Segmented Touch Sensor Assembly for Injection Operation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices, particularly for patients with chronic diseases, face challenges in being user-friendly, intuitive, and providing accurate dose setting and dispensing, with a need for automated monitoring and logging of injection operations.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a touch-sensitive surface and processor that detects and recognizes operations by monitoring variations in sensing area and pressure applied by a user, allowing precise detection and logging of injection device usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated detection and monitoring functions are added to injection devices, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases and requires user training
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing surface is divided into multiple sensor segments that can independently detect touch. This segmentation allows the system to achieve precise detection of different finger positions and pressing forces while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure, as each segment operates independently but contributes to the comprehensive detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly serves multiple functions: detecting finger position, measuring pressing force, determining operation type (dose setting vs. injection), and providing feedback. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If simple and effective fixed dose injection devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but automated detection and monitoring capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The injection device automatically detects and logs injection operations through the sensor assembly that monitors user interactions. The system self-services by automatically recording dose settings, injection timing, and operation validity without requiring manual logging or complex user programming, thus maintaining ease of operation while enabling automated monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly provides automatic feedback by detecting whether a finger is present on the actuating element and whether the pressing force exceeds the threshold. This feedback mechanism enables automated validation of injection operations and provides cues to users about correct operation without complicating the user interface.
3Measurement precision
If touch-sensitive sensor segments are added to detect finger position and pressure, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing surface is implemented as a thin flexible film or shell that can be integrated into the actuating element. This approach allows for precise touch detection across the surface while maintaining ease of manufacture, as thin-film sensor technologies are well-established and can be produced using standard manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor segments detect changes in physical parameters such as pressure, capacitance, or resistance when touched. By utilizing parameter changes that occur naturally during finger interaction, the system achieves high sensing precision without requiring complex sensor structures or difficult manufacturing processes.
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 precise and automated detection of injection device operations, simplifying use and enhancing monitoring and logging capabilities, improving user experience and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the sensor segments is operable to generate or to modify an electric touch signal when touched by the body part of the user
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a sensor assembly for detecting an operation of an injection device, the sensor assembly including a sensor element attachable to the injection device and including a sensing surface, the sensing surface having a number of touch sensitive sensor segments the touch sensitive sensor segments being operable to generate an electric touch signal when touched by a body part of a user, and a processor connectable to the sensor element, operable to detect a variation of the electric touch signals over time and to recognize an operation of the injection device on the basis of the temporal variation of the electric touch signals.