Detachable Dose Detection Module for Reusable Injection Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medication delivery devices lack the capability to automatically detect and record the amount of medication delivered during each injection event, requiring manual tracking by patients, and there is a need for a removable and reusable dose detection device that does not alter the functionality of the delivery device.

Innovation Solution

An attachable and detachable dose detection module that operates with the delivery device, using mechanical keying and color coding for compatibility, and includes redundant sensors to detect the delivered dose, record it, and transmit the data wirelessly, while maintaining the device's operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a dose detection module is integrated into the medication delivery device, then automatic dose detection and recording capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic dose detectionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dose detection module is designed as a separate, detachable unit that can be removed from the medication delivery device. This segmentation allows the detection functionality to be added without permanently increasing the complexity of the core delivery device, while still providing automatic dose detection when the module is attached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dose detection module is designed to be compatible with multiple different medication delivery devices through standardized coupling mechanisms. This multi-functionality allows a single detection module to serve various devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automatic detection capabilities across different platforms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a detachable dose detection module is used, then adaptability and reusability are improved, but measurement precision may worsen due to attachment variability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereusabilityVSAvoiddose detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling interface between the dose detection module and the medication delivery device incorporates asymmetric mechanical keying features with unique geometric profiles. This asymmetric design ensures that only correctly matched modules and devices can be attached, preventing attachment variability and maintaining measurement precision while enabling reusability across compatible devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling interface incorporates color-coded identification features that provide visual feedback to users about proper module-device compatibility. Different colors indicate different coupling types or configurations, ensuring that users attach the correct module to the correct device, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while enabling broad adaptability and reusability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If mechanical keying and color coding are implemented for compatibility, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility identificationVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling interface incorporates color-coded identification features that provide intuitive visual feedback to users about proper module-device compatibility. Different colors indicate different coupling types or configurations, making it extremely easy for users to identify and attach the correct module without requiring technical knowledge, while the color coding itself is integrated into the coupling mechanism rather than being a separate complexity layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP4029547B1Dose detection module for a medication delivery device
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 ELI LILLY & CO
  • EP4029547B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4029547B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4029547B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a dose detection system and method for a medication delivery device. The dose detection system may include a dosing component attached to an actuator and rotationally and axially moveable relative to a coupling component attached to a dose setting member. The dose detection system may further comprise a module including an electronic sensor operative to detect a relative rotation of the coupling component and the dosing component to detect a dose delivered by the medication delivery device.