Injection Device Electronics Wake-Up via Cap Removal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronically enabled injection devices face energy supply drainage issues due to prolonged inactivity, leading to battery depletion and potential device malfunction, even when not in use, which can result in incorrect dosages or device unavailability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing sensors that trigger activation signals to awaken the energy source only when specific conditions are met, such as cap removal, motion, sound, or temperature changes, ensuring minimal power consumption during idle periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the energy source remains in sleep state during storage, then shelf life is extended, but the device cannot be quickly activated when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is positioned and pre-configured during device assembly, ready to immediately detect cap removal and trigger activation. The system performs preliminary preparation by positioning the sensor close to the cap, so that when the cap is removed, activation occurs instantly without requiring additional setup or warming up time.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor acts as an intermediary between the cap removal action and the energy source activation. When the cap is removed, the sensor detects this physical change and translates it into an activation signal, enabling rapid and reliable transition from sleep state to operational state.
2Ease of operation
If the energy source is continuously powered, then the device is always ready for use, but idle drainage depletes the battery over time
Solution Approach 1:
The energy source operates in periodic cycles, alternating between sleep state (low power consumption) and powered state (active operation). The system transitions to powered state only when needed (upon cap removal detection) and returns to sleep state afterward, optimizing the balance between readiness and energy conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages its own power state based on usage conditions. The sensor self-activates the energy source when cap removal is detected, eliminating the need for manual intervention or continuous monitoring, and enabling the device to self-regulate between power consumption modes.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are added to detect various activation conditions, then activation reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single sensor can detect multiple types of activation conditions (cap removal, motion, vibration, temperature changes) depending on its configuration and the specific implementation. This reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high activation reliability.
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
Prevents idle energy drainage by quickly activating the energy source upon intended use, maintaining device functionality and ensuring accurate dosage delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more sensor is a magnetic sensor, and the activation signal is provided in response to a magnetic field strength measured by the one or more sensor falling below a predetermined threshold. The magnet is positioned proximate to the one or more sensor when the cap is attached to the injection device.
Implementation Method 2
The static element is configured to create a static discharge when the static element rubs against a portion of the injection device, and the electrode is configured to detect the static discharge and cause the activation signal to be provided to the energy source in response.
Implementation Method 3
The one or more sensor includes a motion sensor. The motion sensor is configured to detect a particular motion of the injection device and cause the activation signal to be provided to the energy source in response. The particular motion is a rotation of the injection device.
Implementation Method 4
The one or more sensor includes a vibration sensor. The vibration sensor is configured to detect a particular sound or vibration of the injection device and cause the activation signal to be provided to the energy source in response. The particular sound or vibration occurs during dialing of a dose of medicament to be injected by the injection device.
Implementation Method 5
the injection device is provided in temperature-resistant packaging that includes a temperature sensor that is configured to cause the activation signal to be provided to the energy source when the packaging is opened and the temperature sensor measures a temperature that satisfies a predetermined threshold.
Data Source
AI summary
An injection device comprising: an energy source configured to power an electronic system of the injection device; one or more sensors in communication with the energy source, the one or more sensors configured to cause an activation signal to be provided to the energy source to cause the energy source to enter a powered state from a sleep state; and a processor configured to facilitate one or more functions of the injection device when the injection device is in the powered state.