Autoinjector Magnetic Sensing for Dose and Needle Insertion Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autoinjectors lack accurate tracking of medicament delivery and needle insertion depth, which can result in incomplete dosing or improper administration.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a magnetic region on the plunger rod within the autoinjector that generates magnetic signals detected by sensors, along with mechanisms to track the dispensing movement and needle insertion, ensuring complete medicament delivery and sufficient needle insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic sensing is added to track plunger rod movement, then measurement precision of medicament delivery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems with magnetic sensing to track plunger rod movement. Instead of using mechanical linkages or optical systems, a magnetic region on the plunger rod generates magnetic signals detected by a sensing assembly, enabling non-contact measurement of dispensing movement and medicament delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the plunger rod and the sensing assembly. The magnetic region on the plunger rod creates magnetic signals that serve as an intermediary carrier of position information, allowing the sensing assembly to indirectly measure plunger rod movement without direct mechanical contact.
2Reliability
If needle insertion depth sensing is added, then reliability of administration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical sensing of needle insertion depth with magnetic field-based detection. A magnetic region associated with the needle or needle guard generates magnetic signals that the sensing assembly detects, enabling non-contact measurement of insertion depth and force without additional mechanical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the sensing assembly continuously monitors magnetic signals from the needle region during insertion and medicament delivery. This feedback allows the system to verify needle insertion depth and maintain appropriate insertion force throughout the administration process, ensuring reliable delivery.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic region and sensing assembly are added to autoinjector, then measurement precision of dispensing movement is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the plunger rod by adding a magnetic region, transforming it from a simple mechanical component to one that generates detectable magnetic signals. This parameter change enables precise tracking of dispensing movement while maintaining the simplicity of the overall device architecture.
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
Ensures accurate delivery of the full medicament dose and proper needle insertion, enhancing the reliability and efficacy of autoinjector administration.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic region on the plunger rod of the autoinjector can produce signals that can be sensed by a sensing assembly to track the dispensing movement of the plunger rod
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods include an autoinjector including a housing; a needle arranged at a distal end of the housing; a container disposed within the housing and configured to contain medicament; and a plunger slidably disposed within the container. A plunger rod is configured to push the plunger through the container to dispense the medicament through the needle when the container contains medicament. The plunger rod includes a magnetic region. A mechanism is configured so that a dispensing movement of the plunger rod causes the mechanism to generate a first magnetic signal. A first sensor is configured to detect the first magnetic signal generated by the mechanism.