Injection Device Service Life Timer Using Sensor-Based Electronic Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Injection devices, such as pens, face issues with mechanical stress and aging, leading to compromised functionality and the inability to accurately display or maintain dosage settings, as well as a lack of monitoring for service life, which can affect user safety and the reliability of the injection process.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensors and an electronic circuit to detect operating processes, a timer to indicate the end of service life, and a display system for providing visual, auditory, or tactile signals when the device's service life has elapsed, ensuring user safety by preventing further use after the recommended lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical components are used in injection devices, then the device can perform dosing functions, but the components wear and deteriorate due to mechanical stress and aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical timing mechanisms with an electronic timer system. A sensor detects the start of service life (e.g., when ampoule is inserted), triggers an electronic timer circuit, which then monitors elapsed time and provides visual/tactile warnings when service life expires. This eliminates mechanical wear from timing components while maintaining accurate service life monitoring.
2Reliability
If service life monitoring is added to injection devices, then user safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The service life monitoring system is designed to be self-contained and automatic. The sensor automatically detects when service life begins, the timer circuit autonomously counts elapsed time, and the warning indicators automatically activate when service life expires. No user intervention or complex programming is needed, keeping the system simple despite its safety function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual indicators such as color-changing LEDs or display elements to communicate service life status. For example, a display may show green during normal service life and transition to red when expiration is approaching or has occurred. This provides intuitive safety information without requiring complex user interfaces.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical components are moved during operation, then dosing functionality is achieved, but correct mode of operation and functional capability are compromised over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical operation counting and tracking with electronic sensing and digital recording. Sensors detect each dosing operation, and an electronic circuit records the number of operations and elapsed time. This eliminates mechanical wear from counting mechanisms while maintaining accurate tracking of device usage and functional status.
Data Source
AI summary
An injection device including at least one sensor for detecting an operating process of the injection device, an electronic circuit connected to the sensor for establishing the beginning and elapsed time of a service life, based on one or more sensor signals, and an output device connected to the circuit for providing a signal indicating the end of the service life. The invention encompasses a method for determining a service life of an injection device, wherein the beginning of the service life is established by one or more sensors for detecting an operating process of the device, a signal is generated which signals the end of the service life, and at least one of an optical, acoustic or tactile output device is associated with the injection device for providing a signal which indicates the end of the service life.