Injection Sensor Coupling Unit for Low-Interference Drug Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices with wireless transmitters, such as RFID or NFC readers, emit electric or magnetic fields that can interfere with other electronic systems in medical environments, posing a risk to patient safety and equipment functionality.
Innovation Solution
An injection device with a remote coupling unit comprising two antennas connected by an electric connection, allowing signal re-transmission between the device and a monitoring unit, eliminating the need for energy storage and reducing electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a wireless transmitter (RFID/NFC reader) is integrated into the drug delivery device, then data transmission capability is improved, but electromagnetic interference with other medical equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
A remote coupling unit with two antennas is introduced as an intermediary between the wireless transmitter and the external receiver. The first antenna receives signals from the transmitter at a distance, and the second antenna re-transmits the signal to the receiver, allowing the transmitter to operate at lower power and reduce electromagnetic interference while maintaining data transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication function is segmented into two separate antenna systems: a first antenna for long-range communication with the transmitter and a second antenna for short-range communication with the receiver. This segmentation allows each antenna to be optimized for its specific function and reduces the electromagnetic burden on the main device.
2Use of energy by moving object
If energy harvesting is used to power the device, then the need for batteries is eliminated, but the device becomes more sensitive to electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The remote coupling unit acts as a shielded intermediary that protects the energy harvesting circuitry from electromagnetic interference. By receiving signals from the transmitter at a distance through the first antenna and re-transmitting through the second antenna, it isolates the sensitive energy harvesting components from direct exposure to electromagnetic fields.
3Measurement precision
If the first antenna is positioned closer to the wireless transmitter, then signal reception is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two antennas are positioned in different spatial dimensions and orientations. The first antenna is oriented to optimally receive signals from the transmitter, while the second antenna is oriented to optimally transmit signals to the receiver. This dimensional arrangement allows both antennas to perform their functions effectively without requiring excessive space.
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 effectively minimizes electromagnetic interference, ensuring safe operation of drug delivery devices in medical environments while maintaining functionality and reducing reliance on batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna positioned relatively closer to the wireless transmitter, a second antenna positioned relatively farther from the wireless transmitter, electric connection means connecting the first antenna with the second antenna so that a signal received by the first antenna is re-emitted by the second antenna
Implementation Method 2
a sensor system for determining, in particular measuring, a quantity, in particular a physical or chemical quantity, related to the drug administration process
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A drug administration system in accordance with the invention comprises: an injection device (1), in particular a disposable injection device, for administrating a drug to a subject in a drug administration process, comprising a drug reservoir; administration means for administering, in particular injecting, the drug through a skin of the subject, a sensor system determining, in particular measuring, a quantity, in particular a physical or chemical quantity, related to the drug administration process; said sensor system comprising a wireless transmitter configured to, upon activation, transmit information, in particular emit a signal, representative of the quantity, in particular to a remote receiver; a monitoring unit (2) for monitoring a drug administration process executable by means of the injection device, said monitoring unit adapted to be attached to or provided as part of the injection device (1), said monitoring unit comprising: a wireless receiver configured to receive the information transmitted by the wireless transmitter; a remote coupling unit comprising: a first antenna positioned closer to the wireless transmitter than to the wireless receiver, a second antenna positioned closer to the wireless receiver than to the wireless transmitter, electric connection means connecting the first antenna with the second antenna so that a signal received by the first antenna is re-emitted by the second antenna and vice versa.