Battery depletion prevention techniques

Abstract

A battery depletion prevention module configured to be coupled to a medication delivery device is provided. In some embodiments, the battery depletion prevention module comprises: an actuator; and a processing circuit comprising: a microcontroller; a battery configured to supply power to the microcontroller; and a power control module comprising a timer and at least one switch. In some embodiments, in response to the actuator switching to an engaged state: the power-on switch is configured to close, thereby causing an increase in power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller, and the timer is configured to be activated. In some embodiments, in response to the actuator remaining in the engaged state for a threshold amount of time since activation of the timer, the power control module is configured to switch to a power-off state, thereby causing a decrease in power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller.

Description

BATTERY DEPLETION PREVENTION TECHNIQUESBACKGROUND

[0001] Aspects described herein pertain to any device with a battery or depletable power source, such as, for example, medication delivery devices. Medication delivery devices are often used to inject a medication into a patient via a needle. Sometimes the medication may be administered more than once (e.g., monthly, weekly, daily, multiple times a day, etc.). Sometimes, the same medication delivery device is used to deliver multiple doses of medication. For example, the same medication delivery device may be used to administer a weekly dose of medication. Multi-dose medication delivery devices are typically stored in between uses. For example, a multi-dose medication delivery device may be stored in a refrigerator between doses. Electronic components may be associated with medication delivery devices, usually to track dosing events. A battery may power the electronic components. When inadvertently actuated, the battery will deplete faster than desirable.SUMMARY

[0002] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery depletion prevention module configured to be coupled to a medication delivery device is provided. In some embodiments, the battery depletion prevention module includes an actuator switchable between a disengaged state and an engaged state, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit includes a microcontroller, a battery configured to supply power to the microcontroller, a first switch, a second switch, and a timer. Each switch is configured to change between an open state and a closed state. The first switch is configured to close from the open state in response to the actuator switching from the disengaged state to the engaged state. The second switch is configured to close from the open state in response to the first switch being closed, thereby causing an increase in the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller. The timer is configured to be activated in response to the actuator switching from the disengaged state to the engaged state and the first switch being closed. The second switch is configured to open after being in the closed state in response to the actuator remaining in the engaged state for a threshold amount of time since activation of the timer, thereby enabling a decrease in the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller.

[0003] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of mitigating power draw by a microcontroller of a medication delivery device using a battery depletion prevention module coupled to the medication delivery device is provided. In some embodiments, the battery depletion prevention module includes an actuator and a processing circuit. The processing circuit has the microcontroller, a battery configured to power the microcontroller, a timer, a first switch, and a second switch. In some embodiments, the method includes one or more of the following steps: In response to the actuator switching from a disengaged state to an engaged state, closing the first switch and the second switch, thereby increasing power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller, and activating the timer. In response to the actuator remaining in the engaged state for a threshold amount of time since the activation of the timer, opening the second switch, thereby decreasing the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller.

[0004] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery depletion prevention module configured to be coupled to a medication delivery device is provided. In some embodiments, the battery depletion prevention module comprises: an actuator switchable between a disengaged state and an engaged state; and a processing circuit comprising: a microcontroller; a battery configured to supply power to the microcontroller; a power-on switch configured to close in response to the actuator switching from the disengaged state to the engaged state; and a power control module switchable between a power-on state and a power-off state, the power control module comprising: a timer configured to be activated in response to the actuator switching from the disengaged state to the engaged state, wherein, in response to the actuator remaining in the engaged state for a threshold amount of time since activation of the timer, the power control module is configured to switch from the power-on state to the power-off state, thereby enabling a decrease in the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] Various aspects, techniques, and embodiments of the present technology disclosed herein are described below in reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be appreciated that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Items appearing in multiple figures may be indicated by the same reference numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every figure. Features of the present technology will become more apparent and techniques for how to attain the features of the present technology will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary medication delivery device with which a battery depletion prevention module is operable, according to some embodiments of the technology described herein.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the exemplary medication delivery device of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments of the technology described herein.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the proximal portion of the exemplary medication delivery device of FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments of the technology described herein.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the proximal portion of the exemplary medication delivery device of FIG. 1, together with a dose detection system, according to some embodiments of the technology described herein.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a side, cross-sectional view of a dose detection system module attached to the proximal portion of a medication delivery device, according to some embodiments of the technology described herein.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a diagram of a battery depletion prevention module configured to be coupled to a medication delivery device, according to some embodiments of the technology described herein.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for mitigating power draw by a battery depletion prevention module coupled to a medication delivery device, according to some embodiments of the technology described herein.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a side, cross-sectional view of a proximal portion of a medication delivery device, according to some embodiments of the technology described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Provided herein are examples of medication delivery devices, as well as examples of components included in the medication delivery devices and techniques for operating the medication delivery devices. In some embodiments, the medication delivery devices include one or more battery-powered systems configured to perform functions such as determining a type of medication delivered by the medication delivery device, determining an amount of medication delivered by the medication delivery device, and communicating with one or more remote devices, among other functions. These functions enable the operator to safely and easily use the medication delivery devices to inject a dose of medication.

[0015] The inventors have recognized that battery life is a limitation associated with the battery-powered system(s) of the medication delivery devices provided herein. If the battery becomes depleted before the operator uses the medication delivery device to deliver medication, then the battery-powered systems cannot perform their respective functions. For example, when a medication delivery device is used for multiple injections, it may be stored (e.g., in a refrigerator) between injections for relatively long periods (e.g., one or more hours, days, weeks, months, etc.). If the medication delivery device is left in a relatively high-power state (e.g., a power-on actuator remains in a depressed configuration) between injection events, the battery may become depleted before the next injection event. As a result, the battery-powered system(s) and / or the entire medication delivery device may be inoperable to safely administer the medication.

[0016] Accordingly, the inventors have developed a battery depletion prevention module configured to be coupled to a medication delivery device and to mitigate power drawn by the battery-powered system(s) of the medication delivery device. In some embodiments, the battery depletion prevention module includes an actuator and a power control module. An operator may depress the actuator, causing it to switch from a disengaged state to an engaged state. In some embodiments, in response to the actuator switching to the engaged state, a timer is activated and the power control module switches to a power-on state, thereby causing an increase in the power drawn from the battery. If the actuator remains in the engaged state until the timer expires, then the power control module switches to a power- off state, thereby enabling a decrease in the power drawn from the battery. Accordingly, the battery depletion prevention module limits the amount of time the actuator forces themedication delivery device from operating in a high-power mode for longer than the amount of time established by the timer. By mitigating battery depletion, the module helps to elongate the life of the medication delivery device.

[0017] As described herein, the techniques can be used with various types of medication delivery devices, including medication delivery devices that incorporate the aspects described herein, and / or add-on components that can be attached to a medication delivery device. For illustrative purposes, FIGS. 1-5 describe exemplary medication delivery devices and dose sensing systems into which the battery depletion prevention techniques can be incorporated. The exemplary devices and systems are discussed further in PCT Pub. No. WO2019 / 164955 filed on February 20, 2019, and in PCT Pub. No. W02022 / 026303 filed July 23, 2021, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0018] Devices described herein, such as a device 10, may comprise a medication, such as for example, within a reservoir or cartridge 20. In another embodiment, a system may comprise one or more devices including device 10 and a medication. The term “medication” refers to one or more therapeutic agents including but not limited to 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, oxyntomodulin analogs, oxyntomodulin derivatives, therapeutic antibodies and any therapeutic agent that is capable of delivery by the above device. The medication as used in the device may be formulated with one or more excipients. The device is operated in a manner generally as described above by a patient, caregiver or healthcare professional to deliver medication to a person.

[0019] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an exemplary medication delivery device 10, according to some examples. The medication delivery device 10 is a pen injector configured to inject a medication into a patient through a needle. Pen injector 10 includes a body 11 comprising an elongated, pen-shaped housing 12 including a distal portion 14 and a proximal portion 16. Distal portion 14 is received within a pen cap 18. Referring to FIG. 2, distal portion 14 contains the reservoir or cartridge 20 configured to hold the medicinal fluid of medication to be dispensed through its distal outlet end during a dispensing operation. The outlet end of distal portion 14 is equipped with a removable needle assembly 22 including an injection needle 24 enclosed by a removable cover 25. A piston 26 is positioned in reservoir 20. An injecting mechanism positioned in proximal portion 16 is operative to advance piston 26toward the outlet of reservoir 20 during the dose dispensing operation to force the contained medicine through the needled end. The injecting mechanism includes a drive member 28, illustratively in the form of a screw, axially moveable relative to housing 12 to advance piston 26 through reservoir 20.

[0020] A dose setting member 30 is coupled to housing 12 for setting a dose amount to be dispensed by device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, dose setting member 30 is in the form of a screw element operative to spiral (e.g., simultaneously move axially and rotationally) relative to housing 12 during dose setting and dose dispensing. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the dose setting member 30 fully screwed into housing 12 at its home or zero dose position. Dose setting member 30 is operative to screw out in a proximal direction from housing 12 until it reaches a fully extended position corresponding to a maximum dose deliverable by device 10 in a single injection.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, dose setting member 30 includes a cylindrical dose dial member 32 having a helically threaded outer surface that engages a corresponding threaded inner surface of housing 12 to allow dose setting member 30 to spiral relative to housing 12. Dose dial member 32 further includes a helically threaded inner surface that engages a threaded outer surface of sleeve 34 (FIG. 2) of device 10. The outer surface of dial member 32 includes dose indicator markings, such as numbers that are visible through a dosage window 36 to indicate to the user the set dose amount. Dose setting member 30 further includes a tubular flange 38 that is coupled in the open proximal end of dial member 32 and is axially and rotationally locked to dial member 32 by detents 40 received within openings 41 in dial member 32. Dose setting member 30 may further include a collar or skirt 42 positioned around the outer periphery of dial member 32 at its proximal end. Skirt 42 is axially and rotationally locked to dial member 32 by tabs 44 received in slots 46. Further embodiments described later shown examples of the device without a skirt.

[0022] Dose setting member 30 therefore may be considered to comprise any or all of dose dial member 32, flange 38, and skirt 42, as they are all rotationally and axially fixed together. Dose dial member 32 is directly involved in setting the dose and driving delivery of the medication. Flange 38 is attached to dose dial member 32 and, as described later, cooperates with a clutch to selectively couple dial member 32 with a dose knob 56. Skirt 42 provides a surface external of body 11 to enable a user to rotate the dial member 32 forsetting a dose. For embodiments without the skirt, the dosage knob 56 includes an outer wall that extends distally to form a surface for the user to rotate.

[0023] Skirt 42 illustratively includes a plurality of surface features 48 and an annular ridge 49 formed on the outer surface of skirt 42. Surface features 48 are illustratively longitudinally extending ribs and grooves that are circumferentially spaced around the outer surface of skirt 42 and facilitate a user’ s grasping and rotating the skirt. In an alternative embodiment, skirt 42 is removed or is integral with dial member 32, and a user may grasp and rotate dose knob 56 and / or dose dial member 32 for dose setting. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, a user may grasp and rotate the radial exterior surface of one-piece dose knob 56, which also includes a plurality of surface features, for dose setting.

[0024] Delivery device 10 includes an actuator 50 having a clutch 52 which is received within dial member 32. Clutch 52 includes an axially extending stem 54 at its proximal end. Actuator 50 further includes dose knob 56 positioned proximally of skirt 42 of dose setting member 30. Dose knob 56 includes a mounting collar 58 (FIG. 2) centrally located on the distal surface of dose knob 56. Collar 58 is attached to stem 54 of clutch 52, such as with an interference fit or an ultrasonic weld, so as to axially and rotatably fix together dose knob 56 and clutch 52.

[0025] Dose knob 56 includes a disk- shaped proximal end surface or face 60 and an annular wall portion 62 extending distally and spaced radially inwardly of the outer peripheral edge of face 60 to form an annular lip 64 there between. Proximal face 60 of dose knob 56 serves as a push surface against which a force can be applied manually, i.e., directly by the user to push actuator 50 in a distal direction. Dose knob 56 illustratively includes a recessed portion 66 centrally located on proximal face 60, although proximal face 60 alternatively may be a flat surface. A bias member 68, illustratively a spring, is disposed between the distal surface 70 of knob 56 and a proximal surface 72 of tubular flange 38 to urge actuator 50 and dose setting member 30 axially away from each other. Dose knob 56 is depressible by a user to initiate the dose dispensing operation.

[0026] Delivery device 10 is operable in both a dose setting mode and a dose dispensing mode. In the dose setting mode of operation, dose setting member 30 is dialed (rotated) relative to housing 12 to set a desired dose to be delivered by device 10. Dialing in the proximal direction serves to increase the set dose, and dialing in the distal direction serves to decrease the set dose. Dose setting member 30 is adjustable in rotational increments (e.g.,clicks) corresponding to the minimum incremental increase or decrease of the set dose during the dose setting operation. For example, one increment or “click” may equal one-half or one unit of medication. The set dose amount is visible to the user via the dial indicator markings shown through dosage window 36. Actuator 50, including dose knob 56 and clutch 52, move axially and rotationally with dose setting member 30 during the dialing in the dose setting mode.

[0027] Dose dial member 32, flange 38 and skirt 42 are all fixed rotationally to one another and rotate and extend proximally of the medication delivery device 10 during dose setting, due to the threaded connection of dose dial member 32 with housing 12. During this dose setting motion, dose knob 56 is rotationally fixed relative to skirt 42 by complementary splines 74 of flange 38 and clutch 52 (FIG. 2), which are urged together by bias member 68. In the course of dose setting, skirt 42 and dose knob 56 move relative to housing 12 in a spiral manner from a “start” position to an “end” position. This rotation relative to the housing is in proportion to the amount of dose set by operation of the medication delivery device 10.

[0028] Once the desired dose is set, device 10 is manipulated so the injection needle 24 properly penetrates, for example, a user's skin. The dose dispensing mode of operation is initiated in response to an axial distal force applied to the proximal face 60 of dose knob 56. The axial force is applied by the user directly to dose knob 56. This causes axial movement of actuator 50 in the distal direction relative to housing 12.

[0029] The axial shifting motion of actuator 50 compresses biasing member 68 and reduces or closes the gap between dose knob 56 and tubular flange 38. This relative axial movement separates the complementary splines 74 on clutch 52 and flange 38, and thereby disengages actuator 50, e.g., dose knob 56, from being rotationally fixed to dose setting member 30. In particular, dose setting member 30 is rotationally uncoupled from actuator 50 to allow back-driving rotation of dose setting member 30 relative to actuator 50 and housing 12. The dose dispensing mode of operation may also be initiated by activating a separate switch or trigger mechanism.

[0030] As actuator 50 is continued to be axially plunged without rotation relative to housing 12, dial member 32 screws back into housing 12 as it spins relative to dose knob 56. The dose markings that indicate the amount still remaining to be injected are visible through window 36. As dose setting member 30 screws down distally, drive member 28 is advanceddistally to push piston 26 through reservoir 20 and expel medication through needle 24 (FIG. 2).

[0031] During the dose dispensing operation, the amount of medicine expelled from the medication delivery device is proportional to the amount of rotational movement of the dose setting member 30 relative to actuator 50 as the dial member 32 screws back into housing 12. The injection is completed when the internal threading of dial member 32 has reached the distal end of the corresponding outer threading of sleeve 34 (FIG. 2). Device 10 is then once again arranged in a ready state or zero dose position as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0032] The start and end angular positions of dose dial member 32, and therefore of the rotationally fixed flange 38 and skirt 42, relative to dose knob 56 provide an “absolute” change in angular positions during dose delivery. Determining whether the relative rotation was in excess of 360° is determined in a number of ways. By way of example, total rotation may be determined by also taking into account the incremental movements of the dose setting member 30 which may be measured in any number of ways by a sensing system.

[0033] In some embodiments, the dose delivery detection system involves detecting relative rotational movement between two members. With the extent of rotation having a known relationship to the amount of a delivered dose, the sensor system operates to detect the amount of angular movement from the start of a dose injection to the end of the dose injection. For example, a typical relationship for a pen injector is that an angular displacement of a dose setting member of 18° is the equivalent of one unit of dose, although other angular relationships are also suitable. The sensor system is operable to determine the total angular displacement of a dose setting member during dose delivery. Thus, if the angular displacement is 90°, then 5 units of dose have been delivered.

[0034] One approach for detecting the angular displacement is to count increments of dose amounts as the injection proceeds. For example, a sensor system may use a repeating pattern of sensed elements, such that each repetition is an indication of a predetermined degree of angular rotation. Conveniently, the pattern may be established such that each repetition corresponds to the minimum increment of dose that can be set with the medication delivery device.

[0035] An alternative approach is to detect the start and stop positions of a moving member, and to determine the amount of delivered dose as the difference between those positions. In this approach, it may be a part of the determination that the sensor systemdetects the number of full rotations of the dose setting member. Various methods for this are well within the ordinary skill in the art and may include “counting” the number of increments to assess the number of full rotations.

[0036] The sensor system components may be permanently or removably attached to the medication delivery device. In an illustrative embodiment, at least some of the dose detection system components are provided in the form of a module that is removably attached to the medication delivery device. This has the advantage of making these sensor components available for use on more than one pen injector.

[0037] In some embodiments, a sensing element is mounted to the actuator and a sensed element is attached to the dose setting member. The sensed element may also comprise the dose setting member or any portion thereof. The sensor system detects during dose delivery the relative rotation of the sensed element, and therefore of the dose setting member, from which is determined the amount of a dose delivered by the medication delivery device. In an illustrative embodiment, a rotation sensor is attached, and rotationally fixed, to the actuator. The actuator does not rotate relative to the body of the medication delivery device during dose delivery. In this embodiment, a sensed element is attached, and rotationally fixed, to the dose setting member, which rotates relative to the actuator and the device body during dose delivery. The sensed element may also comprise the dose setting member or any portion thereof. In an illustrative embodiment, the rotation sensor is not attached directly to the relatively rotating dose setting member during dose delivery.

[0038] FIG. 5 shows, in diagrammatic form, a data detection system 80 including one example of a module 82 useful in combination with a medication delivery device, such as device 10. In some embodiments, module 82 is provided as a separate component which may be removably attached to the actuator.

[0039] Dose detection module 82 includes a body 88 attached to dose knob 56 (shown in dashed lines). Body 88 illustratively includes a cylindrical side wall 90 and a top wall 92, spanning over and sealing side wall 90. Dose detection module 82 may alternatively be attached to dose knob 56 via any suitable fastening means, such as a snap or press fit, threaded interface, etc., provided that in one aspect module 82 may be removed from a first medication delivery device and thereafter attached to a second medication delivery device. The attachment may be at any location on dose knob 56, provided that dose knob 56 is able to move any required amount axially relative to dose setting member 30, as discussed herein.

[0040] During dose delivery, dose setting member 30 is free to rotate relative to dose knob 56 and module 82. In the illustrative embodiment, module 82 is rotationally fixed with dose knob 56 and does not rotate during dose delivery. This may be provided structurally, such as with tabs 102, or by having mutually-facing splines or other surface features on the module body 88 and dose knob 56 engage upon axial movement of module 82 relative to dose knob 56. In another embodiment, the distal pressing of the module provides a sufficient frictional engagement between module 82 and dose knob 56 as to functionally cause the module 82 and dose knob 56 to remain rotationally fixed together during dose delivery.

[0041] Top wall 92 is spaced apart from face 60 of dose knob 56 and thereby provides a cavity 96 in which some or all of the rotation sensor and other components may be contained. Cavity 96 may be open at the bottom, or may be enclosed, such as by a bottom wall 98.

[0042] Bottom wall 98 may be positioned in order to bear directly against face of dose knob 56. Alternatively, bottom wall 98 if present may be spaced apart from dose knob 56 and other contacts between module 82 and dose knob 56 may be used such that an axial force applied to module 82 is transferred to dose knob 56. In another embodiment, module 82 may be rotationally fixed to the one-piece dose knob configuration.

[0043] Module 82 carries an electronics assembly 120 comprising a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) having an electronics assembly that includes a plurality of electronic components that form at least part of a sensor system. In some embodiments, the sensor system includes one or more rotation sensors 86 and other associated components such as a microcontroller (MCU), memory, and battery 138.

[0044] The MCU includes a processing unit which may be a processing circuit or includes a processing circuit. A "processing circuit” can include one or more of programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field- programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), hardwired logic, or combinations thereof. The MCU is programmed to achieve the electronic features of the module. In some embodiments, the MCU includes control logic operative to perform the operations described herein, including detecting a connection to a medication delivery device, determining the type of medication delivery device, obtaining data used for determining a dose delivered by a medication delivery device, and monitoring the battery life of the medication delivery device. In the example shown, electronics assembly 120 can include alight sensor 110 and LEDs 114A-C coupled to the MCU, and a light guide 118 to detect data useful in determining the device type. The MCU may be operable to obtain data by detecting and / or determining the amount of rotation of the rotation sensor fixed to the flange, which is determined by detecting the magnetic field of the rotation sensor by the sensing elements of the measurement sensor, such as, for example, Hall Effect sensors, of the system.

[0045] In some embodiments, the MCU is configured to determine triggering of the power-on switch (shown as switch 137 being activated by a module actuator 139 that are shown in FIG. 5) in order to increase power draw from the battery to the electronic assembly for use. This triggering event may occur when module 82 is by itself and not coupled to pen injector 10 or when module 82 is coupled to pen injector 10 as shown in FIG. 5. For example, the module 82 may operate in a first power state (e.g., a sleep state) before the power-on switch 137 is triggered. In the first power state, the power drawn from the battery is lower compared to a second power state (e.g., an awake state). The first power state (e.g., the sleep state) may be implemented by (a) operating some or all components in a system at a lower clock speed than they would operate at in the increased power state, (b) shutting down some or all components that would have been operating and consuming power in an increased power state (e.g., in the awake state), or (c) both. When the apparatus is woken up (e.g., following a press of actuator 139), the apparatus may increase the power draw from the battery for the electronics to the increased power state. The actuator 139 is configured to move axially relative to the dose body 88 to activate switch 137 (shown having a spring biased arm that contacts a sensor pad for activation and is removed from sensor pad for deactivation) when pressed in. For example, the actuator 139 may be a button actuator (e.g., a push button), a rocker actuator, a toggle actuator, a paddle actuator, a lever actuator, a rotary actuator, or any other suitable type of switch actuator, as aspects of the technology described herein are not limited in this respect. In some embodiments, when woken up the apparatus may initiate a boot-up process. The boot-up process may increase the power draw from the battery to place the electronics in the second power state due to, for example, various selftests, the booting operation, and / or the like. In some embodiments, module 82 includes actuator 139 along the proximal axial end of the module, such as shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively, the actuator can be disposed along a lateral surface or side wall 90 of module 82.

[0046] As described herein, in some embodiments, a battery depletion prevention module of a data collection device that is coupled to a medication delivery device. For example, the battery depletion prevention module may be coupled to any of the example medication delivery devices described herein including at least with respect to FIGs. 1-5.

[0047] In some embodiments, the battery depletion prevention module is configured to mitigate the power drawn from a battery used to power one or more sensing systems of the data collection device for a medication delivery device. An operator may operate the medication delivery device with the module coupled thereto to cause it to transition between one or more power states. For example, when module 82 is coupled to pen injector 10, the operator may depress actuator 139 of module 82 on the medication delivery device prior to dose setting or after a dose is set during an injection event, causing the module to switch from operating in a first power state (e.g., a sleep state) to operating in a second power state (e.g., an awake state). In some embodiments, more power is drawn from the battery while operating at the second power state than at the first power state. If the actuator is not released from the depressed configuration prior to dose setting or even after the injection event, then module 82 continues to operate at the second power state, causing faster battery depletion than if the module was operating at a lower-power state. In some embodiments, the battery depletion prevention module is configured to mitigate the power drawn from the battery in this circumstance.

[0048] FIG. 6 shows an example of a battery depletion prevention module 600. The battery depletion prevention module 600 includes actuator 630 and a processing circuit that includes battery 610, a first switch (shown, for example, as power-on switch 620), power control module 640 having a second switch, logic gate 650, third switch 660, fourth switch 670, and microcontroller 680. The second switch of power control module 640 is shown, for example, as a power-off switch 642 and includes timer 644. In some embodiments, the power control module 640 may be implemented using an integrated circuit (e.g., a GreenPAK™ integrated circuit). It should be appreciated that the battery depletion prevention module 600 may include one or more additional or alternative components. Additionally or alternatively, the battery depletion prevention module 600 may form part of a larger system that includes one or more additional components, as aspects of the technology described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0049] In some embodiments, the battery depletion prevention module 600 forms at least part of one or more sensor systems of a medication delivery device. For example, the battery depletion prevention module 600 may form part of a dose detection system (e.g., dose detection module 82). In such an implementation, the actuator 630 and power-on switch 620 may be implementations of actuator 139 and switch 137, shown in FIG. 5. Additionally or alternatively, the microcontroller 680 and battery 610 may be implementations of the MCU and battery included in the electronics assembly 120 shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the battery depletion prevention module 600 may form a part of the actuator of the medication delivery device, as shown in FIG. 8, rather than a separate module that is attachable to the actuator as shown in FIG. 5.

[0050] In some embodiments, the module 600 is configured to operate at different power states. The different power states may include a high-power state and one or more low- power states. At the low power state(s), the power supplied by the battery 610 is lower compared to the power supplied at the high-power state. The low-power state(s) may be implemented by (a) operating some or all components in a system (e.g., in a dose detection system, etc.) at a lower clock speed than they would operate at in the increased power state, (b) shutting down some or all components that would have been operating and consuming power in an increased power state (e.g., in the awake state), or (c) both.

[0051] In some embodiments, the module 600 is configured to operate at a low-power state when the switch 660 is open (e.g., when there is a break in the circuit between the battery 610 and the microcontroller 680). In some embodiments, the module 600 is configured to operate at a high-power state when the switch 660 is closed (e.g., when the circuit between the battery 610 and microcontroller 680 is closed).

[0052] In some embodiments, the switch 660 is triggerable by the output of the logic gate 650. Logic gate 650 includes a pair on input terminals (“in”) and an output terminal (“out”). For example, switch 660 may close in response to the logic gate 650 outputting a voltage above a threshold (e.g., a “logic high”), and switch 660 may open in response to the logic gate 650 outputs a voltage below the threshold (e.g., a “logic low”), or vice versa. The logic gate 650 may be configured to output a voltage above a threshold (e.g., a “logic high,” etc.) when either or both input voltages are above the threshold. The logic gate 650 may be configured to output a voltage below the threshold (e.g., a “logic low”) when neither input voltage is above the threshold. As such, the logic gate may be viewed as implementing an“OR” logic gate, or any suitable combination of logic gates that achieves the same result, as aspects of the technology described herein are not limited in this respect. The logic gate 650 may be implemented using one or more diodes, transistors (e.g., metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFET) or bipolar junction transistors), and / or any other suitable component or combination of components, as aspects of the technology described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0053] In some embodiments, a logic high input is supplied to the logic gate 650 when the circuit is closed between the battery 610 and logic gate 650. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the circuit is closed between the battery 610 and logic gate 650 when the power-on switch 620 and power-off switch 642 are closed.

[0054] In some embodiments, one or more of the switches (e.g., the power-on switch 620 and / or the power-off switch 642) are triggerable by the actuator 630. For example, the switch(es) may be configured to (i) close in response to the actuator 630 switching to an engaged state and (ii) open in response to the actuator 630 switching to a disengaged state, or vice versa. For example, at least the power-on switch 620 may close in response to the actuator 630 switching to the engaged state and to open in response to the actuator 630 switching to the disengaged state.

[0055] In some embodiments, the actuator 630 is configured to switch between the engaged state and the disengaged state in response to action by an operator. For example, the operator may press the actuator 630 to cause it to switch to the engaged state and release the actuator 630 to cause it to switch to the disengaged state. The operator may interact with the actuator 630 directly or indirectly (e.g., the operator may interact with one or more other components that cause the actuator 630 to switch between states). Actuator 139 shown in FIG. 5 represents a possible implementation of actuator 630.

[0056] In some embodiments, a logic high input is supplied to the logic gate 650 when the circuit between the battery 610 and logic gate 650 is closed. As a result, the logic gate 650 outputs a logic high signal, which in turn causes switch 660 to close. In response to the switch 660 closing, the battery 610 increases the amount of power supplied to the microcontroller 680. In some embodiments, the microcontroller 680 performs one or more operations at the increased power state. For example, the microcontroller 680 may operate at the increased power state to detect an amount and / or type of medication delivered using the medication delivery device.

[0057] In some embodiments, when operating at the increased power state, the microcontroller 680 supplies a power retention signal to the switch 670. In response to the power retention signal, the switch 670 closes, thereby supplying a logic high input to the logic gate 650, which in turn outputs a logic high signal that maintains the switch 660 in the closed configuration. As a result, the power retention signal also maintains operation of the microcontroller 680, e.g., at the high-power state. In some embodiments, the power-retention signal may be supplied for at least the duration of one or more operations of the microcontroller 680. In some embodiments, the power-retention signal is supplied for an amount of time between 30 and 90 seconds, between 45 and 75 seconds, between 50 and 70 seconds, between 55 and 65 seconds, or within any other suitable range, as aspects of the technology described herein are not limited in this respect. For example, the power-retention signal may be supplied for 60 seconds.

[0058] In some embodiments, the battery depletion prevention module 600 switches to a low-power state when (a) the power-on switch 620 and / or the power-off switch 642 open in response to the actuator 630 switching to the disengaged state, and (b) the switch 670 opens in response to the microcontroller 680 no longer supplying the power retention signal.

[0059] However, as described herein, the actuator 630 may remain in an engaged state, even after the microcontroller 680 no longer needs to operate at a high-power state. For example, the actuator 630 may become stuck in a depressed configuration. Alternatively, the actuator 630 may have been properly disengaged, but due to malfunctioning component(s), current may nonetheless continue to be drawn. In such embodiments, the power control module 640 may be configured to mitigate power draw from the battery 610. As shown in FIG. 6, the power control module 640 includes the power-off switch 642 and timer 644. In some embodiments, in response to the actuator 630 switching to the engaged state, the power control module 640 switches to a power-on state and the timer 644 is activated. In this configuration, a logic high input is provided to the logic gate 650 and the battery 610 supplies power to the microcontroller 680 at a high-power state. If the actuator 630 remains in the engaged state until the expiration of the timer 644, then the power control module 640 switches to a power-off state. For example, a signal output by timer 644 at the expiration of the timer 644 may cause the power-off switch 642 to open. In this configuration, a logic low input is provided to the logic gate 650 and the battery 610 supplies power to the microcontroller 680 at a low-power state.

[0060] In some embodiments, the timer 644 is configured to expire after a threshold amount of time since its activation. In some embodiments, the threshold amount of time is dependent on the amount of time the microcontroller is configured to supply the power retention signal. For example, the threshold amount of time may be greater than the amount of time the microcontroller is configured to supply the power retention signal. In some embodiments, the threshold amount of time is between 50 and 80 seconds, between 55 and 75 seconds, between 60 and 70 seconds, between 62 and 68 seconds, or within any other suitable range, as aspects of the technology described herein are not limited in this respect. For example, the threshold amount of time may be 65 seconds. In this example, the microcontroller 680 may be configured to supply a power retention signal for less than 65 seconds (e.g., 60 seconds).

[0061] In some embodiments, if the actuator 630 switches to the disengaged state before expiration of the timer 644, then the timer 644 is de-activated and may be reset and reactivated if the actuator 630 again switches to the engaged state. However, in some embodiments, if the actuator 630 switches to the disengaged state for less than or equal to a threshold amount of time before switching again to the engaged state, then the timer 644 may remain activated. For example, the threshold amount of time may be between 100 ps and 500 ps, between 150 ps and 450 ps, between 200 ps and 400 ps, between 250 ps and 350 ps, or within any other suitable range, as aspects of the technology described herein are not limited in this respect. For example, the threshold amount of time may be 300 ps.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an illustrative process 700 for mitigating power draw by a microcontroller of a data collection device using a battery depletion prevention module coupled to a medication delivery device. The battery depletion prevention module may include (i) an actuator, (ii) a power-on switch triggerable by an actuator switching between an engaged state and a disengaged state, (iii) a battery, (iv) the microcontroller, (v) and a power control module that includes a power-off switch and a timer. For example, the process 700 may be implemented using the battery depletion prevention module 600 shown in FIG. 6.

[0063] At act 702, in response to the actuator (e.g., actuator 630) switching from a disengaged state to an engaged state, (i) the power-on switch (e.g., power-on switch 620) closes, and (ii) the timer (e.g., timer 644) is activated.

[0064] In some embodiments, closing the power-on switch causes the power control module (e.g., module 640) to switch from a power-off state to a power-on state. In some embodiments, the power-off state is defined by an output signal of the power control module having a voltage less than or equal to a threshold voltage (e.g., 0 V, at least 0.5 V, at least 1 V, at least 1.5 V, etc.), and the power-on state is defined by an output signal having a voltage greater than the threshold voltage. In some embodiments, the power control module switches to the power-on state when both the power-on switch and the power-off switch are closed. At act 702, the power-off switch (e.g., switch 642) may already be closed, or may close simultaneously or in response to the closing of the power-on switch 620.

[0065] In some embodiments, closing the power-on switch, at act 702, causes an increase in power supplied by the battery (e.g., battery 610) to the microcontroller (e.g., microcontroller 680). For example, with reference to FIG. 6, closing the power-on switch 620 may cause closure of the circuit between the battery 610 and the logic gate 650, which in turn causes switch 660 to close. In some embodiments, the power supplied by the battery increases from a first power state (e.g., a low power state) to a second power state (e.g., a high-power state).

[0066] At act 704, in response to the actuator remaining in the engaged state for a threshold amount of time since activation of the timer, the power control module (e.g., module 640) switches from the power-on state to the power-off state. In some embodiments, the power control module switches to the power-off state by opening the power-off switch (e.g., switch 642) of the power control module. For example, when the timer expires after the threshold amount of time, it may generate an output that causes the power-off switch to open. Examples of the threshold are described herein including at least with respect to FIG. 6.

[0067] In some embodiments, switching the power control module to the power-off state at act 704 enables a decrease in power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller. For example, the power supplied by the battery may decrease from the second power state (e.g., the high-power state) to a third power state (e.g., a low-power standby state). The third power state may be the same as the first power state or different from the first power state. Alternatively, the third power state may be a lower power state than the first power state. For example, the first power state may be implemented by: (a) operating some or all components in the system at a lower clock speed than they would operate at in the second power state, (b) shutting down some or all components that would have been operating and consuming powerin the second power state, or (c) both. The third power state may be operated by (a) operating some or all components in the system at a lower clock speed than they would operate at in the first power state, (b) shutting down some or all components that would have been operating and consuming power in the first power state.

[0068] In some embodiments, process 700 may be repeated one or more times. For example, after the power control module switches to the power-off state at act 704, and after the actuator switches to the disengaged state, the actuator may again be switched to the engaged state. In response to the actuator switching to the engaged state, one or both of acts 702 and 704 may be repeated.

[0069] FIG. 8 shows another example of the medication delivery device, now referred to as 810 with electronics assembly 876 disposed within the actuator 850, rather than a module. The device 810 includes many of the same components operational for dose setting and dose dispensing as described with reference to the device 10. The dose setting member 830 is coupled to the device housing 812 for setting a dose amount to be dispensed by device 810. Dose setting member 830 is operative to screw out in a proximal direction from housing 812 until it reaches an axial position corresponding to a desirable dose to be delivered by device 810 in a single injection. The cylindrical dose dial member 832 of dose setting member 830 includes the helically threaded outer surface that engages the corresponding threaded inner surface of housing 812 to allow dose setting member 830 to spiral relative to housing 812. Dose dial member 832 includes the helically threaded inner surface that engages the threaded outer surface of the sleeve of the device 810, such as sleeve 34 in FIG. 2. The outer surface of dial member 832 includes dose indicator markings that are visible through dosage window 836 to indicate to the user the set dose amount. Tubular flange 838 of dose setting member 830 is coupled in the open proximal end of dial member 832 and is axially and rotationally locked to dose dial member 832 by detents received within openings in dial member 832.

[0070] Actuator 850 includes clutch 852 that is received within dose dial member 832. The proximal end of clutch 852 includes stem 854 that is axially extending from its proximal end. Actuator 850 is positioned proximally of dose setting member 830, as shown. The mounting collar 858 of actuator 850 is attached to stem 854 of clutch 852 in a manner so as to axially and rotatably fix together actuator 850 and clutch 852. Bias member 868, illustratively a spring, is disposed between the distal surface of mounting collar 858 and theproximal surface of tubular flange 838 to urge actuator 850 and dose setting member 830 axially away from each other. Actuator 850 is depressible by a user to initiate the dose dispensing operation. Bias member 868 biases actuator 850 in the proximal first position (as shown in FIG. 8) where it stays during dose setting operation, until the user applies an axial force great enough to overcome the biasing force of member 868 to move actuator 850 to the distal second position (not shown) for dose dispensing operation.

[0071] Actuator 850 includes an upper proximal wall with proximal end surface 860 and annular wall portion 862 extending distally from the proximal wall to define a button housing cavity. Surface 860 serves as the push surface against which a force can be applied manually, i.e., directly by the user to push actuator 850 in a distal direction. Mounting collar 858 is shown extending distally from an intermediate location of the distal wall of actuator 850 for attachment with stem 854 of clutch 852.

[0072] Electronics assembly 876 can include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) having an electronics assembly that includes a plurality of electronic components that form at least part of a sensor system. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more switches 884 and other associated components such as a microcontroller (MCU), memory, and battery B. Some of the components in electronics assembly 876 are shown as unconnected for illustrative purposes only, and are actually electrically connected to one another, such as by connectors, wires, or conduits, as understood in the art, such as shown by 897. The MCU is configured to determine triggering of the power-on switch (shown as switch 884 being activated by actuator 850) in order to increase power draw from the battery to the electronic assembly for use, as described above. Switch 884 forms a part of an example battery depletion prevention module embodiment (described earlier as module 600) within the actuator. Switch 884 is shown including two parts: an arm part 886 depending from circuit board 825 and a conductive part 890 coupled to dose dial member 832. When parts 886 and 890 are in contact with one another by the pressing of the actuator 850 distally down to form a closed state, and when spaced apart from one another forms an open state.

[0073] It should be understood that various alterations, modifications, and improvements may be made to the structures, configurations, and methods discussed above, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the technology disclosed herein. Embodiments with the triggering of wake-up of an electronics assembly by the pressing of an actuator that is susceptible to being continuously pressed due to misuse or storage in a tightspace. Further, although advantages of the present technology are indicated, it should be appreciated that not every embodiment of the present technology will include every described advantage. Some embodiments may not implement any features described as advantageous herein. Accordingly, the foregoing description and attached drawings are by way of example only.

[0074] It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology may be embodied as one or more methods, and acts performed as part of a method of the present technology may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than shown and / or described, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown and / or described as sequential acts in various embodiments.

[0075] Various aspects of the present technology may be used alone, in combination, or in a variety of arrangements not specifically discussed in the embodiments described in the foregoing and is therefore not limited in its application to the details and arrangement of components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. For example, aspects described in connection with one embodiment may be combined in any manner with aspects described in connection with one or more other embodiments.

[0076] In some embodiments, the first switch is a power-on switch and the second switch is a power-off switch, wherein at least one of the power-on switch and the power-off switch is configured to open in response to the actuator switching from the engaged state to the disengaged state.

[0077] In some embodiments, the timer is configured to be deactivated in response to the actuator switching from the engaged state to the disengaged state before the threshold amount of time has elapsed.

[0078] In some embodiments, the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller is at a first power state before the actuator is switched from the disengaged state to the engaged state, wherein the increase in the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller is an increase from the first power state to a second power state, and wherein the decrease in the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller is a decrease from the second power state to a third power state.

[0079] In some embodiments, an amount of power drawn at the third power state is different than an amount of power drawn at the first power state.

[0080] In some embodiments, when the power supplied by the battery is at the third power state and in response to the actuator switching from the disengaged state to the engaged state: the first switch is configured to close, thereby causing an increase in the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller, and the timer is configured to be re-activated.

[0081] In some embodiments, the microcontroller is configured to generate a power retention signal to maintain operation.

[0082] In some embodiments, the power retention signal is configured to cause the battery to supply power at the second power state after the actuator switches from the engaged state to the disengaged state.

[0083] In some embodiments, the threshold amount of time is an amount of time between 30 and 90 seconds.

[0084] Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the description and the claims to modify an element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one element over another, or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one element or act having a certain name from another element or act having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the elements or acts.

[0085] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0086] The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

[0087] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0088] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “equal” or “the same” in reference to two values (e.g., distances, widths, etc.) means that two values are the same within manufacturing tolerances. Thus, two values being equal, or the same, may mean that the two values are different from one another by ±5%.

[0089] The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and / or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0090] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0091] Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Use of terms such as “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0092] The terms “approximately” and “about” if used herein may be construed to mean within ±20% of a target value in some embodiments, within ±10 % of a target value in some embodiments, within ±5% of a target value in some embodiments, and within ±2% of a target value in some embodiments. The terms “approximately” and “about” may equal the target value.

[0093] The term “substantially” if used herein may be construed to mean within 95% of a target value in some embodiments, within 98% of a target value in some embodiments, within 99% of a target value in some embodiments, and within 99.5% of a target value in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the term “substantially” may equal 100% of the target value.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A battery depletion prevention module configured to be coupled to a medication delivery device, the battery depletion prevention module comprising: an actuator switchable between a disengaged state and an engaged state; and a processing circuit comprising: a microcontroller; a battery configured to supply power to the microcontroller; a first switch and a second switch, each configured to change between an open state and a closed state, the first switch configured to close from the open state in response to the actuator switching from the disengaged state to the engaged state, the second switch configured to close from the open state in response to the first switch being closed, thereby causing an increase in the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller; and a timer configured to be activated in response to the actuator switching from the disengaged state to the engaged state and the first switch being closed, wherein the second switch is configured to open after being in the closed state in response to the actuator remaining in the engaged state for a threshold amount of time since activation of the timer, thereby enabling a decrease in the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller.

2. The battery depletion prevention module of claim 1, wherein the first switch is a power-on switch and the second switch is a power-off switch, wherein at least one of the power-on switch and the power-off switch is configured to open in response to the actuator switching from the engaged state to the disengaged state.

3. The battery depletion prevention module of any of claims 1-2, wherein the timer is configured to be deactivated in response to the actuator switching from the engaged state to the disengaged state before the threshold amount of time has elapsed.

4. The battery depletion prevention module of any of claims 1-3, wherein the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller is at a first power state before the actuator is switched from the disengaged state to the engaged state,wherein the increase in the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller is an increase from the first power state to a second power state, and wherein the decrease in the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller is a decrease from the second power state to a third power state.

5. The battery depletion prevention module of claim 4, wherein an amount of power drawn at the third power state is different than an amount of power drawn at the first power state.

6. The battery depletion prevention module of any of claims 4-5, wherein, when the power supplied by the battery is at the third power state and in response to the actuator switching from the disengaged state to the engaged state: the first switch is configured to close, thereby causing an increase in the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller, and the timer is configured to be re-activated.

7. The battery depletion prevention module of any of claims 4-6, wherein the microcontroller is configured to generate a power retention signal to maintain operation.

8. The battery depletion prevention module of claim 7, wherein the power retention signal is configured to cause the battery to supply power at the second power state after the actuator switches from the engaged state to the disengaged state.

9. The battery depletion prevention module of any of claims 1-8, wherein the threshold amount of time is an amount of time between 30 and 90 seconds.

10. A method of mitigating power draw by a microcontroller of a data collection system using a battery depletion prevention module coupled to a medication delivery device, the battery depletion prevention module having an actuator and a processing circuit, the processing circuit having the microcontroller, a battery configured to power the microcontroller, a timer, a first switch, and a second switch, the method comprising: in response to the actuator switching from a disengaged state to an engaged state:closing the first switch and the second switch, thereby increasing power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller; and activating the timer; and in response to the actuator remaining in the engaged state for a threshold amount of time since the activation of the timer, opening the second switch, thereby decreasing the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: in response to the actuator switching from the engaged state to the disengaged state, opening at least one of the first switch and the second switch.

12. The method of any of claims 10-11, further comprising: in response to the actuator switching from the engaged state to the disengaged state before the threshold amount of time has elapsed since the activation of the timer, deactivating the timer.

13. The method of any of claims 10-12, wherein the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller is at a first power state before the actuator is switched from the disengaged state to the engaged state, wherein increasing the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller comprises increasing the power supplied to a second power state from the first power state, and wherein decreasing the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller comprises decreasing the power supplied to a third power state from the second power state.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein an amount of power drawn at the third power state is different than an amount of power drawn at the first power state.

15. The method of any of claims 13-14, further comprising: in response to the actuator switching from the disengaged state to the engaged state, generating, by the microcontroller, a power retention signal.T116. The method of claim 15, wherein the power retention signal is configured to cause the battery to supply power at the second power state after the actuator switches from the engaged state to the disengaged state.

17. The method of any of claims 10-16, further comprising: after opening the second switch, opening the first switch in response to the actuator switching from the engaged state the disengaged state; and after opening the first switch and in response to the actuator switching from the disengaged state to the engaged state: closing the first switch, thereby increasing power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller; and re-activating the timer.

18. The method of any of claims 10-17, wherein the threshold amount of time is an amount of time between 30 and 90 seconds.

19. A battery depletion prevention module configured to be coupled to a medication delivery device, the battery depletion prevention module comprising: an actuator switchable between a disengaged state and an engaged state; and a processing circuit comprising: a microcontroller; a battery' configured to supply power to the microcontroller; a power-on switch configured to close in response to the actuator switching from the disengaged state to the engaged state; and a power control module switchable between a power-on state and a power-off state, the power control module comprising: a timer configured to be activated in response to the actuator switching from the disengaged state to the engaged state, wherein, in response to the actuator remaining in the engaged state for a threshold amount of time since activation of the timer, the power control module is configured to switch from the power-on state to the power-off state,thereby enabling a decrease in the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller.

20. The battery depletion prevention module of claim 19, wherein the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller is at a first power state before the actuator is switched from the disengaged state to the engaged state, wherein the increase in the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller is an increase from the first power state to a second power state, and wherein the decrease in the power supplied by the battery to the microcontroller is a decrease from the second power state to a third power state different from the second power state.

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