Medication Dose Sensing via Rotational Surface Feature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medication delivery devices lack an automated system to accurately detect and record the amount of medication delivered during an injection event, requiring manual tracking by patients, which is inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A medication delivery device with a dose setting member and actuator that includes a rotational sensor system, where a movable element contacts surface features on the dose setting member to generate signals, allowing a controller to determine the amount of medication delivered based on relative rotational movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual tracking of medication dose and time is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of dose delivery are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking with an automated sensing system that uses a sensor to detect rotational movement of the dose setting member. The sensor generates electrical signals that are processed by a controller to automatically determine and record the medication dose delivered, eliminating the need for manual tracking while improving measurement precision.
2Extent of automation
If an automated sensing system is integrated into the medication delivery device, then measurement precision and automation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is designed to be integrated into the existing medication delivery device structure, where the sensor serves multiple functions: detecting rotational position, determining dose amount, and triggering controller operations. This multi-functionality approach reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high automation.
3Measurement precision
If a rotational sensor system is added to detect dose delivery, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by employing a sensor that detects rotational movement through a movable element that contacts surface features on the dose setting member. This intermediary sensing mechanism translates mechanical rotation into electrical signals without requiring complex direct measurement systems, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of manufacture through the use of established sensor technologies.
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 system provides accurate and automated detection of the medication dose delivered, eliminating the need for manual tracking and enhancing the reliability of medication administration.
Implementation Method 1
A rotational sensor includes a movable element contactable against the surface features of the sensed element. The movable element is positioned to move over the surface features during rotation of the sensed element relative to the dose button during dose delivery. The rotational sensor is configured to generate a signal in response to the movement of the movable element over the surface features
Data Source
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AI summary
Medication delivery devices are provided having a dose delivery sensing capability. A sensed element is attached to a dose setting member of the device. The sensed element includes surface features radially-spaced from one another. A rotational sensor is attached to an actuator of the device. The rotational sensor includes a movable element that is contactable against the surface features. The rotational sensor is configured to generate a signal in response to the movement of the movable element over the surface features during their rotation. A controller is operatively coupled to the rotational sensor, and in response to receiving the generated signal, the controller is configured to determine a number of the surface features passing the movable element of the rotational sensor during dose delivery. The number can be associated with an amount of dose delivered. Sensing can be provided in a module or integrated in device.