Mounting Adapter for Injection Devices with Electrical Conductor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drug delivery devices face challenges in providing a universal, reliable, and space-efficient mechanical connection for add-on devices, which is essential for precise monitoring and data collection, especially for users with impaired vision or dexterity, and requires adaptation to various device geometries without modifying the injection device.

Innovation Solution

A mounting adapter with a carrier and multiple mounts that can attach to different injection devices, incorporating an electrical conductor for signal exchange and featuring an adhesive layer for secure attachment, allowing the same add-on device to be used across various devices without modifications, and reducing the size of the add-on device by placing the electrical components outside.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the add-on device is directly attached to the injection device, then the monitoring function is achieved, but the device size becomes large and requires modification of the injection device geometry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different injection devicesVSAvoidsize of add-on device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into three separate components: the injection device, the mounting adapter, and the add-on device. The mounting adapter acts as an intermediary component that can be attached to the injection device, allowing the add-on device to connect without being integrated directly into the injection device structure. This segmentation enables the add-on device to remain compact while achieving compatibility with different injection devices through the standardized adapter interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting adapter serves as an intermediary component between the injection device and the add-on device. It provides the mechanical connection interface and electrical conductor interface, enabling the add-on device to attach to various injection devices without requiring modifications to either the injection device or the add-on device itself. The adapter mediates the connection, allowing versatility while keeping the add-on device size small.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the electrical conductor is integrated into the add-on device, then the monitoring function is achieved, but the add-on device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal exchange reliabilityVSAvoidsize of add-on device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical conductor function is extracted from the add-on device and placed in the mounting adapter. The add-on device only contains the necessary monitoring components, while the electrical conductor for signal exchange is located in the adapter, which is attached to the injection device. This extraction reduces the size of the add-on device while maintaining reliable signal exchange through the adapter's electrical conductor that directly interfaces with the injection device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the mounting adapter uses complex fastening mechanisms, then the attachment stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting adapter employs self-gripping or self-locking features that automatically secure the adapter to the injection device without requiring additional fastening components or complex assembly procedures. The adapter's geometry itself provides the attachment mechanism, such as friction-fit interfaces or snap-fit features, which achieve stable attachment while remaining simple to manufacture and assemble.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3731899B1Mounting adapter for injection device and add-on device
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 SANOFI SA(FR)
  • EP3731899B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3731899B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3731899B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Mounting adapter for Injection Device and Add-On Device The present disclosure relates in one aspect to a mounting adapter configured for mounting an add-on device (200) to an injection device (1), the mounting adapter (100) comprises: a carrier (102), a first mount (101) connected to the carrier (102) and configured to connect to a housing (10) of the injection device (1), a second mount (110) connected to the carrier (102) and configured to connect to the add-on device (200), and an electrical conductor (120) arranged in or on the carrier (102), wherein the electrical conductor (120) is configured to exchange at least one type of electrical signals with the add-on device (200).