Optical Medicament Reservoir Stopper Position Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices lack an efficient method to accurately monitor the quantity of medicament stored within the reservoir, which can lead to incorrect dosing and inefficient medication management.
Innovation Solution
A drug delivery device equipped with an optical configuration that includes a light emitting system and a light detection system, utilizing a stopper with an optically reflecting element to detect the amount of medicament by measuring the position of the stopper through reflected light signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual dose selection is used with a dosage knob and window, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of medicament quantity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical dose selection system with an optical detection system. A light source emits light through the reservoir wall, and a light sensor detects the reflected or transmitted light to determine the stopper position and calculate the remaining medicament quantity, thereby eliminating the need for manual dosage knobs and windows while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of a light source and light sensor that mediates between the stopper position and the control unit. The light interacts with the stopper and reservoir wall to provide indirect measurement information, which is then processed by the control unit to determine the exact medicament quantity without direct mechanical contact or visual inspection.
2Measurement precision
If optical detection system is implemented, then measurement precision of medicament quantity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system serves multiple functions: it detects the stopper position to determine remaining medicament quantity, monitors the sealing status of the reservoir, and provides data for dose tracking. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating multiple monitoring tasks into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives detection signals from the light sensor, processes the information to determine stopper position and medicament quantity, and can provide feedback control for dose administration. This closed-loop feedback mechanism improves measurement precision while managing system complexity through intelligent processing rather than additional hardware.
3Measurement precision
If light signal travels through reservoir wall portions, then medicament quantity monitoring is enabled, but light signal attenuation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making specific portions of the reservoir wall optically transparent or semi-transparent at the location where light needs to pass through. The wall material or structure is locally modified to allow light transmission while maintaining the integrity and opacity of other wall portions, thereby enabling stopper position detection without excessive light attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir is designed in advance with optically transparent or semi-transparent wall portions positioned strategically to allow light passage. This preliminary design action ensures that the light signal can effectively traverse the wall to reach the stopper and return to the sensor, preventing light attenuation issues during operation rather than attempting to compensate for them later.
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
This solution enables accurate and reliable monitoring of the medicament quantity within the drug delivery device, improving dosing precision and facilitating better medication management and data sharing in healthcare continuum.
Implementation Method 1
The light detection system is configured to detect a reflected light signal provided by a reflection of at least a portion of the light signal on the optically reflecting element of the stopper
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of the present disclosure are directed to a drug delivery device including a reservoir, a stopper, and a light emitting-detecting system. A reservoir includes a wall defining a proximal end and a distal end. A stopper includes an optically reflecting element. The stopper is configured to expel a portion of a medicament stored within the reservoir by moving within the reservoir in a direction from the distal end to the proximal end, such that a stopper position is indicative of an amount of the medicament within the reservoir. A light emitting system is configured to provide a light signal towards the stopper from the distal end. A light detection system is configured to detect a reflected light signal provided by a reflection of the light signal on the optically reflecting element of the stopper and to provide an electric signal in response to detecting the reflected light signal.