Removable Sensor Module for Medication Dose and Drug Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medication delivery devices lack automated systems to accurately detect and record the amount of medication delivered during an injection event, and there is a need for a device that can confirm the type of drug contained, ensuring proper dosing and record keeping.

Innovation Solution

A removable and reusable dose detection system for medication delivery devices that includes a sensing component attached to the actuator and a sensed component on the dose setting member, using various sensor technologies to detect relative rotation and determine the amount and type of medication delivered.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sensor system is added to detect relative rotation and automate dose detection, then measurement precision and automation are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedose detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical dose tracking with an automated sensor-based detection system. Sensors (optical, magnetic, capacitive, or inductive) detect relative rotation between the actuator and dose setting member, automatically determining dose amount and type without manual intervention. This substitution improves measurement precision while the modular sensor design helps manage the added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a removable dose detection system is implemented, then adaptability and ease of repair are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereusability with multiple devicesVSAvoidattachment system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dose detection system is divided into separate modular components: a removable sensor assembly that can be detached from the medication delivery device. This segmentation allows the sensor system to be reused across multiple devices while keeping each device relatively simple. The modular design enables easy attachment and detachment without complicating the core medication delivery functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable sensor system is designed to be universally compatible with multiple medication delivery devices. By creating a standardized attachment interface and universal sensor platform, the system can detect doses across different device types, improving adaptability and allowing a single sensor system to serve multiple functions across various devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If automated dose detection and drug identification are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedose administration accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system provides real-time feedback by detecting the relative rotation between the actuator and dose setting member during medication delivery. This feedback mechanism automatically records the dose amount and identifies the drug type, ensuring accurate dose administration. The feedback loop continuously monitors the injection process, improving reliability by preventing dosing errors while managing complexity through automated detection rather than manual verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 accurately detects the amount and type of medication delivered, providing automated dose tracking and reducing the risk of dosing errors, while maintaining the functionality of the medication delivery device.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor system which is operable to detect relative rotation between the actuator and the dose setting member of the medication delivery device, and which thereby detects the amount of a dose delivered by the medication delivery device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRelative rotation sensing:

Implementation Method 2

The sensor is operable to detect the angular position of the sensed component relative to the sensor to determine the type of drug contained by the medication delivery device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngular position detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3589340B1Dose detection and drug identification for a medication delivery device

Publication Date: 2025.10.08 ELI LILLY & CO

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AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a dose detection system for use in combination with a medication delivery device. In one aspect, the system includes a module keyed to the device and including a sensor operable to detect the relative angular position of a sensed element attached to the medication delivery device. The system determines the type of medication contained by the device, and/or the type of device, based on the detected angular position of the sensed element. In another aspect, the dose detection system is used in combination with a medication delivery device including a dose setting member which rotates relative to an actuator during dose delivery. The dose detection system includes a sensor and is operable to detect the relative angular positions of a sensed element attached to the dose setting member during dose delivery and to determine the amount of dose delivered. Related methods are also disclosed.