Injection Pen Motion Detection for Dose Completion Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices lack reliable feedback mechanisms to inform users about the beginning and end of the dispensing process, particularly in self-administered injections by individuals without formal medical training.
Innovation Solution
An injection device with integrated detectors and a feedback generator mechanism that uses movement detection of component parts to provide audible, tactile, or visual feedback during dose setting, dispensing, and resetting, applicable to various types of drug delivery devices, including reusable and disposable pens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If feedback mechanisms are added to inform users about dispensing status, then user confidence and error prevention improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms including audible signals (beep sounds), tactile feedback (vibrations), and visual indicators (LED lights) that provide users with information about dispensing status. The control unit processes sensor data and triggers appropriate feedback signals to confirm dose setting, dispensing start, and dispensing completion, thereby improving user confidence and preventing errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary component that coordinates between the mechanical dispensing mechanism and the feedback systems. This control unit receives inputs from sensors detecting component movements and outputs appropriate feedback signals, managing the complexity centrally rather than distributing it throughout the entire device structure.
2Measurement precision
If detectors are integrated into the device to monitor component movements, then measurement precision of dispensing status improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive detection mechanisms where existing component movements automatically trigger detection without requiring additional active sensing components. For example, the position of the piston rod and whether the cartridge is properly installed are detected through the natural mechanical states of these components during normal operation, eliminating the need for separate active sensors in many cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensing systems with simpler mechanical detection methods where possible. Mechanical switches, magnetic sensors, and optical detectors are strategically placed to utilize existing component geometries and movements, converting mechanical states directly into detection signals without requiring complex signal processing or additional actuation mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An injection device comprising a housing with a receptacle for a product, a dosing mechanism for setting a product dosage to be administered and for displaying the set product dosage and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the product. The dispensing mechanism may include a piston rod, at least one sleeve rotatable relative to the housing to eject the set product dosage, and a button moveable relative to the housing and relative to the at least one sleeve in a dispensing direction from a dosing position into a dispensing position to eject the set product dosage. The injection device can further include a first detector for detecting a position of the button relative to the housing or the at least one sleeve, a second detector for detecting rotational movement of the at least one sleeve or a component part coupled to the at least one sleeve and a feedback generator mechanism.