Spring-Based Sensor Assembly for Injection Data Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection devices lack mechanisms to capture and transfer injection-related data, such as injection parameters and operation details.
Innovation Solution
An injection device equipped with a spring-based mechanism that includes a sensor assembly to measure parameters like force and acceleration during an injection operation, coupled with a wireless communication system to transmit this data to a computing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor assembly is added to measure injection parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is integrated with the spring component, combining the propulsion mechanism and measurement function into a single unified structure. The sensor is positioned to directly measure spring compression and displacement, eliminating the need for separate measurement components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring component serves dual functions: it acts as both the propulsion mechanism for delivering the injection and as the measurement target for the sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed, as the same element that provides mechanical force also provides the measurement reference.
2Loss of information
If a wireless communication device is added to transfer data, then information transfer capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication device is extracted as a separate modular component that can be independently integrated into the injection device. This allows the core injection function to remain simple while adding data transfer capability only where needed, minimizing the impact on overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication device acts as an intermediary between the sensor assembly and external computing devices. It receives data from the sensor and transmits it externally, serving as a bridge that enables information transfer without requiring complex direct integration between all system components.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to measure different parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single sensor assembly is designed to measure multiple injection parameters simultaneously by detecting different aspects of spring compression and displacement. The sensor system is configured to extract multiple measurement values (force, acceleration, position) from the same physical component, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system measures different physical parameters (force, acceleration, displacement) by detecting variations in the spring's mechanical state. By monitoring changes in the same component under different measurement conditions, the system achieves multi-parameter measurement capability without requiring multiple sensors.
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 the capture and transfer of injection-related data, allowing for improved monitoring and analysis of injection processes.
Implementation Method 1
a spring connected to the mobile component, wherein the spring is configured to cause the mobile component to move within the container to cause the medicament to be expelled from the container
Implementation Method 2
a sensor connected to an end of the spring, wherein the sensor is configured to measure a parameter associated with an injection operation of the injection device
Implementation Method 3
a wireless communication device configured to communicate, to a computing device, information associated with the injection operation of the injection device
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
An injection device may include a container, a mobile component, a spring, a sensor, and/or a wireless communication device. The container may have an open proximal end, a substantially closed distal end, and a reservoir including a medicament defined between the open proximal end and the substantially closed distal end. The mobile component may be provided in the container and be movable with respect to the container to cause the medicament to be expelled from the container. The spring may be connected to the mobile component and configured to cause the mobile component to move within the container. The sensor may be connected to an end of the spring and configured to measure a parameter associated with an injection operation of the injection device. The wireless communication device may be configured to communicate, to a computing device, information associated with the injection operation of the injection device.