Reusable Autoinjector Module for Accurate Dose Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices lack the ability to accurately and cost-effectively record and communicate drug delivery data without altering their appearance or adding complexity, which is crucial for timely and appropriate administration, especially in clinical trials.
Innovation Solution
A digital module for an autoinjector featuring a housing with circuit boards, switches, and a power source that tracks drug delivery through mechanical and optical sensors, enabling precise monitoring and data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If data recording and communication features are added to traditional drug delivery devices, then measurement precision and information capability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The digital module is designed as a separate, self-contained unit that can be attached to the autoinjector. This segmentation allows the data recording and communication functionality to be added without modifying the core injection mechanism, thereby improving information capability while minimizing increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital module integrates multiple functions including data recording, processing, and communication capabilities in a single unit. This multi-functionality approach improves information capability while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from adding separate components for each function.
2Measurement precision
If digital monitoring components are integrated into the autoinjector housing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and interior space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The digital module acts as an intermediary between the autoinjector's mechanical components and the data communication system. It receives signals from switches within the autoinjector housing and processes them externally, thereby improving measurement precision while keeping the interior complexity of the autoinjector minimal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with electronic switches and digital processing. This substitution improves measurement precision through more accurate electronic sensing while reducing the mechanical complexity and interior space requirements of the device.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors and circuit boards are added to monitor drug delivery, then measurement precision and data accuracy are improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing functions are merged into a single integrated digital module that contains circuit boards with multiple switches and processing capabilities. This consolidation improves measurement precision through multiple sensors while reducing manufacturing cost compared to producing and assembling separate components for each sensing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical sensors that detect changes in physical parameters (such as position or presence) during drug delivery. By monitoring parameter changes rather than using complex mechanical measurement systems, the patent improves measurement precision while maintaining ease of manufacture and controlling costs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables timely and accurate monitoring of drug delivery, improving data management in clinical trials with a cost-effective, reusable device.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one switch is at least one mechanical switch and/or at least one optical sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a digital module for an autoinjector, including a housing having a distal end and a proximal end and configured to releasably mate with an autoinjector, and a first circuit board received within the housing, the circuit board having a proximal end and a distal end and including at least one switch, at least one processor in communication with the at least one switch, at least one communication interface, and at least one power source.