Removable Magnetic Rotation Sensing for Injection Pen Dose Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection monitoring systems for injection pen systems are bulky, specific to certain brands, prone to electromagnetic interference, and require complex shielding or correction mechanisms due to the integration of electronic components, leading to inaccurate readings and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A removably attachable injection monitoring module with a hollow main body coaxially mounted on the dose setting wheel, incorporating magnetic field production means and sensors, and a rotational stop mechanism to prevent rotation during dose setting, using magnetic sensors to determine the set dose and injection points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic components and sensors are integrated into the pen injection system body, then monitoring functionality is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into separate functional modules: a removable monitoring module with magnetic sensors, a magnetic encoder on the dose setting wheel, and a microcontroller. This modular approach allows the monitoring functionality to be added without permanently modifying the pen body structure, maintaining a compact and user-friendly design.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic field is introduced as an intermediary between the dose setting wheel and the sensors. The magnetic encoder on the wheel generates a magnetic field that is detected by the magnetic sensors on the plunger, enabling non-contact communication and eliminating the need for direct electronic component integration within the pen body.
2Volume of moving object
If electronic components are miniaturized to reduce volume, then device size is reduced, but electromagnetic interference between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces electronic signal transmission with magnetic field interaction. The magnetic encoder and magnetic sensors enable communication between the dose setting wheel and the monitoring system without requiring close proximity of electronic circuits, thereby minimizing electromagnetic interference even when components are miniaturized.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic sensors are extracted from the pen body and placed on the plunger, separating them from the main electronic components. This spatial separation reduces electromagnetic interference while maintaining the monitoring functionality, allowing for smaller component sizes without the harmful effects of close-proximity circuit interactions.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are moved away from electromagnetic interference sources, then measurement accuracy improves, but system complexity increases due to additional compensation systems
Solution Approach 1:
By using magnetic field interaction instead of direct electronic contact, the system achieves accurate sensing without requiring complex shielding or compensation mechanisms. The magnetic field penetrates through non-magnetic materials, allowing sensors to be positioned optimally for accuracy without being constrained by electromagnetic interference from nearby electronic components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a removable monitoring module is used, then adaptability to various pen models is achieved, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring module is designed with universal compatibility features, including a magnetic encoder that can interface with different dose setting wheel configurations and a plunger-based sensor arrangement that works with various pen injection system architectures. This allows a single monitoring module design to adapt to multiple pen models while maintaining reliable functionality through consistent magnetic interaction principles.
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
The solution provides accurate and reliable dose monitoring without the need for complex shielding, is adaptable to various pen injection systems, and ensures precise detection of dose setting and injection events, enhancing user convenience and system compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic encoder in the form of a magnetically polarised ring or disc, or a radially or axially magnetised permanent magnet
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic sensor in the form of a Hall-effect sensor, a magnetoresistive sensor, a fluxgate magnetometer or a scalar magnetometer
Implementation Method 3
a hollow main body adapted and configured to be coaxially mounted on, and engage in co-rotation with, the dose setting wheel
Data Source
AI summary
Injection monitoring module removably mountable to a proximal extremity of an injection pen comprising a pen body, a proximally located dose setting wheel, and an injection activator, the dose setting wheel rotating about a central longitudinal axis of the pen during dose setting, the injection monitoring module comprising a hollow main body coaxially mounted on, and engaging in co-rotation with the dose setting wheel, the main body comprising a longitudinal bore having a proximal and distal extremities, and a central longitudinal axis; one or more magnets located on or within the main body; an injection monitoring system comprising at least one magnetic sensor movable in translation along the central axis within the bore, from a first monitoring position, to a second monitoring position; the injection monitoring module further comprising a rotational stop means preventing rotational movement of the monitoring system about the central axis during dose selection.