Drug Delivery Device Time Indicator Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drug delivery devices, particularly disposable pre-filled devices, lack a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to indicate the time of the last drug administration, which can lead to user uncertainty and potential missed or duplicate doses.

Innovation Solution

A drug delivery device with a flexible sheet and integrated electronic components, including a processor and energy source, that displays the time of drug expulsion using a simple and inexpensive system, allowing for precise tracking of drug administration without the need for additional electronic components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If an electronic monitoring system with timer and display is incorporated into a disposable drug delivery device, then the ability to track drug administration time is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrug administration time trackingVSAvoidelectronic components
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the time tracking function from a complex electronic system and implements it through a simple mechanical timer mechanism. The timer consists of a movable indicator that rotates to indicate elapsed time, driven by a spring mechanism that activates when the dose is expelled. This extraction of the essential function (time tracking) while removing unnecessary electronic complexity directly resolves the contradiction between information accuracy and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a simple, inexpensive mechanical timer that is integrated into the disposable pre-filled device. The timer uses basic mechanical components (spring, indicator, gear) that are cost-effective to manufacture and discard with the device after use. This approach allows the time tracking feature to be provided without the high cost of electronic components, resolving the contradiction between functionality and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If an electronic timer and display are added to provide time indication, then the reliability of tracking drug administration is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrug administration trackingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electronic timer and display system with a purely mechanical time indication mechanism. The mechanical timer uses a spring-driven rotation system that moves an indicator around a clock face to show elapsed time. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for electronic components, batteries, and complex circuitry, thereby maintaining reliability while significantly reducing manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a simple mechanical timer that is inexpensive to manufacture and is discarded with the pre-filled device after use. The timer uses basic mechanical parts that are cost-effective to produce at scale, making the device economically viable for disposable use. This approach provides reliable time tracking without the high manufacturing costs associated with electronic systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Loss of information

If an add-on timer device is used with pre-filled pens, then the time tracking function is provided, but the device must be removed and attached each time, increasing user complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime of injection indicationVSAvoiddevice attachment and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the time tracking function directly into the pre-filled device structure. The mechanical timer is integrated into the device body, eliminating the need for separate add-on components. The timer is activated automatically when the dose is expelled through a simple mechanical linkage, providing continuous time indication without requiring any additional attachment or configuration steps by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a self-activating mechanical timer that automatically starts counting when the dose is expelled. The spring mechanism is triggered by the dosing action itself, eliminating the need for manual activation or configuration. The timer continuously displays the elapsed time without requiring user intervention, thereby providing the time tracking function while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If electronic components are incorporated into disposable devices, then the time tracking precision is improved, but the environmental impact increases due to disposal of electronic components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime parameter displayVSAvoidelectronic waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the time tracking function from electronic components and implements it through a simple mechanical timer. The mechanical timer uses basic components (spring, gear, indicator) that can be easily disposed of with the pre-filled device without creating electronic waste. This extraction of the time tracking function while removing electronic components directly addresses the environmental impact issue while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a simple mechanical timer that is designed to be discarded with the pre-filled device after use, eliminating the need for separate electronic waste disposal. The mechanical components are inexpensive and environmentally benign compared to electronic components. This approach provides precise time tracking while minimizing environmental harm by avoiding the disposal of electronic parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS10226577B2Drug delivery device with time indicator feature
Publication Date: 2019.03.12 NOVO NORDISK AS
  • US10226577B2 patent drawing
  • US10226577B2 patent drawing
  • US10226577B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A drug delivery device is provided comprising a housing having an exterior surface, a drug-filled reservoir with an outlet, drug expelling means, and a flexible sheet. On the flexible sheet is formed or mounted input means adapted to be actuated corresponding to an event indicative of drug being expelled, a display adapted to display a time parameter, a processor, and an energy source. The processor is adapted to, based on input from the detection means, control the display to display a time parameter related to the time the event was detected, and the flexible sheet is attached at least in part to the outer surface of the housing.