Insulin Pen Force Sensor Feedback Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current insulin injection systems lack feedback on appropriate force application, leading to suboptimal injection techniques and inconsistent glycemic control due to lack of direct sensory feedback, especially for patients and caregivers.
Innovation Solution
Integration of force sensors in insulin pen devices to measure and provide feedback on applied forces through visual, auditory, or vibrational indicators, ensuring proper needle insertion depth and technique by using feedback control loops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If force sensors and feedback indicators are integrated into the injection device, then injection technique precision and needle depth control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by integrating force sensors that detect applied force during injection and providing real-time feedback through visual (LED indicators), auditory (beep sounds), or vibrational indicators. This feedback loop enables users to adjust their technique to achieve proper needle depth placement in the subcutaneous tissue space, directly resolving the contradiction by improving precision through active feedback mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensor acts as an intermediary between the user's manual force application and the injection outcome. By measuring the force applied to the device and translating it into actionable feedback signals, the sensor mediates the relationship between user technique and needle depth, enabling precision without requiring direct sensory feedback from the user.
2Loss of time
If real-time feedback indicators are provided during injection, then injection technique development is accelerated, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Real-time feedback through LED visual indicators, auditory beeps, or vibrational signals provides immediate guidance during injection practice, allowing users to rapidly develop proper technique without requiring repeated trial-and-error sessions. This accelerates technique acquisition by eliminating the time loss associated with learning through incorrect attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback system enables self-instruction and self-correction during injection technique development. Users can independently learn proper technique with the guidance of real-time feedback signals without requiring constant supervision from healthcare providers, thereby reducing the time investment needed for technique mastery.
3Reliability
If force measurement capability is added to the injection device, then injection consistency and glycemic control are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for complex mechanical depth control mechanisms with electronic force sensing and feedback. Instead of using mechanical stops or guides to ensure proper needle depth, the system uses force sensors to detect applied force and provides feedback to guide users, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex mechanical manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors and responds to changes in the force parameter during injection. By detecting force magnitude and providing feedback when force exceeds or falls below optimal thresholds, the system ensures consistent injection delivery without requiring complex mechanical structures, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture.
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
Facilitates consistent needle depth placement and optimized injection techniques by providing real-time feedback, enhancing patient adherence and reducing discomfort and complications.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor to measure a force applied to a skin surface during injection
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device (100) includes an insulin pen (102), a pen needle (104) and a force sensor (106). The device also includes a microprocessor (206) to receive a signal from the force sensor (106). Audible and/or visual indicators (218, 220) provide feedback to a user to encourage proper injection technique. The device may also include an adaptor assembly comprising a sensor housing (306) and a first sensor (304) within the sensor housing, and a transfer needle assembly (308), the transfer needle assembly providing a connection (310) for a pen needle, and providing a fluid conduit between the pen needle (312) and the insulin pen (302). A second force sensor (314) is associated with a thumb button of the insulin pen (302).