Medication Dose Detection Using Rotational Contact Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medication delivery devices lack an automated system to accurately detect and record the amount of medication delivered during an injection event, requiring manual tracking by patients, which can lead to inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A dose detection system with a position indicator and position sensing member, utilizing segmented radial pads and electrical circuits to generate signals for determining the number of units of rotation of the dose member, integrated with a control system for precise dose measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual tracking is used to record the amount of medication delivered, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of dose delivery are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking with an automated electronic detection system. The position indicator coupled to the dose member interacts with segmented sensing pads to generate electrical signals that are processed by a controller, automatically determining the number of units of rotation and correlating this to the dose delivered. This substitution of mechanical manual recording with electronic sensing and processing resolves the contradiction by providing precise automated measurement without requiring complex manual tracking mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If a simple detection system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of dose detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system employs segmented sensing pads (first segmented pads and second segmented pads) arranged in an alternating pattern around the position indicator. This segmentation allows the system to detect multiple positions of the dose member during rotation, providing more reliable and accurate dose measurement. The segmented design enables the generation of distinct electrical signals at different rotational positions, improving reliability while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system incorporates feedback through the interaction between the position indicator and segmented sensing pads, generating electrical signals that are processed by a controller. The controller uses these signals to determine the number of units of rotation and correlate this information to the dose delivered. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable dose detection by continuously monitoring the position of the dose member and providing automated determination of the delivered dose.
3Measurement precision
If automated detection system is implemented, then the measurement precision and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is designed with multi-functionality, where the position indicator and segmented sensing pads serve multiple purposes: detecting the position of the dose member, generating electrical signals for measurement, and providing feedback to the controller for automated dose determination. This universal design approach allows the system to achieve high measurement precision and reliability while minimizing the addition of separate components, thereby controlling device complexity.
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
The system provides improved accuracy and reliability in detecting the amount of medication delivered, eliminating the need for manual tracking and enhancing the precision of dose administration.
Implementation Method 1
The first electrical circuit is configured to generate a first signal in response to the position indicator being in a contacting relationship with the first segmented pads and the electrically grounded radial pad
Implementation Method 2
The second electrical circuit is configured to generate a second signal in response to the position indicator is in a contacting relationship with the second segmented pads and the electrically grounded radial pad
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a medication delivery device having a dose detection system and an associated control system configured to determine an amount of medication delivered from the medication delivery device based on the sensing of relative rotation within the medication delivery device. The relative rotation may occur between a dose setting member and an actuator and/or housing of the medication delivery device. The rotation sensing may involve sliding contact sensing. A latch circuit may be coupled between the rotational sensor and the controller. The dose detection system may be a modular or integral component of the medication delivery device.