Electronic Add-on Module for Injection Appliance Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical injection devices lack effective monitoring and data management systems to ensure correct injection processes and safe interaction with components, devices, and systems.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic module with a force sensor and evaluation electronics is attached to the injection device, providing a handle for user grip and measuring axial forces to detect and analyze injection processes, including start and end of distribution, via force and acoustic signals, and communicating with mobile devices for status indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a force sensor and evaluation electronics are added to the injection device, then monitoring precision and data management capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into a separate add-on module that attaches to the injection device. This module contains the force sensor, evaluation electronics, and communication interface, while the main injection device retains its original simple structure. The segmentation allows monitoring functionality to be added without complicating the core injection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The add-on module serves as an intermediary between the injection device and the external monitoring system. It interfaces with the injection device through simple mechanical attachment and provides force measurement and data communication without requiring complex integration into the device's internal structure.
2Loss of information
If an add-on module is attached to the injection device, then monitoring capability is improved, but the device length increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the monitoring module along the longitudinal axis of the injection device, the add-on module is designed to attach in a transverse or lateral dimension. This dimensional change allows the monitoring functionality to be added without significantly increasing the device's length in the direction of injection.
3Ease of operation
If the add-on module includes a handle for user grip, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle integrated into the add-on module's housing serves multiple functions: it provides ergonomic grip for users, structurally connects the module components, and contributes to the overall mechanical attachment to the injection device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies manufacturing.
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
Ensures accurate monitoring of injection processes, prevents unintentional device movement, and provides real-time feedback and data management, enhancing user safety and compliance with therapy plans.
Implementation Method 1
the add-on module comprises a force sensor for measuring a time-varying axial force component in the direction of the longitudinal axis exerted or transmitted by the injection device to the attached add-on module during an injection process
Implementation Method 2
The sensor detects axial vibrations, and evaluation electronics in the add-on module identify characteristic operating states or processes
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic add-on module (2) which is fitted releasably onto an automatic injection appliance (1) before the start of injection. The add-on module comprises a force sensor (22) for measuring a time-variable axial force component that is exerted on or transmitted to the attached add-on module by the injection appliance during an injection procedure. The add-on module also comprises a handle (21) or a preferred grip position for gripping and holding the add-on module and the inserted injection appliance. The add-on module can additionally have a microphone (23e) for the detection of acoustic signals. A state of the injection appliance can be determined by the add-on module solely on the basis of the measurements of the axial force sensor, optionally supplemented by measurements of the microphone. The invention thus affords a straightforward and cost-effective way of monitoring or controlling the correct performance of an injection procedure carried out with an automatic injection appliance.