Cap-Activated Add-On Module for Connected Injection Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medicament delivery devices face challenges in integrating wireless communication systems without modifying their design, which can lead to regulatory issues, battery drain, and require separate activation steps that may not be performed successfully.
Innovation Solution
A supplemental device with a battery that remains disconnected until activated by the removal of a protective cap, using a mechanically opened switch or insulating material to ensure automatic activation during normal use, allowing integration with various medicament delivery devices without design modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a Bluetooth circuit or wireless communication system is built into the housing of the medicament delivery device, then communication functionality is achieved, but the device requires a dedicated space for the communication system and battery, and may trigger regulatory problems when modifying existing designs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the medicament delivery system into two separate parts: the original medicament delivery device and an attachable supplemental device. The supplemental device contains the communication system and battery, while the original device remains unchanged. This segmentation allows communication functionality to be added without modifying the original device structure or triggering regulatory issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system and battery are extracted from the original medicament delivery device and placed in a separate supplemental device that attaches to it. This extraction eliminates the need to modify the original device housing or accommodate additional components within the original device, thereby avoiding regulatory complications.
2Ease of operation
If the power source is directly connected to the electronic circuit at the time of manufacturing, then the device is ready to use, but premature battery drain occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental device is prepared in advance with the battery and communication system, but the electrical connection is deliberately delayed until the moment of use. An insulating element prevents premature connection, and removing this insulating element (by peeling a label or removing a cap) activates the circuit. This preliminary preparation without immediate activation prevents battery drain while ensuring readiness when needed.
3Extent of automation
If a separate activation step is required for the battery module, then the user can control when the device is activated, but the activation step may not always be performed successfully
Solution Approach 1:
The activation mechanism is merged with the normal usage procedure of the medicament delivery device. The insulating element is positioned such that its removal is automatically accomplished during the normal preparation steps (removing protective cap or label). This merging ensures that activation occurs reliably as part of the standard user routine, eliminating the need for a separate, potentially forgotten activation step.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically activates itself through the user's normal handling actions. When the user removes the protective cap or label as part of normal preparation, the insulating element is automatically removed, completing the electrical connection and activating the battery and communication system without requiring any additional user intervention or awareness of the activation process.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an activation system for a supplemental device that is attached to an existing design of a medicament delivery device, where the removal of a protective cap or other covering from the medicament delivery device pulls a blocking element from between electrical contacts to close a circuit between a battery module and a power source, thus activating the battery module. The supplemental device can further have a transmitter for communicating information about the use of the medicament delivery device to an external device, such as a smart device. Memory storage elements can also be included having unique identification data. The present disclosure also relates to a medicament delivery device having attached the supplemental device.