Drug Delivery Device Gray Code Encoder Clutch Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices face challenges in accurately detecting and storing dose sizes, particularly with half-incremental units, and often require redesigning components for different dose increments, leading to imprecision in monitoring the end of dose condition and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Gray code position encoder system that allows all detectors to share the same contact pattern, reducing physical space and vulnerability to tolerances, combined with a clutch mechanism and rotational position encoder for precise dose measurement, and a power-management system to minimize energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If incremental steps when rotating the dosage selector are made very small to enable fine increment dosing, then dosing precision is improved, but the number of revolutions required to dial larger doses increases causing user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clutch mechanism as an intermediary between the dosage selector and the drive train. This clutch can disengage the dosage selector from the drive train during dose setting, allowing the user to rotate the dosage selector without the mechanical constraints that would normally require multiple full revolutions. The clutch acts as a mediator that decouples the rotational movement from the dosing mechanism, enabling fine increment adjustment without the discomfort of endless turning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of components are redesigned to provide different dose increments for different versions, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal clutch mechanism that can accommodate different dose increment configurations (full incremental, half-incremental, quarter-incremental devices) without requiring redesign of the fundamental components. The clutch mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables fine increment dosing, allows for different dosing configurations, and maintains compatibility across device versions. This multi-functionality achieves adaptability while avoiding the manufacturing complexity of redesigning numerous components for each version.
3Measurement precision
If electronic detection systems are made more accurate to detect small incremental steps, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by only activating the electronic detection system when the clutch is engaged and the dosage selector is being actively adjusted. The controller monitors clutch engagement status and only powers the detection electronics during dose setting operations. This periodic activation maintains high detection accuracy for small incremental steps while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4c~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to electronically assisted drug delivery devices. The drug delivery device may include a Gray code type detector for sensing dosage data, wherein the detector comprises a code track consisting of a sequence of alternating markings and a plurality of detectors that are mutually spaced in a direction extending along the code track. The drug delivery device may also include a dosage selector which is moved in a proximal direction upon dose setting and in a distal direction upon dose injection, where the dosage selector is latched in the end of dose position by a latching element, the latching element actuating an end of dose switch for signalling the end of dose state. The drug delivery device may also incorporate power-management arrangements which effectively minimizes power consumption for the incorporated electronic circuitry.