Optical Dose Detection in Pen-Type Drug Delivery Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pen-type drug delivery devices for self-administration of insulin lack an efficient and accurate method for users to set and administer precise doses, particularly for individuals with diabetes who need to adjust insulin doses based on blood glucose levels.
Innovation Solution
A drug delivery device featuring a helical track with optically encoded images on a cylindrical member, detected by an optical sensor and processed to determine the corresponding dose, allowing users to set and display the correct drug dose for administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical sensor and optically encoded images are used to detect dose settings, then measurement precision and dosing accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical dose setting detection mechanisms with an optical sensing system. The optical sensor detects optically encoded images on the cylindrical member to determine dose settings, eliminating the need for complex mechanical switches or contacts while improving measurement precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optically encoded images that represent dose setting values. These optical codes serve as information copies that can be detected and processed without physical contact, enabling accurate dose measurement while simplifying the mechanical structure of the device.
2Measurement precision
If a helical track with encoded images is used on the cylindrical member, then dosing precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear encoding to helical encoding on the cylindrical surface. The helical track wraps around the cylinder, allowing the encoded images to be read at a fixed radial position as the cylinder rotates. This dimensional approach simplifies manufacturing by decoupling the encoding precision from the rotational positioning precision.
3Reliability
If optical encoding is used for dose detection, then reliability of dose setting is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases due to complex encoding processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical dose detection with optical sensing, improving reliability by eliminating wear and contact issues. The optical encoded images can be applied using standard printing or marking techniques on the helical track, making the manufacturing process more reliable and consistent.
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 precise and accurate dosing of insulin, allowing users to administer between 1 and 80 International Units, improving glycemic control by facilitating individualized insulin administration.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may be an optical sensor configured to detect light intensity values at multiple locations on each encoded image
Implementation Method 2
The housing may also support a light source configured to illuminate the track
Data Source
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AI summary
A drug delivery device (100) comprising; a housing (102); a cylindrical member (406) configured to be rotatably supported inside the housing, wherein the outer surface of the cylindrical member is provided with a track (110) comprising a sequence of encoded images; and a sensor (112) directed at the track of the cylindrical member and configured to detect features of the encoded images.