Clip-On Injection Pen Module for Optical Dose Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection devices, such as disposable insulin pens, require additional sensors for monitoring and tracking medicament use, which increases their cost due to the integration of components like RFID units.
Innovation Solution
A supplementary device with a mating unit that releasably attaches to the injection device, featuring an engaging unit and optical reading arrangement to capture and process dosage information, reducing the need for costly integrated sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID units with value sensors are integrated into pre-filled disposable injection devices to enable wireless monitoring, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a simple injection device and a separate supplementary device with monitoring capabilities. The supplementary device contains the RFID reader and processing unit, while the injection device only carries a passive RFID tag. This segmentation allows the expensive monitoring functionality to be concentrated in a reusable supplementary device rather than being integrated into every disposable injection device.
Solution Approach 2:
A passive RFID tag serves as an intermediary between the injection device and the supplementary monitoring device. The tag stores identification information and is read wirelessly by the supplementary device's RFID reader, enabling monitoring without direct physical connection or integration of expensive sensors into the disposable device.
2Measurement precision
If a supplementary device is added to enable monitoring, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supplementary device combines multiple functions into a single unit: RFID reading, optical character recognition through the dosage window, data processing, and wireless communication. This consolidation creates a single integrated monitoring device rather than multiple separate components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplementary device is designed to work with multiple different injection devices through universal interfaces (collar that fits various pen types, optical reading capability). This multi-functionality allows a single supplementary device to monitor different medicament types and doses, reducing the need for device-specific monitoring solutions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a supplementary device for a manually operable injection device. The device has a body and a mating unit configured to releasably mount the body to the injection device in a specific position relative to an outside surface of the injection device.