Magnetic Position Sensor for Real-Time Dose Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diabetes treatment methods, such as multiple daily injections and insulin pumps, lack the ability to accurately record and provide feedback on medication doses delivered to patients, leading to inadequate monitoring and poor glycemic control due to tedious and error-prone manual data recording processes.
Innovation Solution
A device that utilizes magnetic position sensing, including Hall-effect and magnetoresistive sensors, and MEMS flow sensing to capture and transmit dose delivery information from medication delivery devices, enabling real-time data capture, storage, and assessment, compatible with existing diabetes management systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic position sensing is used to capture dose information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical recording methods with magnetic position sensing technology. Hall-effect sensors and magnetoresistive sensors detect the position of a magnet attached to the syringe plunger, automatically capturing dose delivery information without manual intervention. This substitution of mechanical recording with magnetic field-based detection improves measurement precision while the integrated sensor system manages the complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary element that bridges the syringe plunger mechanism and the sensor system. The magnet moves with the plunger and serves as the target for Hall-effect or magnetoresistive sensors, enabling indirect measurement of dose delivery. This intermediary approach simplifies the sensor integration by providing a clear magnetic field interaction point.
2Productivity
If automated dose recording is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the syringe plunger mechanism itself drives the data capture process. The magnet attached to the plunger automatically triggers sensor readings as it moves during dose delivery. This eliminates the need for separate automated recording mechanisms, improving productivity while keeping the automation system relatively simple by leveraging the existing mechanical motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the sensor system continuously monitors the magnet position during syringe operation and automatically records dose delivery events. This real-time feedback mechanism captures dose information as it occurs, improving productivity by eliminating manual retrospective recording while the integrated feedback system manages complexity through direct coupling with the delivery mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic position sensing components are added to medication delivery devices, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dose capture system into separate functional modules: the syringe plunger mechanism, the attached magnet, and the external Hall-effect or magnetoresistive sensor. This segmentation allows for independent manufacturing and assembly of components, improving ease of manufacture by enabling modular production while maintaining measurement precision through standardized magnetic field interaction interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable syringe cartridges that can be pre-assembled with magnets or designed to work with standalone sensors. This approach allows the complex sensor system to be manufactured once and then reused across multiple disposable syringes, improving ease of manufacture by reducing the need for complex assembly in each individual syringe unit while maintaining measurement precision.
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 patient safety by providing accurate and timely data to healthcare providers, improving diabetes management through automated dose recording and feedback, reducing errors and improving glycemic control.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic position sensor adapted to detect a position of the sensor element
Implementation Method 2
Hall-effect sensing and magnetoresistive (MR) sensing
Implementation Method 3
Hall-effect sensing and magnetoresistive (MR) sensing
Data Source
AI summary
A system for capture of dose delivery information is provided. The system includes a medication delivery device, a dose information capture device adapted to be attached to the medication delivery device, and a target element adapted to be attached to the medication delivery device. The target element comprises a magnet or ferrous element and the target element attaches to the medication delivery device on a dose delivery mechanism of the medication delivery device. The dose information capture device includes a magnetic position sensor adapted to detect a position of the target element. As an alternative to magnetic sensing, MEMS flow sensors, and the like may also be used. Exemplary systems preferably transmit dose information in real time to remote devices for further processing.