Optical Dose Decoding for Pen-Type Drug Injection Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-administration of insulin using pen-type drug delivery devices requires accurate dosage tracking and differentiation between dose dialing and delivery modes, which existing systems fail to address effectively, especially for users managing diabetes.
Innovation Solution
An optical decoding system comprising two optical sensors and a processor that determine the mode of operation by analyzing the rotation and axial movement of rotatable components on the drug delivery device, enabling accurate dose recording and display, and distinguishing between dose dialing and delivery modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single optical sensor is used to detect rotatable component movement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to distinguish between dose dialing and delivery modes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into two separate optical sensors: a first optical sensor for detecting the encoded number sleeve and a second optical sensor for detecting the dialling sleeve. This segmentation allows each sensor to specialize in detecting specific component movements, enabling reliable differentiation between dose dialing and delivery modes without requiring a single complex sensor system.
2Measurement precision
If optical decoding system is added to track dosage values, then the measurement precision of dosage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical dosage tracking mechanisms with an optical decoding system. Optical sensors detect encoded information on the number sleeve and dialling sleeve, and a processor decodes these optical signals to determine dosage values. This substitution provides more precise and reliable dosage tracking while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Reliability
If multiple optical sensors and processing components are integrated, then the dosage recording reliability is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the optical sensors and processor automatically detect, decode, and record dosage information without requiring user intervention. The system autonomously monitors the rotation of the number sleeve and dialling sleeve, differentiates between dialing and delivery modes, and stores dosage data in memory, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite the sophisticated underlying technology.
4Reliability
If the system distinguishes between dialing and delivery modes through component rotation detection, then the dosage delivery reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic detection by monitoring the rotation states of two different rotatable components (number sleeve and dialling sleeve) during operation. The processor analyzes the dynamic rotation patterns to distinguish between dose dialing mode (both components rotating) and delivery mode (number sleeve rotating while dialling sleeve stationary). This dynamic approach provides reliable mode differentiation without requiring complex static detection mechanisms.
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 ensures precise tracking and recording of insulin doses, facilitating effective glycemic control by accurately differentiating between dose dialing and delivery modes, enhancing user management of diabetes.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical sensor configured to be directed at a first rotatable component of the drug delivery device; a second optical sensor configured to be directed at a second rotatable component of the drug delivery device
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A supplementary device configured to be attached to a drug delivery device, the supplementary device comprising an optical decoding system comprising: a first optical sensor (212) configured to be directed at a first rotatable component of the drug delivery device; a second optical sensor (214) configured to be directed at a second rotatable component of the drug delivery device; and a processor configured to: receive signals from the first optical sensor, wherein the signals from the first optical sensor represent encoded dosage values present on the first rotatable component and whether the first rotatable component is rotating or not; receive signals from the second optical sensor, wherein the signals from the second optical sensor represent whether the second rotatable component is rotating or not, and to determine: i) that the drug delivery device is in a drug dose dialing mode when the signals received from the first optical sensor indicate that the first rotatable component is rotating and the signals received from the second optical sensor indicate that the second rotatable component is rotating, and ii) that the device is in a drug dose delivery mode when the signals received from the first sensor indicate that the first rotatable component is rotating and the signals received from the second sensor indicate that the second rotatable component is not rotating.