Injection Cartridge Electronics for Precise Stopper-Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection devices lack a reliable and accurate method for determining the dosage of medicament administered, which is crucial for effective treatment of diseases such as diabetes.
Innovation Solution
The injection device incorporates an electronic sensing system that includes an emitter and a receiver to determine the position of the stopper in the cartridge, allowing for precise calculation of the medicament dosage based on the geometry of the cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional injection devices are used without electronic sensing, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of medicament dosage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical dosage measurement methods with an electronic sensing system that uses electromagnetic signals. The emitter transmits electromagnetic signals that reflect off the stopper, and the receiver detects these reflections to calculate stopper position and medicament dosage, substituting mechanical measurement with electromagnetic field-based measurement for higher precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic signals as an intermediary between the stopper position and the dosage measurement. The emitter and receiver use electromagnetic wave transmission and reflection to indirectly measure the stopper position, which then correlates to medicament dosage, providing a non-contact and precise measurement method.
2Measurement precision
If an electronic sensing system is added to determine stopper position, then the measurement precision of dosage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic sensing system is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures stopper position, calculates medicament dosage, and can potentially track injection progress. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive monitoring capabilities from a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures physical parameters (electromagnetic signal reflection properties) that change with stopper position. By detecting changes in signal reflection characteristics as the stopper moves, the system translates physical position changes into measurable electrical signals for precise dosage determination.
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring of medicament dosage is implemented, then the reliability of treatment is improved, but the use of energy increases due to continuous sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system operates periodically rather than continuously, transmitting electromagnetic signals at intervals to measure stopper position. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring while still providing real-time dosage tracking information for reliable treatment.
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 real-time monitoring of the medicament dosage, enhancing treatment efficacy and patient safety by ensuring the correct administration of medications.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter configured to transmit a signal toward the stopper and a receiver configured to receive reflections of the signal from the stopper
Data Source
AI summary
An injection device includes a cartridge configured to hold a volume of fluid, the cartridge having a proximal end and a distal end through which the fluid is dispensed; a stopper disposed in the cartridge and configured to move from the proximal end toward the distal end to cause the fluid to be dispensed through the distal end of the cartridge; and an electronic device disposed at the distal end of the cartridge, the electronic device including an emitter configured to transmit a signal toward the stopper, a receiver configured to receive reflections of the signal from the stopper, and a controller configured to wirelessly transmit data related to a position of the stopper in the cartridge.