Optical Dose Tracking for Injection Pen Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current injection pens lack the ability to automatically track and record dose information, leading to inaccurate and incomplete medication administration records, which can result in poor compliance with medication regimens and ineffective disease management.
Innovation Solution
A dose monitoring system that includes a dose detection assembly with an optical sensor to track the movement of a dose indicator surface and an injection detection assembly with a sensor to detect the force applied to the dose knob, allowing for accurate determination and recording of medication doses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual tracking of dose information is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of dose records deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The injection pen automatically tracks and records dose information through integrated sensors that detect dose knob rotation and injection button activation, eliminating the need for manual tracking while improving recording accuracy and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical tracking is replaced with electronic sensors and digital recording systems that automatically capture dose information, transitioning from analog manual recording to automated digital measurement
2Measurement precision
If automated dose tracking is implemented, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dose tracking sensors, processor, and memory are integrated into the existing injection pen structure, combining automated tracking functionality with the original device rather than adding separate external systems
Solution Approach 2:
The injection pen serves multiple functions: delivering medication, tracking dose information, recording injection data, and communicating with external devices, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated tracking devices
3Ease of operation
If manual dose recording is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of information occurs due to errors and incomplete records
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automatic feedback by recording and storing dose information, allowing users to verify accurate recording and receive notifications about dose compliance, thereby preventing information loss while maintaining ease of use
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 enables precise tracking and recording of medication doses, ensuring accurate compliance and effective disease management by eliminating manual errors and providing a reusable solution compatible with various injection pens.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor assembly configured to determine an amount of movement of a dose indicator surface within the dose display window
Implementation Method 2
an injection sensor configured to detect a force or touch applied to the dose knob of the injection pen
Data Source
AI summary
A dose monitoring system for an injection pen includes a dose detection assembly and an injection detection assembly. The dose detection assembly includes a housing securable to a body of the injection pen over a dose display window, an optical sensor assembly for determining an amount of movement of a dose indicator surface within the dose display window, and a processor arranged within the housing. The injection detection assembly includes a housing securable to a dose knob of the injection pen, an injection sensor for detecting a force or touch applied to the dose knob, and a transmitter to communicate injection information when the force or touch is applied. The amount of medication injected is determined based on the amount of movement of the dose indicator surface within the dose display window when the force or touch is applied to the dose knob.