NFC Antenna Stacking in Drug Injection Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drug injection devices face challenges in integrating wireless data communication and display components due to size constraints, leading to interoperability issues with NFC antennas and reduced data transmission distances, as well as poor display readability.
Innovation Solution
A wireless data communication module featuring a folded flexible carrier member with a stacked configuration, including an NFC antenna below an LCD or OLED display, utilizing a non-magnetically permeable optical reflector to minimize signal attenuation and a magnetically permeable sheet for EMI shielding, allowing for larger display areas while maintaining effective data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless data transmitter or transceiver is integrated into the drug injection device, then wireless data communication capability is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC antenna is positioned below the display in a nested configuration, allowing both components to be integrated within the compact pen-shaped housing. The antenna is placed in the space beneath the display assembly, effectively nesting the wireless communication functionality within the existing device structure without significantly increasing overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar layout to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement by placing the NFC antenna below the display in the vertical dimension. This dimensional change allows both components to coexist within the limited horizontal footprint of the pen-shaped device, resolving the space constraint issue.
2Area of stationary object
If the NFC antenna is positioned below the display, then display area is increased, but data transmission distance is reduced due to signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetically permeable sheet is introduced as an intermediary component positioned between the NFC antenna and the display. This sheet acts as a mediator that allows magnetic field lines to pass through more efficiently, reducing signal attenuation caused by the display structure while enabling the antenna to be positioned below the display for maximum display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic properties of the material between the antenna and display by using a magnetically permeable sheet. This parameter change in material properties reduces the magnetic resistance and signal attenuation, thereby improving data transmission distance despite the antenna being positioned below the display.
3Extent of automation
If electronic components are added for data logging and wireless communication, then automation is improved, but the device becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC antenna and display are merged into a single integrated assembly where the antenna is positioned below the display on the same housing structure. This merging of components simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate assemblies required and enabling more straightforward integration of electronic components for data logging and wireless communication.
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 enables a compact NFC-based wireless data communication module with improved data transmission distance and display readability, accommodating the size constraints of pen-shaped drug injection devices without compromising data integrity or visibility.
Implementation Method 1
The display comprises an outwardly facing readable display and an opposing, downwardly facing, optical reflector
Implementation Method 2
The optical reflector of the display comprises an optically reflective and non-magnetically permeable material
Implementation Method 3
A magnetically permeable sheet, such as a ferrite sheet, is situated in-between the NFC antenna on the second component support region and the electronics circuit assembly on the third support region shielding the NFC antenna from EMI noise generated by the electronics circuit assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a wireless data communication module (100) for a drug injection device. The wireless data communication module (100) comprises a folded flexible carrier member (107) comprising a plurality of stacked component support regions (203, 205, 207, 209, 211) and a display (103), such as a LCD or OLED display, electrically connected to a first component support region (203) of the folded flexible carrier member (107) via a first set of electrical connection terminals. The display (103) comprises an outwardly facing readable display and an opposing, downwardly facing, optical reflector (319). The wireless data communication module (100) additionally comprises a NFC antenna (105) attached to a second component support region (205) of the folded flexible carrier member (107) situated below the first component mounting region (203). The optical reflector (319) of the display comprises an optically reflective and non-magnetically permeable material.