Reusable Recording Unit Holder for Medicament Adherence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Disposable medicament delivery devices pose challenges in incorporating reusable recording units due to cost and environmental concerns, and the risk of misplaced recording units leading to incorrect adherence monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A holder with attachment elements for securely storing and retrieving reusable recording units, featuring interfaces matching those of medicament delivery devices, and an optional electronic circuit for user communication and data monitoring, allowing secure attachment to various surfaces and facilitating easy retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a recording unit is integrated with a disposable medicament delivery device, then monitoring of medicament delivery is achieved, but cost increases and environmental impact worsens due to disposal of electronic equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring accuracyVSAvoidelectronic waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two separate components: a disposable medicament delivery device and a reusable recording unit. The recording unit can be detached and reused across multiple devices, eliminating the need to dispose of electronic components with each single-use device, thereby reducing electronic waste while maintaining monitoring functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The recording unit is designed as a universal component that can be attached to multiple disposable medicament delivery devices. This multi-functional design allows a single recording unit to serve numerous delivery devices over time, reducing the frequency of disposal and lowering overall electronic waste generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of substance

If a recording unit is made reusable and stored between uses, then cost and environmental impact are improved, but the risk of misplacement increases leading to incorrect adherence monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectronic wasteVSAvoidadherence monitoring accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A holder serves as an intermediary storage solution between the recording unit and the user. The holder provides a designated, visible location for storing the recording unit when not in use, reducing the likelihood of misplacement or forgetfulness while maintaining the reusable nature of the recording unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder or recording unit may incorporate visual indicators such as color changes or distinctive markings to signal the status or location of the recording unit, making it easier to locate and reducing the risk of misplacement that could compromise monitoring reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Strength

If attachment elements provide strong holding force, then the recording unit is securely stored, but the ease of retrieval may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidretrieval ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism incorporates dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt between strong holding and easy release. The attachment elements are designed to provide firm holding during storage while enabling simple, tool-free removal when needed, balancing security with ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3509668A1Holder for a recording unit
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 SHL MEDICAL AG

AI summary

The present invention relates to a holder (150) for a recording unit (50), which recording unit (50) is arranged with an interface configured to cooperate with an interface of a medicament delivery device for obtaining information regarding the use of the medicament delivery device, the holder (150) comprising an interface (158) configured to cooperate with the interface of the recording unit, and the holder (150) further comprising attachment elements (156) for attaching the holder to a suitable surface.