Multipolar Magnet Dose Sensing for Injection Data Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices lack efficient and cost-effective mechanisms for automatically logging and processing injection data, leading to inaccurate patient compliance records due to manual logging and the absence of integrated data acquisition systems in disposable devices.
Innovation Solution
A drug delivery system incorporating a magnetizable drive spring and a sensor system with dipole magnets and magnetometers to accurately determine dose settings and expulsions, using signal processing algorithms to cancel out external and internal magnetic disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual logging is used to record injection data, then the device structure remains simple and cost-effective, but data accuracy and completeness deteriorate due to patient compliance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual logging (mechanical/human operation) with an automated sensor system that uses magnetometers to detect magnetic field changes from dipole magnets attached to the drive mechanism. This substitution automatically captures injection data, eliminating compliance issues while maintaining cost-effectiveness through simple magnetic sensing technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system automatically records injection data without requiring patient intervention. The magnetometers continuously monitor magnetic field changes and self-log injection events, dosages, and timing information, freeing patients from manual logging duties while ensuring complete and accurate data capture.
2Extent of automation
If electronic data acquisition functionality is integrated into disposable devices, then automated logging capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple magnetic dipole magnets and magnetometer sensors instead of complex electronic data acquisition systems. This mechanical/magnetic approach achieves automated logging functionality at a fraction of the cost of electronic solutions, making it suitable for disposable devices while maintaining high automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive dipole magnets and magnetometers that can be integrated into disposable devices without significantly increasing manufacturing costs. These simple components provide reliable automated logging for the device's intended lifespan, after which the entire device is discarded, eliminating the need for expensive reusable electronic components.
3Measurement precision
If a multipolar magnet system is used for dose detection, then measurement precision is improved, but magnetic field complexity and signal processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric multipolar magnet arrangements (e.g., quadrupolar or octupolar configurations) that create distinctive magnetic field patterns for different dose positions. These asymmetric patterns provide unique signatures that are easily distinguishable by the magnetometers, enabling precise dose detection while the field patterns themselves simplify the processing logic compared to symmetric configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the dose detection range into multiple discrete positions, each marked by a dipole magnet at a specific angular position. This segmentation of the continuous rotation into discrete detectable positions allows the magnetometers to precisely determine dose settings by detecting which magnetic signature is present, simplifying the mapping from magnetic field to dose amount.
4Reliability
If magnetic shielding is implemented to reduce external disturbances, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent acknowledges that magnetic disturbances from the magnetizable drive spring cannot be easily shielded, so it converts this harmful factor into a beneficial reference signal. By detecting the magnetic field signature of the drive spring itself, the system uses signal processing to distinguish between disturbances and actual dose-related magnetic changes, eliminating the need for complex shielding while maintaining measurement reliability.
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 secure, efficient, and cost-effective capture of dose-related data with high resolution, reducing power consumption and signal processing requirements, thereby improving data accuracy and compliance monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
an indicator element comprising a plurality of dipole magnets and being adapted to rotate relative to the reference component... a sensor system comprising a plurality of magnetometers arranged non-rotational relative to the reference component and adapted to determine continuous magnetic field values from the plurality of dipole magnets
Implementation Method 2
the drive spring being formed from a magnetisable material
Data Source
AI summary
A drug delivery system comprises an indicator element and a sensor system. The indicator element is arranged to rotate relative to a reference component and corresponding to a reference axis and comprises a plurality of dipole magnets. The sensor system comprises a plurality of magnetometers arranged non-rotational relative to the reference component and adapted to determine continuous magnetic field values from the plurality of dipole magnets, as well as processor means configured to determine on the basis of measured values from the plurality of magnetometers a rotational position and/or a rotational movement of the indicator element.