Injection Dial Sensor Layout for Non-Contact Medicament Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data collection devices for injection devices often obstruct the dose indication window, require additional cutouts in the device housing, and cannot accurately identify the type of medicament dispensed without direct contact, posing issues with user reliance and sterility.

Innovation Solution

A data collection device that attaches to the dose setting dial of an injection device, using ultrasonic, optical, or magnetic sensors to detect geometric identifiers on rotating components, allowing remote medicament identification and dose measurement without obstructing the dose indication window or requiring additional cutouts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a data collection device is attached to the injection device to monitor medicament delivery, then medicament identification and dose tracking are improved, but the device may obstruct the dose indication window and require additional cutouts in the housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedicament identification accuracyVSAvoiduser view of dose indication

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The data collection device is nested within the injection device housing structure, with the sensor arranged to detect identifiers through the dose setting dial assembly. This nesting allows the sensor to access internal components (number sleeve, dose setting dial) without requiring external cutouts that would obstruct the user's view of the dose indication window.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The dose setting dial assembly acts as an intermediary through which the sensor detects geometric identifiers. The sensor detects identifiers on the number sleeve or dose setting dial components that rotate during medicament delivery, allowing data collection without direct contact with the medicament reservoir and without obstructing the external dose indication window.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the sensor directly contacts the internal component to detect the identifier, then detection accuracy is improved, but device sterility is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentifier detection accuracyVSAvoidsterility maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dose setting dial assembly serves as a sterile barrier intermediary. The sensor detects geometric identifiers (such as patterns on the number sleeve or dose setting dial) that are mechanically coupled to the medicament delivery mechanism but remain on the non-sterile external side of the barrier. This allows accurate identifier detection without the sensor contacting sterile internal components or the medicament reservoir.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If additional cutouts are made in the device housing for sensor access, then sensor detection capability is improved, but dust ingress risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentifier detectabilityVSAvoiddust ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dose setting dial assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the geometric identifier for sensor detection, maintains the sterile barrier, and preserves the sealed housing structure. By detecting identifiers on components that are part of the existing rotating assembly (number sleeve, dose setting dial), the system achieves sensor access without creating additional openings that would compromise housing integrity and allow dust ingress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 accurate medicament identification and dose tracking without obstructing the user's view of the dose indication, maintaining device sterility and usability, and reducing the risk of dust ingress.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor comprising an ultrasound sensor configured to detect a geometric identifier formed on the surface of the internal component of the medicament administration device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasound: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS12472307B2Data collection apparatus for attachment to an injection device

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 SANOFI SYNTHELABO INC

AI summary

A data collection device comprises an attachment assembly for attaching the data collection device to a dose setting dial of a medicament administration device and a sensor configured to detected an identifier provided on a surface of an internal component of the medicament administration device, the sensor comprising an ultrasound sensor configured to detect a geometric identifier formed on the surface of the internal component of the medicament administration device. A system comprises the data collection device and the medicament administration device.