Elastic Add-on Module for Drug Delivery Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic add-on modules for drug delivery devices are typically tailored to specific devices, requiring different modules for varying dimensions and designs, which limits their adaptability and convenience.
Innovation Solution
An electronic add-on module with elastically deformable arms that can adjust to fit different drug delivery device diameters through a friction fit, allowing secure attachment without the need for individual adapters, featuring a gripper mechanism with clamping sections that can expand to accommodate diameters from 14 mm to 19 mm and include features like rubber elements or ribbed surfaces for enhanced friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic add-on modules are tailored to specific drug delivery devices with fixed dimensions, then secure attachment is achieved for each specific device, but adaptability to different device dimensions and designs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The first portion of the add-on module incorporates elastically deformable arms that can dynamically adjust their shape and size to accommodate different drug delivery device dimensions. The arms can be elastically deformed during attachment to fit various diameters, providing a universal solution that adapts to different devices rather than requiring fixed-dimensional modules for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The module utilizes elastic deformation to change the physical parameters (dimensions, shape) of the first portion's arms. By applying elastic forces during attachment, the arms can temporarily alter their dimensional parameters to match different device sizes, enabling a single module design to work across multiple device variants without requiring multiple specialized modules.
2Reliability
If different modules are provided for different drug delivery devices, then secure attachment is ensured for each device type, but the quantity of modules required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The add-on module is designed with universal applicability through its elastically deformable arms that can accommodate multiple drug delivery device types within a specified diameter range (14-19 mm). This multi-functional design allows a single module to perform the attachment function across various devices, eliminating the need to manufacture and stock multiple device-specific modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The first portion is segmented into multiple elastically deformable arms that can independently adjust during attachment. This segmentation allows each arm to adapt to the specific geometry of the attached device while working together to provide stable, secure attachment, maintaining reliability without requiring multiple complete modules.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a friction fit mechanism with elastically deformable arms is used, then adaptability to different diameters is achieved, but the complexity of the attachment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism utilizes flexible, elastically deformable arms that can bend and conform to different device diameters. These flexible arms provide the necessary adaptability through material elasticity rather than complex mechanical adjustments, keeping the mechanism relatively simple while achieving universal fit across the 14-19 mm diameter range.
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
Enables secure and adaptable attachment to various drug delivery devices, providing a universal solution that minimizes the need for multiple modules, ensuring a robust and user-friendly interface for dose setting and dispensing while allowing for data recording and communication.
Implementation Method 1
a dimension, such as the inner diameter, of the first portion can be, e.g., elastically, adapted to fit to different dimensions and/or contours of different drug delivery devices
Implementation Method 2
providing secure attachment of the module via a friction fit regardless of the drug delivery device dimensions
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to an electronic add-on module configured for attachment to a drug delivery device and to an assembly comprising a drug delivery device and an electronic add-on module. The electronic add-on module may comprise a first portion with a main housing defining a longitudinal axis. The module comprises a gripping mechanism allowing attachment to drug delivery device dose dial user interfaces, e.g., a dial grip, and/or drug delivery device injection user interfaces, e.g., a dose button of varying diameters and shapes. The first portion comprises on an inner side of the main housing at least two elastically deformable arms each having a clamping section which is configured to be elastically deflected radially outwards with respect to the longitudinal axis from a unstressed, nominal position to a strained, deflected position.