Medical Device Actuation Detection with Force and Touch Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for administering medicaments face challenges in reliably detecting actuation actions due to the unreliability of acoustic and vibrational signal detection in noisy or mobile environments, necessitating a more robust method.
Innovation Solution
A detector unit within a medical device apparatus that detects actuation actions based on force and/or touch applied to the actuation button, coupled with an electric unit for storing and providing information related to these actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If acoustic or vibrational signals are used to detect actuation actions, then the device can monitor operation, but the detection reliability deteriorates in noisy or mobile environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic and vibrational detection systems with a force-based detection system. A force sensor directly measures the actuation force applied to the actuation element, substituting indirect acoustic/vibrational measurements with direct mechanical force measurement, thereby improving reliability in noisy environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a force sensor as an intermediary between the actuation element and the detection system. This intermediary directly captures the mechanical force applied during actuation, providing a reliable measurement that is not affected by environmental noise or vibration interference
2Reliability
If force and touch detection is implemented, then detection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor serves multiple functions: it detects actuation force magnitude, determines actuation direction, and can distinguish between different types of forces (intentional actuation vs. accidental contact). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors for each detection task, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes different parameters of the same force sensor (force magnitude, direction, timing) to extract multiple types of information about the actuation action. By changing which parameter is analyzed, the system can distinguish between intentional actuation and accidental contact without requiring additional sensors
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 the reliability of actuation action detection, supports user handling, and provides information on device usage, preventing misuse and improving safety through robust force and touch-based detection.
Implementation Method 1
the detector is configured to detect the actuation action based on a detection of a force and/or a touch applied to the detector unit as part of the actuation action
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed, comprising a detector unit comprising a detector configured to detect an actuation action performable via the detector unit to an actuation button of a medical device to cause the medical device to eject at least a portion of a medicament comprised in the medical device. The detector is configured to detect the actuation action based on a detection of a force and/or a touch applied to the detector unit as part of the actuation action. The apparatus further comprises an electric unit connected to the detector and configured to store and/or provide information related to the detected actuation action. Furthermore, an according method and a computer program for controlling this method are disclosed.