Injection Device Dose Correction via Clutch Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices lack effective mechanisms for visually impaired users to accurately determine the set dose size and operation mode, and there is a need for improved feedback systems for both dose setting and correcting.
Innovation Solution
An injection device with a dosing mechanism featuring a rotatable dosing sleeve and clutch with ratchet teeth, coupled with detectors and a data processing unit to detect rotational and axial movements, providing acoustic, tactile, and electronic feedback for dose setting and correcting, and a separate display unit for dose information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a number sleeve with visible numbers is used for dose display, then visually impaired users cannot accurately determine the set dose size, but adding acoustic and tactile feedback mechanisms increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements acoustic feedback through a speaker that emits audible signals corresponding to the set dose, and tactile feedback through a vibration motor that provides haptic responses during dose setting and correction. This allows visually impaired users to receive real-time feedback about the dosing operation without increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional visual mechanical display (number sleeve with visible numbers) with electronic feedback mechanisms including a speaker for acoustic output and a vibration motor for tactile output. This substitution maintains the mechanical dosing mechanism while adding non-visual information channels
2Loss of information
If a traditional visual display is used for dose information, then it does not provide adequate feedback for operation mode, but adding detectors and data processing units increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses detectors to monitor the rotational position of the dosing sleeve and the axial position of the piston rod, processing this data to determine operation mode (dose setting, dose correction, or dispensing). Acoustic feedback through the speaker communicates the current operation mode to the user, providing comprehensive information without requiring complex additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The data processing unit automatically determines the operation mode by analyzing signals from the detectors without requiring user input or interpretation. The system self-identifies whether it is in dose setting, dose correction, or dispensing mode and communicates this information through acoustic feedback
3Ease of operation
If dose correction is allowed in addition to dose setting, then usability is improved for visually impaired users, but the dosing mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the dosing sleeve rotatable in both first and second directions, allowing dynamic adjustment of the dose. Rotation in the first direction sets the dose, while rotation in the second direction corrects the dose. The clutch mechanism dynamically engages and disengages to enable these different operational modes
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing sleeve serves multiple functions: it can be rotated in the first direction for dose setting, rotated in the second direction for dose correction, and its position is detected to determine the current operation mode. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified mechanism rather than separate components
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
Enables visually impaired users to accurately determine the set dose size and operation mode through acoustic and tactile feedback, while allowing dose correction and dispensing, enhancing usability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The clutch comprises first ratchet teeth for engaging corresponding first teeth of the dosing sleeve such that relative incremental rotation of the dosing sleeve with respect to the clutch in one direction, preferably the first direction, is permitted while prevented in the opposite direction and second ratchet teeth for engaging corresponding second teeth of the at least one sleeve such that relative incremental rotation of the clutch with respect to the at least one sleeve in one direction, preferably the second direction, is permitted while prevented in the opposite direction
Implementation Method 2
The injection device comprises at least a first detector for detecting movement of the clutch relative to the dosing sleeve and/or the housing and/or the at least one sleeve and a data processing unit connected to the first detector for reading, storing, processing, transmitting and/or displaying signals received from the first detector
Implementation Method 3
The dispensing mechanism comprises a piston rod, which is moveable relative to the housing (5) in a dispensing direction in order to eject the set product dosage in a dispensing stroke corresponding to the set product dosage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The present invention refers to an injection device comprising a housing (5) with a receptacle (2) for the product, a dosing mechanism for setting a product dosage to be administered and for displaying the set product dosage and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the product. The dosing mechanism comprises a dosing sleeve (50) which is rotatable relative to the housing (5) in a first direction for setting a product dosage and which is rotatable relative to the housing (5) in a second, opposite direction for correcting or dispensing a product dosage. The dispensing mechanism comprises a piston rod (8), which is moveable relative to the housing (5) in a dispensing direction in order to eject the set product dosage in a dispensing stroke corresponding to the set product dosage, at least one sleeve (7; 40), which is rotatable together with the dosing sleeve (50) relative to the housing (5) in the second direction in order to eject the set product dosage, and a clutch (60) interposed between the dosing sleeve (50) and the at least one sleeve (7; 40) and rotatable with the dosing sleeve (50) and/or the at least one sleeve (7; 40). The device further comprises at least a first detector (21) for detecting movement of the clutch (60) relative to the dosing sleeve (50) and/or the housing (5) and/or the at least one sleeve (7; 40) and a data processing unit (20) connected to the first detector (21) for reading, storing, processing, transmitting and/or displaying signals received from the first detector (21).