Imaging Alignment Aid for Drug Delivery Pen

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges in correctly positioning a supplementary device on a drug delivery device, such as an insulin injection pen, which can lead to misalignment and incorrect dosing, especially for those with poor dexterity or vision.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with attachment means, an imaging arrangement, and a processor that captures images of the drug delivery device, processes luminosity or pixel data to determine correct alignment, and displays instructions on how to adjust the device for proper positioning, using thresholds and optical character recognition to ensure accurate alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If users manually position the supplementary device on the drug delivery device without guidance, then the device can be attached, but misalignment and incorrect positioning occur leading to dosing errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiduser operation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging arrangement captures images of the drug delivery device, and the processor analyzes these images to determine the relative position of the supplementary device. This feedback is displayed to the user through visual cues indicating misalignment and directional arrows showing the correct adjustment direction, enabling the user to iteratively adjust the device position until proper alignment is achieved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual visual alignment with an automated optical imaging and image processing system. The imaging arrangement and processor automatically detect the position of the supplementary device relative to the drug delivery device by analyzing image data, substituting the need for manual mechanical positioning with an automated optical measurement system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the supplementary device is positioned incorrectly, then attachment is possible, but dosing accuracy is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedosing accuracyVSAvoidalignment verification system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an automated optical imaging and image processing system to verify alignment, replacing complex manual alignment procedures. The imaging arrangement captures images, the processor analyzes positional relationships through image data, and provides automated feedback, thereby ensuring dosing accuracy without requiring the user to master complex alignment techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-verification of alignment by automatically capturing images, analyzing the positional relationship between the supplementary device and drug delivery device, and determining whether proper alignment has been achieved. This self-service alignment verification ensures dosing accuracy without requiring external verification tools or procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If visual cues are provided to guide positioning, then alignment accuracy improves, but the device requires additional imaging and processing components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidimaging and processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical alignment aids with an automated digital imaging and processing system. The imaging arrangement captures images of the drug delivery device, and the processor analyzes these images to determine positional relationships, providing visual feedback through display elements. This substitution enables precise alignment measurement without requiring complex physical alignment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging arrangement creates a digital copy (image) of the drug delivery device and its positioning features. The processor analyzes this copied visual information to determine alignment status, allowing the system to measure position and provide feedback without physically contacting or mechanically interacting with the device being positioned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10786627B2Device for attachment to a drug delivery device

Publication Date: 2020.09.29 SANOFI AVENTIS DEUT GMBH

AI summary

Apparatus configured to assist a user in correctly positioning the apparatus on a drug delivery device, the apparatus comprising: attachment means for attaching the apparatus to the drug delivery device; an imaging arrangement for capturing at least one image of a portion of a delivery device; a processor for processing the captured at least one image to determine a position of the apparatus relative to the drug delivery device and to determine a manner in which the apparatus should be moved in order to correctly position the apparatus on the drug delivery device; and a display for displaying an indication of the manner in which the apparatus should be moved in order to correctly position the apparatus on the drug delivery device.