Optical Sensor Attachment to Injection Device Dial

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data collection devices for medicament administration devices often require attachment to the main housing, obscuring dose indication windows, increasing user reliance on the device and risking dust and dirt ingress through necessary cutouts for internal component viewing.

Innovation Solution

A data collection device that attaches directly to the dose setting dial of medicament administration devices, using a light source and optical sensor to detect rotation of internal components through transparent or partially transparent materials, eliminating the need for cutouts and maintaining user interaction with the device's original interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If data collection devices attach to the main housing of medicament administration devices, then data collection capability is improved, but the dose indication window is obscured and user interaction with the original interface is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoiduser interaction with dose indication window

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the attachment location from the main housing to the dose setting dial, allowing the data collection device to be positioned at a location that does not obstruct the dose indication window while still enabling data collection through optical detection of the rotating internal component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses an optical system (light source and optical sensor) as an intermediary to detect rotation of the internal component indirectly, allowing data collection without direct visual access to the component and without obstructing the user interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If cutouts are created in the housing for viewing internal components, then data collection accuracy is improved, but dust and dirt ingress risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation detection accuracyVSAvoiddust and dirt ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses light as an intermediary to transmit information about the rotating internal component through transparent or translucent housing material, eliminating the need for physical cutouts and thereby preventing dust and dirt ingress while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the optical parameters of the housing material by using transparent or translucent materials that allow light transmission, enabling optical detection of the internal component through the housing without requiring physical openings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the data collection device attaches to the dose setting dial, then user interaction with the original interface is maintained and dust ingress is reduced, but attachment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction with dose setting dialVSAvoidattachment assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment assembly is designed to utilize existing structural features of the dose setting dial (such as the periphery or flange), making the attachment mechanism universal and adaptable without requiring complex custom mounting structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dose setting dial's existing structure (periphery or flange) serves dual purposes: it provides the rotational interface for dose setting and simultaneously provides the mounting structure for the data collection device, eliminating the need for separate complex attachment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 remote monitoring of medicament dispensation without altering the user's operation of the medicament administration device, reducing dust ingress and maintaining sterility, while allowing continuous use of the device's dose indication window.

Implementation Method 1

an optical sensor configured to receive light reflected by at least the relatively reflective regions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20240358933A1Data Collection Apparatus for Attachment to an Injection Device

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 SANOFI AVENTIS DEUT GMBH

AI summary

A data collection device including an attachment assembly for attaching the data collection device to a dose setting dial of a medicament administration device, a light source configured to illuminate a portion of a surface of an internal component of the medicament administration device including a pattern of relatively reflective and non-reflecting regions formed on the surface of the internal component, and an optical sensor configured to receive light reflected by at least the relatively reflective regions.