Medication Dose Sensing Module for Automatic Injection Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for detecting the amount of a dose of medication delivered by the medication delivery device are not able to accurately and automatically track the amount of medication delivered during an injection event, requiring manual tracking by the patient.
Innovation Solution
A dose detection system that includes a sensing component and a sensed component attached to members of the medication delivery device, which are operable to detect the relative position or movement of the sensed component, and a controller connected to the sensor system to determine the amount of medication delivered by operation of the medication delivery device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual tracking is used to record the amount and time of each injection, 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 sensing system that uses sensors (optical, magnetic, or capacitive) to detect the position of the piston or plunger, thereby measuring the delivered dose automatically without requiring patient intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The medication delivery device is equipped with integrated sensors and a controller that automatically detect and record the amount of medication delivered during each injection event, enabling the device to self-monitor and self-report dose delivery without external assistance
2Extent of automation
If automated sensing systems are integrated into the medication delivery device, then the measurement precision and automation extent are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting piston position, measuring delivered dose, and potentially monitoring injection rate, thereby achieving high automation extent while minimizing the addition of separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary elements such as optical codes, magnetic markers, or capacitive sensors that mediate between the mechanical movement of the piston and the electronic detection system, enabling automated measurement without direct complex interaction between components
3Reliability
If sensors are integrated into the medication delivery device, then the reliability of dose delivery is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into separate functional modules (sensor component, signal processing circuitry, and control logic) that can be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the final device, thereby improving reliability while managing manufacturing precision requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
Medication delivery devices are provided having a dose delivery sensing capability. A sensed element is attached to a dose setting member of the device. The sensed element includes surface features radially-spaced from one another. A rotational sensor is attached to an actuator of the device. The rotational sensor includes a movable element that is contactable against the surface features. The rotational sensor is configured to generate a signal in response to the movement of the movable element over the surface features during their rotation. A controller is operatively coupled to the rotational sensor, and in response to receiving the generated signal, the controller is configured to determine a number of the surface features passing the movable element of the rotational sensor during dose delivery. The number can be associated with an amount of dose delivered. Sensing can be provided in a module or integrated in device.