Dose Dial Grip Encoder for Low-Cost Drug Dose Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices, particularly disposable pens, lack cost-effective methods for reliably detecting selected doses, and integrated electronic modules increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A drug delivery device with passive electrically conducting components, such as conductive strips and contacts, allows for a detachable electronic module to detect dose selection through a rotary encoder system, eliminating the need for active electronics in every device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cartridge system with separate needle assembly and cartridge body is used, then the device allows for easy replacement of consumable parts and reduced cross-contamination risk, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components and assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The injection device is divided into a reusable body and a replaceable cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge body with a reservoir and a separate needle assembly that can be attached and detached. This segmentation allows the consumable cartridge to be replaced without replacing the entire device, facilitating easy replacement while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle assembly is designed to be nested within or attach to the cartridge body. The needle hub connects to the cartridge body through a bayonet-style coupling mechanism, creating a compact integrated unit during use. This nesting approach reduces the number of separate components that need to be handled during replacement while maintaining the ability to separate them for disposal or reuse.
2Reliability
If a bayonet-style coupling mechanism is used for the needle assembly, then the connection strength and sealing reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the mechanical coupling structure
Solution Approach 1:
The bayonet-style coupling mechanism incorporates a rotatable connection that transitions from an inserted position to a locked position through rotation. This dynamic coupling provides progressive engagement where the rotating motion allows the user to feel the engagement steps, ensuring proper connection without requiring complex alignment procedures. The dynamic nature of the coupling enhances reliability while keeping the mechanism simple through intuitive tactile feedback.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the needle assembly includes a protective sheath that covers the needle tip, then the safety is improved by preventing accidental needle sticks, but the device complexity increases due to the additional protective component
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sheath is pre-positioned to cover the needle tip before the needle is inserted into the patient. The sheath remains in place during the insertion process and is only removed or retracted when the needle is properly positioned. This preliminary protective action prevents accidental needle sticks during handling and transport without requiring complex active safety mechanisms, as the protection is built into the initial configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sheath is designed as a single-use component that is discarded with the needle assembly after one use. This approach simplifies the safety mechanism by eliminating the need for complex retractable or reusable protective systems. The sheath provides adequate protection during handling and is disposed of with the contaminated needle, maintaining safety without adding ongoing complexity to the device.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The present invention refers to a drug delivery device, comprising a dose setting and driving assembly for dialing and dispensing a dose of a medicament from a cartridge of the drug delivery device. The dose setting and driving assembly comprises an outer housing (1, 11), a number sleeve (3) and a dose dial grip (4), wherein the number sleeve (3) and the dose dial grip (4) are rotatable relative to the outer housing (1, 11) during dose dialing and wherein the number sleeve (3) is rotatable relative to the outer housing (1, 11) during dose dispensing, while the dose dial grip (4) is axially displaceable and rotationally constrained to the outer housing (1, 11) during dose dispensing. The dose dial grip (4) comprises an outer skirt (6) partially protruding out of the outer housing (1, 11) and comprising a profiled gripping surface (7) at the proximal end of the dose dial grip (4). At least one of the number sleeve (3) and the skirt (6) of the dose dial grip (4) is provided with a series of circumferentially spaced conductive strips (12, 13, 14; 29) distributed around the outer circumference of the number sleeve (3) or the skirt (6). Further, a series of contacts (164, 166, 168; 30) is arranged within the outer housing (1, 11) biased to abut the conductive strips, wherein the conductive strips (12, 13, 14; 29) and/or the contacts (15; 164, 166, 168; 30) are directly accessible from outside the outer housing (1, 11).