Electric Coupling Mechanism for Injection Device Energy Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronically-enabled injection devices face idle drainage of their energy source due to long shelf life, leading to battery depletion and potential device malfunction, even if not used, which can result in incorrect or missed dosages.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism that electrically decouples the energy source from the electronic component until a trigger signal is initiated during the priming step, coupling them only when necessary to prevent idle drainage and ensure proper device function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the energy source is continuously connected to the electronic component in electronically-enabled injection devices, then the device can operate when needed, but the energy source drains idle during long shelf life, leading to battery depletion and potential device malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the device with the energy source and electronic component in a decoupled state during manufacturing and shelf storage. The coupling action is prepared but not executed until the priming step is initiated, allowing the device to be ready for use while preventing idle energy drainage during the shelf life period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the electrical connection between the energy source and electronic component changeable rather than fixed. The coupling mechanism allows the system to transition between decoupled (during storage) and coupled (during operation) states, adapting the connectivity to the operational requirements at different time points.
2Loss of energy
If the energy source is decoupled from the electronic component during shelf life, then idle drainage is prevented and energy is conserved, but the device may not be ready to operate immediately when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is pre-assembled and positioned during manufacturing so that it can be rapidly activated. The priming component is pre-configured to generate the trigger signal that initiates coupling, ensuring that when the user performs the priming step, the connection is established quickly without requiring complex assembly or setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs skipping by rapidly transitioning from the decoupled storage state to the coupled operational state during the priming step. The coupling mechanism is designed to establish electrical connection quickly through the priming action, minimizing the time required to activate the device and ensuring it becomes operational without prolonged delay.
3Device complexity
If the coupling mechanism is simple, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but the mechanism may not reliably prevent idle drainage or ensure proper coupling timing
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-activating through the priming process. The priming component, when actuated by the user, automatically generates the trigger signal that initiates the coupling action. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate control systems or complex switching mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable timing of the coupling event.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the coupling function with the priming function. The same priming action that prepares the device for operation also triggers the electrical coupling between the energy source and electronic component. This consolidation of functions reduces the number of separate mechanisms needed, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliable control over when coupling occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to conserving energy of an injection device that includes an energy source, an electronic component configured to be electrically decoupled from the energy source, a priming component configured to generate a trigger, and a mechanism attached to the priming component and configured to perform operations comprising in response to receiving the trigger, electrically coupling the energy source to the electronic component.