Injection Pen Dose Logging via Optical Sleeve Movement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection devices lack reliable methods for automatically recording and logging medicament dosage information without requiring user intervention, which can lead to inaccuracies and difficulties in tracking administered doses.
Innovation Solution
A data collection device that attaches to an injection device, featuring a sensor arrangement to detect the movement of a dosage programming component and a processor to determine medicament dosage, allowing for automated logging and display of dosage information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual dosage selection and tracking is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of dosage recordal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The data collection device automatically detects movement of the dosage programming component and determines medicament dosage without requiring user actions for recording. The system serves itself by autonomously monitoring its own operational state through sensors that detect component movements, eliminating the need for manual dosage tracking while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking with an automated sensor-based detection system. Optical sensors or other detection mechanisms monitor the position and movement of dosage programming components, converting mechanical movements into electronic signals that are processed to determine administered dosage, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
2Loss of information
If automatic detection of dosage is implemented, then loss of information is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data collection device implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor the position of dosage programming components during injection. The processor arrangement receives detection signals, determines the actual dosage administered based on detected movements, and can provide feedback to confirm the recorded dosage, ensuring complete information capture about medicament administration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and recording of dosage information during the injection process itself. By detecting movements of the dosage programming component as they occur, the system captures dosage information in real-time before the injection is complete, preventing any loss of dosage data without requiring complex post-injection processing.
3Measurement precision
If sensor arrangement is added to detect movement, then measurement precision of dosage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical sensors or similar detection devices to precisely measure the position and movement of dosage programming components. These sensors provide high-precision measurement of component displacement, enabling accurate determination of administered dosage. The measurement precision is achieved through detecting small movements optically rather than through complex mechanical measurement mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If data logging and display functions are added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data collection device integrates multiple functions including dosage detection, data logging, and display capabilities within a single compact unit. The processor arrangement handles both detection and logging functions, while the display component provides user interface functionality. This multi-functional integration improves ease of operation by consolidating dosage tracking tasks without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
Enhances the reliability of medicament administration recording, provides a memory aid for users, and facilitates easy programming by offering a larger grip surface and ergonomic design, while reducing the need for multiple sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor arrangement may include one or more of an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, a capacitive sensor and a mechanical sensor
Implementation Method 2
The sensor arrangement may include one or more of an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, a capacitive sensor and a mechanical sensor
Implementation Method 3
The sensor arrangement may include one or more of an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, a capacitive sensor and a mechanical sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A data collection device for attachment to an injection device, such as an injector pen, includes a sensor arrangement to detect movement of a movable component of the injection device relative to the data collection device during delivery of a medicament by the injection device, and a processor arrangement configured to, based on said detected movement, determine a medicament dosage administered by the injection device. The processor arrangement may monitor the time that has elapsed since the medicament dosage was administered, and control a display to show the medicament dosage and elapsed time to provide a memory aid to the user. In an example embodiment, the sensor arrangement includes an optical encoder and the movable component includes a plurality of light barrier formations. The movable component may be a number sleeve that provides a visual indication of a dose programmed into the injection device.