KR102482395B1 - Drug injection device and method of determining the remaining amount of drug thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The drug injection device may include a reservoir, a plunger, a connector member, a processor and a sensor unit.
A drug may be stored in the storage unit. The plunger seals the reservoir and is movable along the length of the reservoir as the reservoir is replenished with drug or as drug is expelled from the reservoir. A connector member may be attached to one side of the plunger. The processor may receive a contact detection signal or a non-contact detection signal from a sensor unit disposed adjacent to the storage unit. The connector member may contact or not contact the sensor unit while moving with the plunger.

Description

Drug injection device and method for determining the remaining amount of drug thereof

The present disclosure provides a drug infusion device and a method for determining the remaining drug amount thereof.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that causes symptoms in which blood glucose levels are out of the normal range due to an insufficient secretion of insulin or a malfunction in its normal function. Diabetes is a complex disease that can affect each tissue of the human body due to complications such as blindness, renal failure, heart failure, and neuropathy, and the number of diabetic patients is said to be increasing every year.

In the case of diabetes, it is necessary to measure blood sugar using a blood glucose meter and manage blood sugar through appropriate means such as diet, exercise program, insulin injection, oral diabetes medicine, and the like.

Recently, there is a demand for a technology for accurately determining the remaining amount of drug in a drug injection device and efficiently providing information on the remaining amount of drug to a user.
1. Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2009-0115899
2. Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2014-0110496

An object of the present invention is to provide a drug injection device and a method for determining the residual amount of the drug. The technical problem to be achieved by the present embodiment is not limited to the technical problems described above, and other technical problems can be inferred from the following embodiments.

As a technical means for achieving the above-described technical problem, a first aspect of the present disclosure is a drug injection device, comprising: a storage unit in which a drug is stored; a plunger that seals the reservoir and moves along the length of the reservoir as the drug is replenished or discharged from the reservoir; a connector member attached to one side of the plunger; and a processor for receiving a contact detection signal or a non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit, wherein the connector member contacts or does not contact a sensor unit disposed adjacent to the storage unit while moving with the plunger. A drug infusion device may be provided.

In addition, the processor may provide a drug injection device that switches a mode of the drug injection device from an inactive mode to an active mode when a touch detection signal is received from the sensor unit.

In addition, the processor may provide a drug injection device that determines the remaining amount of the storage unit as a predetermined remaining amount when receiving a non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit.

In addition, the sensor unit includes a plurality of contact ends, and the processor determines the remaining amount of the storage unit differently depending on which contact end among the plurality of contact ends receives a non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit. It is possible to provide a drug injection device that is to do.

In addition, after receiving the first non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit, the processor counts the non-contact detection signal received for a predetermined period, and when the count value is equal to or greater than a preset value, the remaining amount of the storage unit is set to a preset value. It is possible to provide a drug injection device that is determined by the residual amount value.

In addition, the processor, after receiving the first non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit, receives the non-contact detection signal each time the drug is discharged from the storage unit to count the number of times the non-contact detection signal is received, and the count value is When the amount is equal to or greater than the preset value, the remaining amount of the storage unit is determined as the preset remaining amount.

In addition, the processor calculates the remaining amount of the storage unit based on the remaining amount of the storage unit when receiving the first non-contact detection signal, the amount of drug discharged once, and the count value. It is possible to provide a drug injection device there is.

In addition, the processor determines that noise has occurred and resets the count value when the touch detection signal is received from the sensor unit before the count value becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined value. can do.

According to the above-described problem solving means of the present disclosure, an error in information that can be detected when contact between the connector member and the sensor unit is generated or released due to noise in addition to fluctuations in the residual amount of drug is prevented, thereby accurately determining the remaining amount of drug. can

According to one of the other problem solving means of the present disclosure, in consideration of the situation in which the drug is discharged in the process of counting the non-contact detection signal after the first non-contact detection signal is received, the remaining amount of the storage unit at the time of receiving the first non-contact detection signal, once By calculating the remaining amount of the storage unit based on the amount of the drug discharged and the count value of the non-contact detection signal, the remaining amount of the storage unit may be more accurately determined.

1 is a block diagram of an insulin management system including a user terminal, a controller and a drug injection device.
2 is a perspective view illustrating a drug injection device according to an embodiment.
3 is an exploded perspective view of a drug injection device according to an embodiment.
Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the configuration of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a perspective view showing one side of Figure 4;
6 is a plan view illustrating driving for sensing a flow rate of a storage unit.
7 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a sensor unit detects a contact of a connector member according to an exemplary embodiment.
8A and 8B are views for explaining an example in which a sensor unit detects non-contact of a connector member according to an exemplary embodiment.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of removing contact noise between a sensor unit and a connector member according to an exemplary embodiment.
10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a drug injection device in response to receiving a signal from a sensor unit according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. And in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted, and similar reference numerals are attached to similar parts throughout the specification.

Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly connected" but also the case where it is "electrically connected" with another element interposed therebetween. . In addition, when a certain component is said to "include", this means that it may further include other components without excluding other components unless otherwise stated.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram of an insulin management system including a user terminal, a controller and a drug injection device.

The user terminal 1000 refers to a communication terminal capable of using a web service in a wired/wireless communication environment. For example, the user terminal 1000 may include a smart phone, a tablet PC, a PC, a smart TV, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop, a media player, a micro server, a global positioning system (GPS) device, an e-book reader, It may be a terminal for digital broadcasting, a navigation device, a kiosk, an MP3 player, a digital camera, a home appliance, a device equipped with a camera, and other mobile or non-mobile computing devices. Also, the user terminal 1000 may be a wearable device having a communication function and a data processing function, such as a watch, glasses, a hair band, and a ring. However, as described above, a terminal equipped with an application capable of internet communication may be borrowed without limitation.

The user terminal 1000 may be connected one-to-one with the pre-registered controller 2000 . Also, the user terminals 1000 may receive data from the controller 2000 in order to prevent control from an external device. The user terminal 1000 may transmit setting information, for example, system time information to the controller 2000 within a preset range.

The controller 2000 performs a function of transmitting and receiving data to and from the drug injection device 3000, transmits a control signal related to injection of a drug such as insulin to the drug injection device 3000, and transmits a blood glucose control signal from the drug injection device 3000. It is possible to receive a control signal related to the measurement of a biometric value such as the like.

The controller 2000 may transmit an instruction request to measure the current state of the user to the drug injection device 3000 and receive measurement data from the drug injection device 3000 in response to the instruction request.

At this time, the drug injection device 3000 also performs a function of measuring the user's biological values such as blood sugar level, blood pressure, heart rate, etc., but also insulin, glucagon, anesthetic, painkiller, dopamine, growth hormone, and smoking cessation aids to be injected into the user. It also performs the function of injecting drugs such as

The drug injection device 3000 may further include a storage unit for storing a substance to be periodically injected into a user, and an injection amount to be injected may be controlled to be injected from the storage unit according to an injection signal generated by a controller.

In this case, the drug injection device 3000 may transmit information such as a measured value and an injection amount to the controller 2000 . Optionally, the drug injection device 3000 may transmit a device status message, a biometric value measurement message, a drug injection message, and a residual amount of drug in the storage unit to the controller 2000 . For example, the drug injection device 3000 may transmit to the controller 2000 a device status message including remaining battery capacity information of the device, whether the device boots successfully, and whether the injection is successful. Messages delivered to the controller may be delivered to the user terminal 1000 via the controller 2000 . Alternatively, the controller 2000 may transmit improved data obtained by processing received messages to the user terminal 1000 .

The drug injection device 3000 may also be implemented to communicate only with the pre-registered controller 2000 . In addition, the drug injection device 3000 has a function of injecting a drug such as insulin, glucagon, anesthetic, etc., and a measuring device that performs a function of measuring biological values such as a user's blood sugar level, blood pressure, and heart rate in terms of hardware. It can be divided into injection devices that perform. That is, the measuring device and the injection device may exist independently. The controller 2000 may be connected to the injection device and the measuring device to generate and provide a control signal for the injection device based on a measurement value measured through the measuring device.

In one embodiment, the drug injection device 3000 may transmit the remaining amount of drug in the storage unit to the controller 2000 . The controller 2000 may provide the remaining value of the storage unit to the user.

In one embodiment, the drug injection device 3000 may transmit a contact detection signal or a non-contact detection signal between the connector member and the sensor unit to the controller 2000 . The controller 2000 may notify the user that the drug injection device 3000 has been switched from an inactive mode to an active mode in response to receiving the touch detection signal.

In response to receiving the non-contact detection signal, the controller 2000 may provide the remaining amount of storage to the user.

In addition, the controller 2000 calculates the remaining amount of the storage unit based on the remaining amount of the storage unit when receiving the first non-contact detection signal, the amount of the drug discharged once, and the count value of the non-contact detection signal, and converts the calculated remaining amount value of the storage unit to the user. can be provided to

Various types of information provided by the controller 2000 may also be provided through the user terminal 1000 .

Meanwhile, the user terminal 1000, the controller 2000, and the drug injection device 3000 may perform communication using a network. For example, the network may include a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Value Added Network (VAN), a mobile radio communication network, a satellite communication network, and any of these It is a comprehensive data communication network that includes mutual combinations and allows each network constituent entity to communicate smoothly with each other, and may include wired Internet, wireless Internet, and mobile wireless communication network. In addition, wireless communication, for example, wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (Bluetooth low energy), Zigbee, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), UWB (ultra wideband), infrared communication (IrDA, infrared Data Association), NFC (Near Field Communication), etc. may be present, but are not limited thereto.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a drug injection device according to an embodiment, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the drug injection device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing some components of FIG. 3 and FIG. It is a perspective view showing one side of 4. 6 is a plan view illustrating driving for sensing the flow rate of the storage unit.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 6 , the drug injection device 10 may be attached to a user to inject a drug and inject the drug stored therein in a set amount to the user.

The drug injection device 10 may be used for various purposes depending on the type of drug to be injected. For example, the drug may include an insulin-based drug for diabetic patients, other drugs for the pancreas, drugs for the heart, and other various types of drugs.

One embodiment of the drug injection device 10 may include a housing 11 covering the outside and an attachment portion 12 positioned adjacent to the user's skin. The drug injection device 10 includes a plurality of parts disposed in an inner space between the housing 11 and the attachment part 12 . A separate bonding means may be further interposed between the attachment part 12 and the user's skin, and the drug injection device 10 may be fixed to the skin by the bonding means.

The drug injection device 10 includes a needle assembly 100, a storage unit 200, a driving module 300, a battery 500, a driving unit 400, a clutch unit 350, a trigger member 600, and a needle cover. It may include an assembly 700, an alarm unit 800 and a plurality of sensor units.

In the drug injection device 10, the base body may form a frame in which at least one body supports internal parts. The base body may have a first body 13, a second body 14, and a third body 15 according to arrangement.

The first body 13 is disposed below the housing 11, and the needle assembly 100, the storage unit 200, the driving module 300, the battery 500, etc. may be supported in each opening or groove. . The second body 14 is disposed under the first body 13 and may be connected to the attachment part 12 . The second body 14 may cover the lower portion of the drug injection device 10 . The third body 15 is disposed above the first body 13, and supports the storage unit 200, the driving module 300, the battery 500, the driving unit 400, etc. in each opening or groove. can In the drawings, the first body 13, the second body 14 and the third body 15 are shown, but are not limited thereto and may be integrally provided or provided in plurality.

A control module (not shown) may be disposed inside the drug injection device 10 . A control module (not shown), which is a circuit board, is disposed below the second body 14 and can control the overall driving of the drug injection device 10 . The control module (not shown) may electrically contact the driving module 300, the battery 500, the alarm unit 800, and a plurality of sensor units to control their driving.

The needle assembly 100 may be mounted on the first body 13 . In the needle assembly 100, the needle N and/or the cannula may move in an axial direction by rotation of the sleeve 110.

One end of the needle N may be connected to the reservoir 200 to deliver the drug, and the other end may be inserted into the cannula and moved along the cannula.

Since the cannula has a conduit shape capable of accommodating the needle N, the drug discharged from the needle N can be injected into the user.

The cannula remains inserted into the user's skin, but the needle N rises and is separated from the object. However, the cannula and the needle N form a path through which the fluid moves, so that the drug injected from the reservoir 200 can be injected into the user through the needle N and the cannula.

In the drug injection device 10, a user may simply rotate the needle assembly 100 to insert a cannula into a subject and start drug injection.

The storage unit 200 is mounted on the first body 13 and the third body 15, and is connected to the needle assembly 100. The drug is stored in the internal space of the storage unit 200, and a fixed amount of drug may be moved to the needle N according to the movement of the plunger 230. The storage unit 200 may include a storage space 210, a cap cover 220, a plunger 230, a sealing ring 240, and a connector member 250.

The storage space 210 extends in the longitudinal direction and may store drugs in the internal space. The drug stored in the storage space 210 may be discharged to the needle N by the movement of the plunger 230 . A cap cover 220 may be mounted at an end of the storage space 210 .

The storage space 210 may have an inlet end and an outlet end. The drug may be injected into the inlet, and the drug may be discharged through a needle (N) installed at the outlet.

The plunger 230 is disposed inside the storage unit 200 to seal the storage space 210 and is linearly moved along the longitudinal direction of the storage unit 200 by driving the driving module 300 and the driving unit 400. can do. When the drug is replenished in the reservoir 200, the plunger 230 may retreat, and when the drug is discharged from the reservoir 200, the plunger 230 may move forward. In one embodiment, a mechanical configuration for preventing replenishment of the drug may be added to the drug injection device 10, which will be described later in the coupler 510 related section.

A connector member 250 may be attached to one side of the plunger 230 . The connector member 250 is attached to the plunger 230 and may be linearly moved along with the linear movement of the plunger 230 .

When the plunger 230 retracts, the connector member 250 may retract together with the plunger 230, and when the plunger 230 advances, the connector member 250 may move forward together with the plunger 230.

The connector member 250 may be made of a material having electrical conductivity and may have a shaft shape. By contacting the sensor unit 910 while the connector member 250 is moving, the drug storage amount may be measured or the drug injection device 10 may be started to operate.

The driving module 300 may generate driving force and transmit the driving force to the driving unit 400 . The driving force transmitted by the driving unit 400 moves the plunger 230 along the longitudinal direction of the storage unit 200, and in this process, the drug may be discharged.

The driving unit 400 may be installed between the driving module 300 and the storage unit 200 to move the plunger 230 disposed in the storage unit 200 with driving force generated by the driving module 300 . However, the driving unit 400 can move the plunger 230 forward only when the rod 410 and the driving wheel 420 are coupled or connected by the clutch unit 350 .

The rod 410 is connected to the plunger 230 and extends in one direction. The rod 410 is inserted into the opening of the cap cover 220, and the rod 410 can move in the longitudinal direction of the storage part 200 to move the plunger 230. The rod 410 may have a threaded shape on its surface. The rod 410 is inserted into the connecting member 520 and is connected to the driving wheel 420 by the clutch unit 350 when liquid is discharged in a fixed amount, so that the rod 410 can be moved forward.

The driving wheel 420 is drivingly connected to the driving module 300 and can rotate by driving the driving module 300 . The driving wheel 420 may have a first connection end 421 and a second connection end 422, and may have a space in which the rod 410 can move. Since at least one of the first connection end 421 and the second connection end 422 is always driven and connected to the driving module 300 by the connector CN, the driving module 300 drives the driving wheel 420. ) can rotate.

When the driving units 400 are engaged with each other by the clutch unit 350, the driving module 300 rotates the driving wheel 420 of the driving unit 400, and the rotational movement of the driving wheel 420 Linear movement of the plunger 230 may result. When the plunger 230 linearly moves, the connector member 250 attached to one side of the plunger 230 may also linearly move.

The clutch unit 350 may drively connect the driving module 300 and the driving unit 400 . The clutch unit 350 is disposed between the rod 410 and the driving wheel 420 and may include a coupler 510 and a connecting member 520 .

The coupler 510 is disposed outside the connecting member 520, is spaced apart from the connecting member 520 at a predetermined interval when inactive, and connects the rod 410 and the driving wheel 420 when activated. The coupler 510 may be a component capable of applying an elastic force to the outside of the connecting member 520 .

In one embodiment, when the reservoir 200 is replenished with a drug, the plunger 230 and the connection member 520 connected to the plunger 230 retract along the longitudinal direction of the reservoir 200, and in the process The connecting member 520 and the coupler 510 may be fastened. After the connection member 520 and the coupler 510 are fastened, the plunger 230 cannot be retracted any more, and thus additional replenishment of the drug may be impossible. That is, after the connecting member 520 and the coupler 510 are fastened, the plunger 230 may only move forward.

The drive module 300 may be any type of device having a drug suction force and a drug discharge force by electricity. For example, all types of pumps such as mechanical displacement type micropumps and electromagnetic motion type micropumps can be used. The mechanical displacement type micropump is a pump that uses the movement of solids or fluids such as gears or diagrams to create a pressure difference to induce fluid flow. Diaphragm displacement pumps, fluid displacement pumps ), and rotary pumps. An electrokinetic micropump is a pump that uses energy in the form of electricity or magnetism directly to move a fluid, and includes an electrohydrodynamic pump (EHD), an electroosmotic pump, and a magnetohydrodynamic pump ( Magneto hydrodynamic pump) and Electro wetting pump.

The battery 500 may supply electricity to the drug injection device 10 to activate each part. Although the figure shows a pair of batteries 500, it is not limited thereto, and may be set in various ways according to the capacity, use range, use time, etc. of the drug injection device 10.

The battery 500 is disposed adjacent to the driving unit 400 and may supply electricity to the driving unit 400 . In addition, the battery 500 is connected to the control module 16, and based on the electrical signal measured by the sensor unit, the rotation number or rotation speed of the drive unit 400, the amount of drug stored in the storage unit 200, the user Data on the amount of injected drug and the like can be measured.

7 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a sensor unit detects a contact of a connector member according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7 , drugs may be stored in the storage unit 71000 . The plunger 72000 may seal a space in the reservoir 71000 where the drug is stored. The plunger 72000 may move along the longitudinal direction of the storage unit 71000 when the storage unit 71000 is replenished with the drug or the drug is discharged from the storage unit 71000 .

When the storage unit 71000 is replenished with the drug, the plunger 72000 moves outward from the storage unit 71000, and when the drug is discharged from the storage unit 71000, the plunger 72000 moves outward from the storage unit 71000. You can move inward.

A connector member 73000 may be attached to one side of the plunger 72000 . Connector member 73000 is movable with plunger 72000. When the storage unit 71000 is replenished with the drug, the connector member 73000 also moves outward from the storage unit 71000, and when the drug is discharged from the storage unit 71000, the plunger 72000 moves toward the storage unit 71000. can move inward.

The sensor unit 74000 may be disposed adjacent to the storage unit 71000. The sensor unit 74000 may include a first contact end 74100 and a second contact end 74200.

The processor may receive a touch detection signal or a non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit 74000 .

In one embodiment, the connector member 73000 may remain in contact with the second contact end 74200. When the connector member 73000 contacts only the second contact end 74200, the processor may receive a non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit 74000. Specifically, the processor may periodically send current from the battery to the sensor unit 74000, and may determine that the non-contact detection signal has been received when the feedback signal is not received from the sensor unit 74000. The feedback signal may be a current value, but is not limited thereto.

The connector member 73000, which was in contact with only the second contact end 74200, contacts both the first contact end 74100 and the second contact end 74200 while moving along the longitudinal direction of the storage unit 71000. can do. At this time, the processor may receive a touch detection signal from the sensor unit 74000 . That is, when the connector member 73000 contacts the second contact end 74200 while maintaining contact with the first contact end 74100, the processor may receive a contact detection signal from the sensor unit 74000. there is. Specifically, the processor may periodically send current from the battery to the sensor unit 74000, and may determine that the touch detection signal has been received when receiving a feedback signal from the sensor unit 74000.

In one embodiment, when receiving a touch detection signal from the sensor unit 74000, the processor may switch all modes of the drug injection device from an inactivation mode to an activation mode. That is, when the connector member 73000 contacts only the first contact end 74100, the drug injection device operates in an inactive mode, and the connector member 73000 contacts the first contact end 74100 and the second contact end 74200. Upon contact with both, the drug infusion device may operate in an active mode.

In the inactive mode of the drug injection device, power may not be supplied to at least some components inside the drug injection device. In the active mode of the drug infusion device, power may be supplied to components that are not powered in the inactive mode.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6 , power may not be supplied to the drive unit 400 of the drug injection device 10 in the inactive mode. In order to discharge the drug stored in the storage unit 200, the driving force of the drive unit 400 is required. In the inactive mode, power is not supplied to the drive unit 400, so the drug stored in the storage unit 200 is not injected into the user. . On the other hand, in the activation mode, as power is supplied to the driving unit 400 of the drug injection device 10, the drug stored in the storage unit 200 may be injected into the user.

8A and 8B are views for explaining an example in which a sensor unit detects non-contact of a connector member according to an exemplary embodiment.

Hereinafter, a description overlapping with that of FIG. 7 will be omitted for convenience.

Referring to FIG. 8A , a sensor unit 84000 may be disposed adjacent to a storage unit 81000 . The sensor unit 84000 may include a first contact end 84100 and a second contact end 84200.

The processor may receive a touch detection signal or a non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit 84000 .

In one embodiment, the connector member 83000 may remain in contact with the first contact end 84100 and the second contact end 84200. When the connector member 83000 contacts both the first contact end 84100 and the second contact end 84200, the processor may receive a contact detection signal from the sensor unit 84000. Specifically, the processor may periodically send current from the battery to the sensor unit 84000, and may determine that the touch detection signal has been received when receiving a feedback signal from the sensor unit 84000. The feedback signal may be a current value, but is not limited thereto.

The connector member 83000, which is in contact with both the first contact end 84100 and the second contact end 84200, moves along the longitudinal direction of the storage unit 81000, and the connector member 84200 makes contact with the second contact end 84200. Contact can be broken. At this time, the processor may receive a non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit 84000. That is, when contact with the first contact end 84100 is released while the connector member 83000 maintains contact with the second contact end 84200, the processor receives a non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit 84000. can receive Specifically, the processor may periodically send current from the battery to the sensor unit 84000, and may determine that a non-contact detection signal has been received when a feedback signal is not received from the sensor unit 84000.

As the drug is discharged from the storage unit 81000, the connector member 83000 moves inward from the storage unit 81000. In this process, contact between the connector member 83000 and the first contact end 74100 is released. It can be.

That is, when receiving a non-contact detection signal while receiving a touch detection signal from the sensor unit 84000, the processor may determine the remaining amount of the storage unit 81000 as a predetermined remaining amount. For example, the preset remaining amount may be 75%, 50%, 25%, 10%, etc. of the total capacity of the storage unit, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 8B , the sensor unit 84000 may further include a third contact end 84300 in addition to the first contact end 84100 and the second contact end 84200 .

In one embodiment, the connector member 83000 may remain in contact with the first contact end 84100, the second contact end 84200, and the third contact end 84300. When the connector member 83000 is in contact with all of the first contact end 84100, the second contact end 84200, and the third contact end 84300, the processor may receive a touch detection signal from the sensor unit 84000. there is. Specifically, the processor may periodically send current from the battery to the sensor unit 84000, and may determine that the touch detection signal has been received when receiving a feedback signal from the sensor unit 84000. The feedback signal may be a current value, but is not limited thereto.

The connector member 83000, which is in contact with all of the first contact end 84100, the second contact end 84200, and the third contact end 84300, moves along the length direction of the storage unit 81000 to remove the first contact end 84100. Contact with the third contact end 84300 may be released. At this time, the processor may receive the first non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit 84000. That is, when contact with the third contact end 84300 is released while the connector member 83000 maintains contact with the first contact end 84100 and the second contact end 84200, the processor operates the sensor unit. A first non-contact detection signal may be received from (84000).

When receiving the first non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit 84000, the processor may determine the remaining amount of the storage unit 81000 as the first remaining amount. For example, the first residual amount may be 50% of the total capacity of the storage unit.

After contact with the third contact end 84300 is released, the connector member 83000 in contact with the first contact end 84100 and the second contact end 84200 moves along the longitudinal direction of the storage portion 81000. Depending on the process, the contact with the first contact end 84100 may be released. At this time, the processor may receive the second non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit 84000. That is, when contact with the first contact end 84100 is released while the connector member 83000 maintains contact with the second contact end 84200, the processor detects a second non-contact from the sensor unit 84000. signal can be received.

When receiving the second non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit 84000, the processor may determine the remaining amount of the storage unit 81000 as the second remaining amount. For example, the second residual amount value may be 25% of the total capacity of the storage unit.

Although FIG. 8B illustrates that the sensor unit 84000 includes first to third contact ends 84100, 84200, and 84300, the number of contact ends included in the sensor unit 84000 is not limited thereto.

The sensor unit 84000 may include a plurality of contact ends. The processor may differently determine the residual amount of the storage unit 81000 according to which non-contact detection signal is received from among the plurality of contact ends from the sensor unit. That is, as the number of contact stages included in the sensor unit 84000 increases, the processor can more precisely measure the remaining amount of the storage unit 81000.

9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of removing contact noise between a sensor unit and a connector member according to an exemplary embodiment.

The drug injection device may include a reservoir, a plunger, a connector member, a processor and a sensor unit. A drug may be stored in the storage unit. The plunger seals the reservoir and is movable along the length of the reservoir as the reservoir is replenished with drug or as drug is expelled from the reservoir. A connector member may be attached to one side of the plunger. The processor may receive a contact detection signal or a non-contact detection signal from a sensor unit disposed adjacent to the storage unit. The connector member may contact or not contact the sensor unit while moving with the plunger.

Referring to FIG. 9 , in step 910, the processor may determine whether the connector member and the sensor unit are in a contact state. In one embodiment, the sensor unit may include a first contact end and a second contact end. When the connector member is in contact with both the first contact end and the second contact end, the processor may determine that the connector member and the sensor unit are in contact.

In operation 920, the processor may determine whether the connector member and the sensor unit have entered a non-contact state based on the signal received from the sensor unit. Specifically, the contact with the second contact end may be released while the connector member, which is in contact with both the first contact end and the second contact end, moves along the longitudinal direction of the storage unit. At this time, the processor may receive a non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit. When the processor receives the non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit, it may proceed to step 930.

In step 930, after receiving an initial non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit, the processor may count non-contact detection signals received for a predetermined period.

In step 941, the processor may increase the count value by 1.

In one embodiment, the processor may increase the count value by 1 whenever the non-contact detection signal is counted regardless of whether the drug is discharged from the storage unit.

In another embodiment, whenever the drug is discharged from the storage unit, the processor may receive a non-contact detection signal, count the number of times the non-contact detection signal is received, and increase the count value by one.

In step 942, when the count value is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the processor may determine the remaining amount of the storage unit. For example, the preset value for the count value may be 10 times, 15 times, 20 times, etc., but is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, when the count value is equal to or greater than the preset value, the processor may determine the residual amount value of the storage unit as the preset residual amount value. For example, the preset remaining amount may be 75%, 50%, 25%, 10%, etc. of the total capacity of the storage unit, but is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, when the count value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the processor may calculate the remaining amount of the storage unit based on the amount of the drug discharged once and the count value. For example, if the remaining amount of the storage unit is 40 units when the first non-contact detection signal is received from the sensor unit, the discharge amount is 1 unit when the drug is discharged once, and the count value is 10 times, the processor sets the remaining amount of the storage unit to 30 units (40 units- (1 unit X 10 times)).

Meanwhile, referring to step 921 , when the processor receives the touch detection signal from the sensor unit before the count value becomes equal to or greater than the preset value, the processor may determine that noise has occurred and reset the count value.

Even if there is no change in the residual amount of the drug while the drug injection device is in use, contact between the connector member and the sensor unit may temporarily occur or the contact may be released due to various causes. In the present invention, in order to minimize the error of information in detecting the residual amount of the drug as a cause of such noise, in addition to the change in the residual amount of drug, even after the initial non-contact detection signal is received between the connector member and the sensor unit, whether or not the non-contact monitoring signal is continuously received You can check. In the present invention, only when the continuous count value of the non-contact detection signal becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that non-contact between the connector member and the sensor unit has occurred due to the change in the remaining amount of drug, and the remaining amount of the storage unit can be determined as the preset remaining amount. there is.

In addition, in the present invention, in consideration of the situation in which the drug is discharged in the process of counting the non-contact detection signal after the first non-contact detection signal is received, the remaining amount of the storage unit at the time of receiving the first non-contact detection signal, the amount of drug discharged at one time, and the non-contact detection By calculating the remaining amount of the storage unit based on the count value of the signal, it is possible to more accurately determine the remaining amount of the storage unit.

10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a drug injection device in response to receiving a signal from a sensor unit according to an embodiment.

The drug injection device may include a reservoir, a plunger, a connector member, a processor and a sensor unit. A drug may be stored in the storage unit. The plunger seals the reservoir and is movable along the length of the reservoir as the reservoir is replenished with drug or as drug is expelled from the reservoir. A connector member may be attached to one side of the plunger. The processor may receive a contact detection signal or a non-contact detection signal from a sensor unit disposed adjacent to the storage unit. The connector member may contact or not contact the sensor unit while moving with the plunger.

Referring to FIG. 10 , in step 1010, the drug injection device may operate in an inactive mode. In the inactive mode of the drug injection device, power may not be supplied to at least some components inside the drug injection device. In the active mode of the drug infusion device, power may be supplied to components that are not powered in the inactive mode. Specifically, power may not be supplied to the drive unit of the drug injection device in the inactive mode. In order to discharge the drug stored in the storage unit, the driving force of the driving unit is required. However, since no power is supplied to the driving unit in the inactive mode, the drug stored in the storage unit is not injected into the user.

In the inactive mode of the drug injection device, the connector member and the sensor unit may be in a non-contact state. In one embodiment, the sensor unit may include a first contact end and a second contact end. When the connector member contacts only the second contact end and does not contact the first contact end, the processor may determine that the connector member and the sensor unit are not in contact.

In step 1020, the processor may receive a touch detection signal from the sensor unit. Specifically, the connector member, which is in contact with only the second contact end, may contact both the first contact end and the second contact end while moving along the longitudinal direction of the storage unit. At this time, the processor may receive a touch detection signal from the sensor unit.

In step 1030, the processor may switch the mode of the drug injection device from the inactive mode to the active mode. When the connector member contacts only the first contact end, the drug injection device operates in a deactivated mode, and from when the connector member contacts both the first contact end and the second contact end, the drug injection device operates in an active mode. .

In one embodiment, the processor counts the touch detection signal received for a predetermined period after receiving the first touch detection signal from the sensor unit, and if the count value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the mode of the drug injection device is changed from a disabled mode to an active mode can be converted to Meanwhile, when the processor receives the non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit before the count value becomes equal to or greater than the preset value, the processor may determine that noise has occurred and reset the count value.

In one embodiment, the above-described steps may not be repeatedly performed after the drug injection device is switched from an inactive mode to an active mode.

In step 1040, the drug injection device may operate in an activation mode. In the active mode of the drug infusion device, power may be supplied to components that are not powered in the inactive mode. Specifically, in the activation mode, the drug stored in the storage unit may be injected into the user as power is supplied to the drive unit of the drug injection device.

In step 1050, the processor may receive a non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit. Specifically, the contact with the second contact end may be released while the connector member, which is in contact with both the first contact end and the second contact end, moves along the longitudinal direction of the storage unit. At this time, the processor may receive a non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment, step 1050 is performed only when the drug injecting device operates in an active mode, and step 1050 may not be performed when the drug injecting device operates in an inactive mode.

In step 1060, the processor may determine the remaining capacity value of the storage unit.

In one embodiment, when receiving a non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit, the processor may determine the remaining amount of the storage unit as a preset remaining amount.

In one embodiment, the processor counts the non-contact detection signal received for a predetermined period after receiving the first non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit, and determines the remaining amount of the storage unit as the preset remaining amount value when the count value is equal to or greater than the preset value. can

In one embodiment, after receiving the first non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit, the processor receives the non-contact detection signal each time the drug is discharged from the storage unit to count the number of times the non-contact detection signal is received, and the count value is a preset value In the case of the above, the remaining amount of the storage unit may be determined as a predetermined remaining amount.

In one embodiment, the processor may count the number of receptions of the non-contact detection signal by receiving the non-contact detection signal each time the drug is discharged from the storage unit after receiving the first non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit. In addition, the processor may calculate the remaining amount of the storage unit based on the remaining amount of the storage unit when the first non-contact detection signal is received, the amount of the drug discharged once, and the count value.

Meanwhile, when the processor receives the touch detection signal from the sensor unit before the count value becomes equal to or greater than the preset value, the processor may determine that noise has occurred and reset the count value.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software (eg, a program) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium readable by a machine. For example, the processor of the device may call at least one command among one or more commands stored from a storage medium and execute it. This enables the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one command invoked. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term refers to the case where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium. It does not discriminate when it is temporarily stored.

According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. Computer program products may be traded between sellers and buyers as commodities. A computer program product is distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (eg compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or through an application store (eg Play Store™) or between two user devices. It can be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) directly or online. In the case of online distribution, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a device-readable storage medium such as a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or a relay server's memory.

Also, in this specification, “unit” may be a hardware component such as a processor or a circuit, and/or a software component executed by the hardware component such as a processor.

The scope of the present embodiment is indicated by the appended claims rather than the detailed description above, and should be construed as including all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts thereof.

10: drug injection device 11: housing
12: attachment part 13: first body
14: second body 15: third body
16: control module 100: needle assembly
110: sleeve 200: storage unit
210: storage space 220: cap cover
230: plunger 240: sealing ring
250: connector member 300: drive module
350: clutch unit 400: drive unit
410: rod 420: driving wheel
421: first connection end 422: second connection end
500: battery 520: connection member
600: trigger member 700: needle cover assembly
800: alarm unit 910: sensor unit while moving
71000: storage unit 72000: plunger
73000 Connector member 74000 Sensor unit
74100: first contact end 74200: second contact end
81000: storage unit 83000: connector member
84000: sensor unit 84100: contact end
84200: second contact end 84300: third contact end

Claims (9)

In the drug injection device,
a storage unit in which drugs are stored;
a plunger that seals the reservoir and moves along the length of the reservoir as the drug is replenished or discharged from the reservoir;
a connector member attached to one side of the plunger;
a sensor unit disposed adjacent to the storage unit and including a plurality of contact ends; and
A processor receiving a touch detection signal or a non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit;
The connector member is in contact or non-contact with at least one of the plurality of contact ends of the sensor unit while moving with the plunger,
After receiving the first non-contact detection signal, the processor counts the received non-contact detection signal for a predetermined period, and when the count value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the count value and a contact terminal of a plurality of contact terminals And determining the residual amount of the drug in the storage unit based on whether a non-contact detection signal is received. According to claim 1,
the processor,
and switching a mode of the drug injection device from an inactive mode to an active mode when a touch detection signal is received from the sensor unit. According to claim 1,
the processor,
And determining the remaining amount of the storage unit as a predetermined remaining amount when receiving a non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit. delete delete According to claim 1,
the processor,
After receiving the first non-contact detection signal from the sensor unit, receiving the non-contact detection signal each time the drug is discharged from the storage unit and counting the number of receptions of the non-contact detection signal;
Wherein, when the count value is equal to or greater than the preset value, determining the residual amount of the storage unit as the preset residual amount. According to claim 6,
the processor,
The drug injection device, wherein the remaining amount of the storage unit is calculated based on the remaining amount of the storage unit when the first non-contact detection signal is received, the amount of the drug discharged once, and the count value. According to claim 1,
the processor,
After receiving an initial touch detection signal from the sensor unit, counting the touch detection signals received for a predetermined period of time;
Wherein, when the count value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, a mode of the drug injection device is switched from a deactivation mode to an activation mode. According to claim 8,
the processor,
And when a touch detection signal or a non-contact detection signal is received from the sensor unit before the count value becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it is determined that noise has occurred and the count value is reset.

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