Drug Delivery Feedback Snap Feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drug delivery devices lack clear feedback mechanisms to indicate the completion of a dose dispense operation, potentially leading to incomplete dosing and difficulty for users, especially in noisy environments or for visually impaired individuals.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a feedback feature that provides audible and tactile feedback, such as a snap feature that snaps through when compressed above a certain load, indicating the end of a dispense operation, which can be enhanced by a flexible section in the axially moveable member to increase the loudness and duration of the feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no feedback mechanism is provided in drug delivery devices, then the device structure remains simple, but users cannot clearly identify the completion of dispense operation leading to dosing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism using a snap feature that produces an audible click signal when the actuator reaches its end position, providing users with clear indication of dispense operation completion. This feedback loop ensures accurate dosing by preventing premature withdrawal of the device while maintaining relatively simple device structure through the use of a single snap feature integrated into the actuator assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If visual indicators are used to indicate dispense completion, then feedback can be provided, but visually impaired users cannot utilize this feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual feedback mechanisms with an acoustic feedback mechanism using a snap feature that generates an audible click sound when activated. This substitution makes the device accessible to visually impaired users and those in environments where visual attention is limited, while maintaining simplicity by using a single snap feature rather than multiple indicator systems.
3Measurement precision
If a snap feature is added to provide feedback, then dosing accuracy improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the feedback function with the existing actuator assembly by integrating a single snap feature into the actuator structure. The snap feature is positioned to engage with the actuator's movement, producing an audible click at the end position without requiring separate feedback components. This integration maintains dosing precision while minimizing additional structural complexity.
4Reliability
If multiple feedback features are used to enhance feedback signal, then feedback reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the natural vibration and elastic deformation of a single snap feature to generate a distinct audible click signal. The snap feature's elastic properties and geometric design are optimized to produce a reliable feedback sound at the end position without requiring multiple feedback elements. This approach achieves feedback reliability through careful design of the snap feature's mechanical characteristics rather than through multiplication of components.
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 feedback feature ensures accurate dosing by clearly indicating the completion of a dispense operation, reducing the likelihood of premature withdrawal and enhancing usability for all users, including those with impaired hearing.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one feedback feature comprises at least one snap feature which is configured to snap through when it is compressed above a certain load, thereby giving a feedback to a user
Implementation Method 2
Initially during compression of the snap feature, the stiffness of the snap feature may remain fairly constant. At a certain point, the stiffness of the snap feature may reduce significantly. Thereby, the force required to cause a further deflection of the snap feature may decrease. This may cause the snap-through behaviour of the snap feature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An assembly for a drug delivery device is provided, the assembly comprising at least one feedback feature. The feedback feature is configured to indicate the end of a dispense operation to a user by giving an audible and/or tactile feedback.