Motorized Carry Case Automating Dose Dial Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visually and/or manually impaired patients face difficulties in setting the correct dose for pen-type drug delivery devices, which are essential for effective disease management, particularly in diabetes self-treatment.
Innovation Solution
A carry case equipped with a gearbox mechanism, an electrically driven motor, a processor, and a communication unit that mechanically engages and rotates the dose dial member of the drug delivery device, allowing for automated dose setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual dose setting is used in pen-type drug delivery devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but usability for visually and manually impaired patients deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carry case serves as an intermediary device that contains a motorized coupling member to interact with the dose dial member of the drug delivery device. This mediator enables automated dose setting for impaired patients without requiring modifications to the core injection mechanism, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining relative device simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The carry case is designed to perform multiple functions: it protects the drug delivery device during transport, stores the device securely, and provides automated dose setting capability. This multi-functionality allows the same system to benefit both visually impaired patients (through automated dosing) and all users (through protection and portability)
2Ease of operation
If automated dose setting is implemented, then ease of operation for impaired patients is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated dose setting functionality is segmented into a separate carry case unit rather than being integrated into the drug delivery device itself. The carry case contains the motor, battery, and control circuitry as distinct modular components, allowing automated dosing without complicating the core injection device
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member acts as an intermediary mechanical interface between the motorized carry case and the dose dial member. This mediator transfers rotational motion from the motor to the dose dial, enabling automated dose setting while maintaining a clear separation between the automated system and the injection device
3Reliability
If the carry case protects the device, then device damage prevention is improved, but access to dose dial member may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The carry case is designed with a pre-configured coupling member that automatically engages with the dose dial member when the device is placed in the case. This preliminary positioning allows the motor to subsequently rotate the dose dial without requiring manual manipulation through limited access openings
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member serves as a mediator that bridges the protection function and the dose setting function. It provides mechanical engagement with the dose dial member through the case structure, enabling automated rotation without requiring direct manual access to the dial, thus resolving the conflict between protection and operability
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 solution facilitates accurate and independent dose setting for visually and manually impaired patients, enhancing their ability to manage their conditions effectively while preventing unintended dose alterations.
Implementation Method 1
The case may comprise an electrically driven motor... the coupling member is configured to be driven by said motor to rotate the dose dial member
Data Source
AI summary
A carry case for storing a drug delivery device and to a drug delivery device having a rotatable dose dial member. The case includes an outer shell, and a support recess for receiving and retaining the drug delivery device. In addition, the case further includes a coupling member for mechanically engaging the dose dial member of the drug delivery device, an electrically driven motor, a battery, and a processor connected with the motor and the battery. The coupling member is configured to be driven by the motor to rotate the dose dial member when engaged with the coupling member.