Cartridge Logging Unit Detecting Piston Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drug delivery devices lack an efficient and cost-effective method for capturing and storing dose data, leading to inaccurate patient compliance records and misleading medical decision-making.

Innovation Solution

An electronic logging unit is integrated into a drug-filled cartridge, featuring a sensor system that detects relative rotation between the piston and piston rod during dose delivery, allowing for automated data capture and storage, which can be wirelessly transmitted to a receiving device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an electronic logging unit is integrated into the cartridge, then dose data capture accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedose data capture accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The logging unit is nested within the cartridge structure, utilizing the space between the piston and proximal opening. The logging unit comprises a first portion engaging the piston and a second portion engaging the piston rod, with sensor means housed within the cartridge's outer cavity. This nesting approach integrates monitoring functionality without adding external components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The logging unit serves multiple functions: it detects relative rotation between the piston rod and cartridge, stores dose data in memory, and provides the structural framework for engagement with both piston components. The sensor means simultaneously measures rotational displacement while the housing integrates these components into a unified monitoring system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate accessory module is added to the injection device, then dose monitoring capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedose monitoring capabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The logging unit is merged with the cartridge as an integrated assembly. The first portion engages the piston while the second portion engages the piston rod, creating a unified monitoring system that moves with the cartridge components. This eliminates separate accessories and simplifies the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The logging unit automatically detects and records dose information through its sensor means that monitor relative rotation between components. The system self-activates during normal cartridge operation without requiring separate user intervention to initiate monitoring, and automatically stores data in its memory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If manual logging in notebooks is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidinformation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical logging system (notebooks and handwriting) is replaced with an electronic sensing and storage system. Sensor means detect rotational displacement and convert it to electrical signals that are stored in electronic memory, eliminating the need for manual recording while preserving information accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The logging unit creates an electronic copy of the dose administration data through automated sensing. Instead of manual transcription, the sensor means directly capture rotational information and store it in memory, providing an accurate digital replica of the dosing history without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

This solution provides accurate and reliable dose data capture, enhancing patient compliance monitoring and medical decision-making by automating the logging process within existing drug delivery devices, improving the management of drug administration.

Implementation Method 1

sensor means adapted to detect the amount of relative rotation between the first and second portions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRelative rotation detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10201664B2Dose capturing cartridge module for drug delivery device

Publication Date: 2019.02.12 NOVO NORDISK AS

AI summary

An electronic logging unit adapted to be housed in a drug-filled cartridge having an axially displaceable piston and an outer cavity formed between the piston and the cartridge proximal opening, the logging unit comprising a general axis, a first distal portion adapted to engage the cartridge piston, and a second proximal portion adapted to engage a rotating element having a rotational axis corresponding to the general axis. The unit is provided with sensor means adapted to detect the amount of relative rotation between the first and second portions, and storage means adapted to store data representing detected amounts of relative rotation.