Injection Device Cap Nesting Electronics for Data Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manually operated injection devices lack a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for logging and monitoring dispensing-related data, particularly for patients with impaired vision or tremors, and often require additional electronic modules that alter the device's appearance and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid injection device with a reusable protective cap containing a sophisticated electronic circuit and a disposable housing with a cut-down electronic circuit, allowing for data logging and monitoring without visible external components, enabling cost-efficient manufacturing and user acceptance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an electronic clip-on module is added to enable data logging and monitoring, then the functionality for logging dispensing data is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase, and the outer appearance is modified
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic circuit is nested within the protective cap, which is a component that already exists on the injection device. The cap houses the electronic components without requiring an external add-on module, thus integrating the logging functionality into the existing device structure rather than adding separate complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cap serves multiple functions: it protects the dispensing end, provides electrical contact through electrodes, and houses the electronic circuit for data logging. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate electronic modules, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining logging capabilities
2Loss of information
If an electronic clip-on module is added to enable data logging and monitoring, then the functionality for logging dispensing data is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cap serves multiple functions: it protects the dispensing end, provides electrical contact through electrodes, and houses the electronic circuit for data logging. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate electronic modules, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining logging capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The housing electrodes and cap electrodes provide electrical contact automatically when the cap is attached to the housing, requiring no additional assembly steps or complex connections. The electronic circuit is powered and operated through the existing mechanical attachment of the cap, simplifying manufacturing
3Loss of information
If an electronic clip-on module is added to enable data logging and monitoring, then the functionality for logging dispensing data is improved, but the outer appearance of the device is modified
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic circuit is nested within the protective cap, which is a component that already exists on the injection device. The cap houses the electronic components without requiring an external add-on module, thus integrating the logging functionality into the existing device structure rather than adding separate complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cap serves multiple functions: it protects the dispensing end, provides electrical contact through electrodes, and houses the electronic circuit for data logging. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate electronic modules, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining logging capabilities
4Loss of information
If a sophisticated electronic circuit is placed in the reusable cap, then the data logging capability is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The housing electrodes and cap electrodes provide electrical contact automatically when the cap is attached to the housing, requiring no additional assembly steps or complex connections. The electronic circuit is powered and operated through the existing mechanical attachment of the cap, simplifying manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into reusable cap (with electronic circuit) and disposable housing (with electrodes). This segmentation allows the sophisticated electronic components to be confined to the reusable portion, while the disposable portion remains simple to manufacture. The electrodes are integrated into the housing structure during molding, avoiding complex assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An injection device for administering a dose of a liquid medicament includes an elongated housing having a dispensing end and being configured to accommodate a cartridge filled with the liquid medicament, a drive mechanism configured to operably engage with the cartridge for expelling of a dose of the medicament from the cartridge via the dispensing end, a protective cap releasably attachable to the housing to cover the dispensing end, a first electronic circuit attached to the protective cap and electrically connected to at least a first cap electrode arranged on the protective cap, and a second electronic circuit arranged inside the housing, coupled to the drive mechanism and electrically connected to at least a first housing electrode that is located on the housing.