Capacitance Measurement Cap for Insulin Pen Filling Level
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current insulin pen devices lack a reliable and user-friendly method to determine the filling level of the drug reservoir, leading to potential overdosing or underdosing due to the complexity of existing solutions and the need for multiple injections throughout the day, which can be dangerous for diabetic patients.
Innovation Solution
A device with flat conductive electrodes that encloses the drug reservoir, applying an electrical field for precise capacitance measurement, allowing for accurate determination of the filling level without altering the existing insulin pen structure, and providing a logged history of injections without user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrodes are integrated into the injection device or ampoule, then filling level can be determined, but the device becomes more complex and failure prone
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two independent parts: a simple injection device and a separate measurement device. The measurement device with electrodes can be attached only when needed for filling level determination, leaving the injection device itself simple and reliable. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by isolating the complex measurement function from the critical injection function.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate measurement device acts as an intermediary between the user and the injection device. This intermediary contains the electrodes and electronics needed for filling level determination, while the injection device remains mechanically simple. The intermediary approach allows precise measurement without integrating complex electronics into the critical injection pathway.
2Measurement precision
If the injection device depends on battery charge or power source, then filling level can be determined, but reliability decreases compared to mechanical devices
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is segmented into a separate device that can be attached temporarily. The critical injection device remains purely mechanical and battery-free, maintaining high reliability. The electronic measurement components are isolated in the separate attachment device, so any power or electronic failures do not affect the mechanical injection function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pens are used throughout the day, then dosage requirements are met, but tracking injection time and dose becomes demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device provides immediate visual feedback about the filling level of each pen through its display. This feedback mechanism helps patients track the dose remaining in each pen and monitor their injection history. The system automatically records measurement data, reducing the cognitive burden of tracking multiple injections throughout the day while maintaining flexible dosing requirements.
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 precise and repeatable measurement of the drug volume down to 0.5 µl, reducing errors and ensuring accurate dosing, while maintaining the simplicity and reliability of the insulin pen's operation, and allowing for wireless communication between devices to prevent dosage deviations.
Implementation Method 1
at least two flat conductive electrodes enabling an electrical field to be applied across the entire volume of the drug reservoir of the injection device
Implementation Method 2
enabling an electrical field to be applied across the entire volume of the drug reservoir of the injection device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to a device for attachment to a portable liquid injection device, wherein said device is designed to enclose the drug reservoir of the injection device completely. Further, said device has at least two flat conductive electrodes enabling an electrical field to be applied across the entire volume of the drug reservoir of the injection device. In particular, the portable liquid injection device is a so-called insulin pen, i.e. a portable liquid injection device which is used to inject insulin for the treatment of diabetes. The inventive device preferably is in the form of a cap, in particular in the form of a cap of an insulin pen.