Magnetic Sensor Dose Tracking in Drug Delivery Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drug delivery systems lack a dose detection function, making them bulky and costly, requiring manual recording of doses, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A drug delivery system with a sensor structure using a magnet and magnetic sensor to determine angular and axial positions, allowing for precise dose tracking through electrical resistance changes, implemented in a compact and cost-effective design using polymeric materials and flexible foil configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional optical motion detection systems or linear potentiometers are used for dose detection, then dose tracking capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical motion detection systems and linear potentiometers with a simple magnetic field-based sensing mechanism. A magnet attached to the dose selector interacts with a magnetic sensor to detect angular position and displacement, eliminating the need for bulky optical components while achieving the same dose tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical signals to magnetic field variations. By attaching a magnet to the dose selector and using a magnetic sensor to detect changes in magnetic field strength and direction, the system achieves dose detection through magnetic parameter changes rather than optical measurements, simplifying the overall device architecture.
2Extent of automation
If conventional optical motion detection systems or linear potentiometers are used for dose detection, then dose tracking capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive magnetic sensors and simple magnets that can be easily manufactured and integrated into the device. These components are significantly cheaper than optical detection systems, making the overall device more cost-effective while maintaining dose tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
By substituting expensive optical components with simple magnetic field sensing elements, the patent dramatically reduces manufacturing costs. The magnetic sensor and magnet combination requires fewer precision manufacturing steps and can be produced using standard manufacturing processes.
3Extent of automation
If conventional dose detection systems are implemented, then automated dose tracking is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential dose detection function from complex optical systems, implementing a minimalistic magnetic sensing approach. By removing unnecessary optical components and using a simple magnet-sensor arrangement, the device achieves automated dose tracking in a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement of bulky optical detection systems with compact magnetic sensors significantly reduces device volume. Magnetic sensors require minimal space compared to optical components, enabling the pen to maintain a compact, portable design while incorporating automated dose tracking.
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
Enables accurate and automated dose tracking, reducing the system's bulkiness and manufacturing costs while enhancing environmental sustainability and precision.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor structure may include a magnet and a magnetic sensor, arranged so that at least one of an angular position and a displacement of the magnetic sensor relative to the magnet may be determined as a function of the electrical resistance of the magnetic sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A drug delivery system including: an oblong housing including a setting structure to set a dose of a drug via an angular position; and a sensor structure to determine the dose, including a magnet and a magnetic sensor, arranged so that at least one of an angular position and a displacement of the magnetic sensor relative to the magnet may be determined as a function of the electrical resistance of the magnetic sensor. The sensor structure is arranged in relation to the setting structure so that the angular position of the setting structure is determined as a function of the angular position and/or the displacement of the magnetic sensor. A sensor structure is also described including: a flexible foil, including a magnetic sensor, in a cylindrical shape configuration comprising an axis; and a magnet arranged at a line parallel to or collinear with the axis.