Modular Drug Delivery Electronic Module Lateral Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices often have complex mechanical components and lack integration of electronic modules, making it cumbersome to attach electronic components and requiring modifications, while also facing challenges in protecting these components from environmental ingress.
Innovation Solution
A modular system for drug delivery devices that includes a mechanical module with a distal and proximal end, and an electronic module with a detector unit, allowing for easy coupling and decoupling without tools, using sensors and optical guides for detection, and a conformal coating for protection, maintaining a comfortable pen shape and allowing reuse across different devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic components are integrated into drug delivery devices, then functionality and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of attachment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a mechanical module (drug delivery device) and a separate electronic module (detector unit with electronic components). This segmentation allows the electronic components to be attached laterally to the mechanical module without modifying the mechanical structure, thereby improving measurement precision while minimizing increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic module is designed as a universal detector unit that can be attached to various mechanical modules. The lateral attachment interface allows the same electronic module to work with different drug delivery devices, improving measurement precision across multiple devices without requiring complex device-specific integration for each.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic module is attached laterally to mechanical module, then adaptability is improved, but device length increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attaching the electronic module in the longitudinal direction (which would increase device length), the detector unit is attached laterally to the mechanical module. This dimensional change allows the electronic components to be integrated without extending the device length, while still providing adaptability through the lateral interface.
3Productivity
If modular system is used for reuse of electronic module, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to attachment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic module is pre-assembled as a complete detector unit with all necessary components (detector, electronic unit, battery) before attachment to the mechanical module. This preliminary assembly improves productivity by allowing the electronic module to be reused across multiple devices without reassembly, while the standardized lateral interface maintains ease of operation through simple attachment and detachment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical and electronic components are combined, then functionality is improved, but protection against environmental ingress becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A lateral interface structure serves as an intermediary between the mechanical module and electronic module. This interface includes sealing elements that prevent environmental ingress (dust, humidity) at the connection point, allowing the combination of mechanical and electronic components while maintaining protection against harmful environmental factors.
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 modular system enables easy handling and reuse of electronic modules across various drug delivery devices, providing effective protection against environmental factors and maintaining user comfort without the need for electrical connections, thus enhancing the usability and durability of the devices.
Implementation Method 1
The detector unit may comprise at least one light source, at least one optical guide and at least one optical sensor
Implementation Method 2
The detection unit may comprise at least one optical sensor unit and at least one optical source unit
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a modular system for a drug delivery device with electronic, comprising a mechanical module that comprises a distal end and a proximal end, and a mechanism that is configured to set and/or to deliver a dose of the drug out of the distal end (D) of the mechanical module, an electronic module that comprises a detector unit, andan electronic unit that is operatively coupled to the detector unit,wherein the electronic module is removably mechanically coupled or coupleable to the mechanical module in a proximal end region of the mechanical module.