Flexible Smart Label for Injection Device Fluid Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection devices lack an efficient and flexible method to determine the amount of fluid remaining, which can lead to improper dosing and management of medical supplies.
Innovation Solution
A flexible smart label module is developed, comprising a flexible carrier foil with light emitting diodes and photodiodes, along with a microprocessor, to determine the amount of fluid in an injection device by emitting a light signal and detecting its reflection from the plunger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid label structure is used, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to different injection device geometries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible carrier foil as the base structure of the label module, replacing traditional rigid label substrates. This flexible foil can conform to various injection device geometries including curved and non-planar surfaces, while maintaining structural integrity through its material properties and adhesive backing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The label module is designed with universal adaptability to attach to different injection device types and geometries. The flexible carrier foil combined with appropriate adhesive layers enables the same label design to be applied across multiple device configurations, eliminating the need for geometry-specific label variations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic components are integrated into the label, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional components (light emitting diodes, photodiodes, microprocessor, memory, and communication interfaces) onto a single flexible carrier foil. This consolidation approach combines diverse electronic functions into one unified label module, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced functionality for fluid level detection and data transmission.
3Ease of operation
If the label is made flexible to adapt to surfaces, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible carrier foil enables easy attachment to various injection device surfaces through conformability and adhesive bonding. The manufacturing process accommodates this flexibility by using standard flexible substrate materials and adhesive application techniques that maintain precision while allowing surface adaptation.
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
This solution enables accurate and flexible monitoring of fluid levels in injection devices, allowing for improved dosing accuracy and efficient management of medical supplies across healthcare continuum.
Implementation Method 1
at least two photodiodes being configured to detect a portion of the light signal reflected by a plunger of the injection device
Implementation Method 2
emit a light signal in a direction based on the first position through a transparent wall of the injection device
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of the present disclosure are directed to a module for attachment to an injection device that includes a flexible carrier foil configured to be attached to a surface of the injection device independent of a geometry of the surface, at least one light emitting diode attached to the flexible carrier foil in a first position and configured to emit a light signal in a direction based on the first position through a transparent wall of the injection device, at least one photodiode attached to the flexible carrier foil in a second position relative to the first position, the at least one photodiode being configured to detect at least a portion of the light signal from a direction based on the second position and being configured to emit an electrical signal based on the light signal to a microprocessor, and wherein the microprocessor is configured to receive the electrical signal emitted by the photodiode and to determine the position of a stopper and the amount of the fluid within the injection device based at least in part on the electrical signal.