Removable Dose Detection Module for Medication Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medication delivery devices lack the capability to automatically detect and record the amount of medication delivered during injection events, requiring patients to manually track doses, and there is a need for a reusable and removable dose detection system that does not alter the functionality of the device.
Innovation Solution
A dose detection system comprising an electronics assembly with a rotation sensor attached to the actuator and a sensed element on the dose setting member, which detects relative movement during dose delivery, allowing for automatic dose tracking and communication of the information to an external device, and is designed as a removable module for compatibility with multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a dose detection system is integrated into the medication delivery device, then automatic dose detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dose detection system is divided into separate functional modules: a rotation sensor mounted on the actuator, a sensed element mounted on the dose setting member, and an electronics assembly with processor and memory. This modular segmentation allows the detection functionality to be added without completely redesigning the entire device, thereby improving automation while managing complexity through component separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensed element acts as an intermediary between the mechanical rotation of the dose setting member and the electronic detection system. This intermediary component translates mechanical movement into detectable signals for the rotation sensor, enabling automatic dose detection without requiring direct integration between mechanical and electronic subsystems, thus managing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a rotation sensor and sensed element system is added to detect relative movement, then measurement precision of dose delivered is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual dose tracking with an electronic rotation sensor system that automatically detects and records the rotational movement of the dose setting member. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with electronic sensing and processing improves measurement precision by providing objective, quantifiable data on the actual dose delivered, while the modular design manages the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dose detection system is designed to automatically detect, record, and communicate dose information without requiring user intervention. The rotation sensor continuously monitors the relative movement between the actuator and dose setting member, and the processor automatically calculates and stores the delivered dose, eliminating the need for manual tracking and improving measurement accuracy through automated self-monitoring.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the dose detection system is made as a removable module, then adaptability for use with multiple devices is improved, but reliability of detection may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The dose detection module is designed as a universal component that can be attached to various medication delivery devices through standardized mounting interfaces. The rotation sensor and sensed element configuration is intended to work with different actuator and dose setting member designs, providing adaptability across multiple device types while maintaining core detection functionality through consistent mechanical coupling principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The module includes pre-configured mounting features and alignment mechanisms that ensure proper installation before use. The sensed element is pre-positioned to engage with the dose setting member at the correct orientation, and the rotation sensor is pre-aligned to accurately measure rotational movement. These preliminary configuration measures ensure reliable detection performance when the module is installed on different devices.
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 accurate and automatic detection of medication doses delivered, improving patient safety by eliminating manual tracking and enhancing the usability of medication delivery devices without modifying their operation.
Implementation Method 1
The electronics assembly includes a rotation sensor operable with the sensed element to detect the movement of the dose setting member relative to the actuator during dose delivery
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a dose detection system for use in combination with a medication delivery device in which a dose setting member rotates relative to an actuator during dose delivery. The dose detection system includes a module which is removably attached to the medication delivery device. The module includes a dosing component attached to the actuator during dose delivery. The dosing component includes a light source and a light sensor. A sensed element is attached to the dose setting member and includes surface features detectable by the light sensor.