The method of any one of claims 17-19, the method further comprising indicating, by the charging base, a charge level of the rechargeable energy storage element by selectively activating at least one indicator light of the charging base.

21. The method of any one of claims 17-19, further comprising: after the inserting step, increasing power to the dose detection module; determining a charge level of the rechargeable energy storage element from a plurality of levels; based on the determined charge level, communicating between the dose detection module and the charging base a signal indicative of the determined charge level; and indicating to the user via the charging base a status of the dose detection module from a plurality of statuses.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: prior to the increasing power step, detecting an insertion status of the dose detection module into the charging base, and if the insertion statusis positive, then proceed to the increasing power step, and if the insertion status is negative, then disallow the increasing power step.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the detecting the insertion status step is conducted via a charging circuit of the charging base, wherein the charging circuit is activated based on a presence of an inductive field from the dose detection module.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein when the insertion status is positive and the charge status is a full charge, then deactivate the charging circuit.

25. The method of any one of claims 21-24, wherein the plurality of statuses indicated to the user includes a full charge, a need of charge, or an error state.

26. The method of any one of claims 21-25, wherein the indicating to the user includes activating an optical pattern with an optical source in the charging base.

27. The method of any one of claims 21-26, wherein the communicating between the dose detection module and the charging base step includes activating an optical pattern with an optical source in the dose detection module, and detecting the optical pattern with an optical sensor in the charging base.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the optical pattern is detectable for the charging base to determine at least one of a full charge, a need of charge, or an error state.

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