Dose Logging Assembly Rotational Sensor Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices lack efficient and reliable mechanisms for automating the logging of injection information, leading to inaccuracies and complexities in monitoring dose amounts.
Innovation Solution
A simplified design where the sensor module is rotationally locked to the drug delivery device during both dose setting and expelling, allowing for precise detection of dose amounts without the need for rotational decoupling mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rotational decoupling mechanisms are used to prevent sensor rotation during dose expelling, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rotational decoupling mechanism entirely from the system. Instead of adding complexity to prevent sensor rotation, the sensor module is simply rotationally locked to the housing, eliminating the need for complex decoupling mechanisms while maintaining measurement precision during dose expelling.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than allowing the sensor to rotate freely and then adding mechanisms to prevent rotation during expelling, the invention inverts the approach by locking the sensor rotationally to the housing from the beginning. This simple constraint eliminates the need for complex active decoupling mechanisms.
2Reliability
If rotational decoupling mechanisms are implemented to separate sensor rotation from dose setting member rotation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the rotational decoupling mechanism from the system. The sensor module is directly locked to the housing, eliminating intermediate mechanical connections and potential failure points, thereby maintaining reliability through simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing a system that allows rotation and then adding decoupling mechanisms for reliability, the invention inverts the approach by directly locking the sensor to the housing, ensuring reliable operation without complex mechanical decoupling systems.
3Measurement precision
If complex rotational decoupling mechanisms are added, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex rotational decoupling mechanisms from the design, significantly reducing manufacturing cost. The simple rotational locking of the sensor module to the housing can be implemented with basic manufacturing processes, eliminating the need for precision-machined decoupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than manufacturing complex decoupling mechanisms to achieve precision, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple rotational lock design that is easier and less costly to manufacture while maintaining the same measurement precision.
4Device complexity
If the sensor module is rotationally locked to the housing, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to capture dose expelling information may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotational decoupling mechanisms with a magnetic field-based detection system. The magnetic member rotates with the dose setting member during expelling, and the sensor detects its position changes without needing to rotate mechanically, maintaining detection capability while simplifying the mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module serves multiple functions: it remains rotationally locked to the housing for structural simplicity, while simultaneously detecting the rotating magnetic member's position changes to capture dose expelling information. This multi-functionality maintains reliability without requiring complex mechanical decoupling.
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 enables efficient, reliable, and precise capturing of expelled dose amounts, reducing complexity and cost while allowing for the provision of visual indicators.
Implementation Method 1
sensor means comprises a plurality of magnetometers arranged non-rotational relative to the housing in a mounted state and adapted to determine magnetic field values from the plurality of dipole magnets
Data Source
AI summary
Add-on device comprising a housing, a dose setting assembly and a dose release assembly with a sensor assembly mounted in the housing. The dose setting assembly comprises a gripping member adapted to non-rotationally engage a pen device dose setting member, and an add-on dose setting member rotationally coupled to the housing outer surface as well as to the gripping member allowing the gripping member to be rotated at least 360 degrees. The sensor assembly is non-rotationally coupled to the housing and axially moveable between a proximal position and a distal position relative to the housing to engage and actuate a pen device release member when moved distally.