Injection Dial Attachment for Dose Tracking Without Added Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection devices lack a reliable method to monitor and track the usage of medicaments, such as insulin doses, which can lead to incorrect handling or inadequate record-keeping.
Innovation Solution
A supplementary device, such as a data collection device, is attached to the control dial of an injection device, featuring a sleeve and an axial attachment member that secures the device axially and a rotational coupling mechanism, allowing it to monitor medicament delivery quantities and times, and optionally includes sensors to detect vibrations and sounds for data logging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a supplementary device is attached to the control dial to monitor medicament delivery, then data collection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supplementary device is nested over the control dial, utilizing the existing space and structure of the injection device. The sleeve fits over the control dial, and the axial attachment member integrates with the existing dial mechanism, allowing data collection functionality to be added without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplementary device serves multiple functions: it acts as a data collection device, a protective cover for the control dial, and an attachment mechanism that integrates with the existing injection device structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
2Reliability
If an axial attachment member is used to secure the supplementary device, then attachment reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The axial attachment member is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It can move between an engaged position, where it secures the supplementary device firmly to the control dial, and a disengaged position, where it allows easy removal. This dynamic behavior provides both reliable attachment during use and ease of operation during installation and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional parts: the axial attachment member that provides secure locking, the rotational coupling member that enables easy attachment/detachment, and the sleeve that positions everything correctly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotational coupling mechanism is added to couple the sleeve to the control dial, then functional integration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational coupling mechanism is merged with the axial attachment member, combining two functions (axial securing and rotational coupling) into a single integrated component. This reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding a complex rotational coupling mechanism that requires active engagement, the design inverts the approach by using a simple groove formation that passively provides rotational coupling. The groove formation naturally guides and limits rotation, providing functional integration without requiring additional complex components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the groove formation is made adaptable to receive formations of different sizes and shapes, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The groove formation exhibits local quality variations: it is precisely defined in certain areas to engage with specific formations on the control dial, while remaining relatively simple in other areas to accommodate variations. This localized precision approach allows the groove to adapt to different formation sizes and shapes without requiring the entire component to be manufactured with high precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A supplementary device for an injection device is disclosed. The injection device has a control dial that is rotatably mounted about an axis at a proximal end of the injection device, and the supplementary device is attachable to the control dial. The supplementary device includes a sleeve adapted to be positioned over the control dial when the supplementary device is attached to the injection device. The supplementary device also includes an axial attachment member arranged such that insertion of the control dial into the sleeve moves the axial attachment member from an initial position that permits axial movement of the control dial into the sleeve, into an engagement position in which the axial attachment member engages the control dial to axially attach the supplementary device to the control dial.