Supplementary Device for Drug Delivery with Non-Contact Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual injection devices require continuous user effort, leading to potential underdosing, discomfort, and difficulty in administering medicaments, especially for elderly or dexterity-impaired individuals, while auto-injectors may lack reminders for timely injections and risk needle clogging if not properly capped.

Innovation Solution

A supplementary device with non-contact sensors and a processor that attaches to drug delivery devices to monitor the injection process, provide reminders, and alert users to correct usage, including dwell time, and transmit data wirelessly for improved compliance and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual injection devices are used, then the user can control the injection process, but the user must provide continuous mechanical energy which leads to potential underdosing, discomfort, and difficulty for elderly or dexterity-impaired individuals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of injection administrationVSAvoiddosing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The auto-injector device is designed to automatically perform the injection function without requiring continuous manual operation. The device self-activates and completes the injection process autonomously, eliminating the need for the user to continuously press a plunger while maintaining reliable dosing through mechanical or electronic activation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical plunger system with an automated activation mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous user mechanical input while ensuring complete dose delivery through spring-loaded or motor-driven plunger activation, thereby improving both ease of operation and dosing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If auto-injector devices are used, then self-administration is easier for patients, but the devices may lack reminders for timely injections and risk needle clogging if not properly capped

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of self-administrationVSAvoidinjection timing information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including visual indicators that show whether the device has been used, reminders that prompt timely injection administration, and status indicators that provide information about device state. This feedback system ensures users receive timely injections and properly cap needles, preventing clogging while maintaining ease of self-administration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If reusable auto-injectors are used with loadable syringes, then multiple injections can be administered, but the complexity of loading and unloading increases and proper capping must be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereusability of deviceVSAvoidloading and unloading procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the reusable auto-injector with pre-configured components and simplified loading mechanisms. The device includes pre-attached syringes or pre-loaded cartridges that eliminate complex loading procedures. Automatic capping mechanisms are also incorporated to ensure proper needle protection without requiring complex user actions, thereby maintaining reusability while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enhances user compliance with medication regimens by preventing underdosing and needle clogging, simplifying the injection process, and providing electronic records for better oversight and communication with healthcare professionals.

Implementation Method 1

a non-contact sensor configured to output signals indicative of the position of a moveable component within the drug delivery device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNon-contact sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11197963B2Device for attachment to an injection device

Publication Date: 2021.12.14 SANOFI AVENTIS DEUT GMBH

AI summary

A supplementary device is configured to be attached to a drug delivery device. The supplementary device comprises a non-contact sensor configured to output signals indicative of the position of a moveable component within the drug delivery device. The supplementary device further comprises a processor configured to receive the signals output from the non-contact sensor. This processor is additionally configured to determine, based on the signals, whether the drug delivery device is in a pre-activation state or a post-activation state.