Autoinjector Rotation Sensor for Compact Dose Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autoinjectors often have complex and bulky rotation detection systems, which are not suitable for a space-saving design and do not allow for easy separation of electronic components for proper disposal.
Innovation Solution
A compact automatic drive mechanism with a rotating member featuring a varying surface structure in the longitudinal direction, guided by a linear sensor assembly that includes a sensing member movable exclusively in the longitudinal direction, allowing for reliable dose detection and separation of electronic components from mechanical parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex rotation detection system is used in autoinjectors, then reliable dose measurement is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotation detection function from a complex system and implements it through a simplified sensor assembly that senses rotation of the rotating member. The sensor assembly includes a sensing member that detects rotation through interaction with the varying surface structure, eliminating the need for complex rotation detection mechanisms while maintaining dose measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separable parts including a first part with mechanical components and a second part with electronic components. The sensor assembly is integrated into this segmented structure, allowing the electronic components to be separated for disposal while maintaining the rotation detection function through the mechanical sensing mechanism.
2Reliability
If electronic components are integrated in autoinjectors, then dose monitoring is enabled, but proper disposal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The autoinjector is divided into a first part containing mechanical components (syringe, drive mechanism) and a second part containing electronic components (sensor assembly, electronics). This segmentation allows the electronic components to be separated and disposed of properly after use, while the mechanical parts can be disposed of separately, facilitating compliant waste management.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic components including the sensor assembly are extracted as a separate second part that can be removed from the first part. This extraction enables proper disposal of electronic waste while maintaining the dose monitoring function during operation through the sensor assembly that senses rotation of the rotating member.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented, then device size is reduced, but rotation detection capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is merged with the rotating member structure, where the sensing member interacts directly with the varying surface structure on the rotating member. This integration allows compact design while maintaining rotation detection capability, as the sensing member detects rotation through the varying surface structure without requiring additional space for separate detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing member is guided by a linear guide to move exclusively in the longitudinal direction, converting rotational motion into linear displacement for detection. This dimensional transformation allows compact integration of the rotation detection function within the limited space of the autoinjector while maintaining measurement precision through the linear movement of the sensing member.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic drive mechanism, an autoinjector and a method for dispensing a liquid drug from a prefilled syringe are provided, in which the automatic drive mechanism includes a housing, an energy source, and a rotating member operatively connected to the energy source and rotatable relative to the housing for the dispensing. The rotating member has a surface structure in the longitudinal direction that varies in circumferential direction. The drive further includes a sensor with a sensing member, which is movable by the surface structure when the rotating member is rotated by the energy source. The sensing member is guided by a linear guide to move in the longitudinal direction, and the sensor assembly further includes a switch, which can be actuated by the movement of the sensing member in the longitudinal direction.