Device for simulating the operation of a medication delivery device | Patent Publication Number 20120015335
US 20120015335 A1Alastair Robert Clarke
Christopher James Smith
Alastair Clarke
A simulation device for simulating the operation of a medication delivery device comprises a housing (1) and a moveable element (4) partly disposed in the housing (1). The moveable element is moveable from a first position to a second position.
- 1. Simulation device for simulating the operation of a medication delivery device comprising a housing (1; 600) and a moveable element (4; 44; 81; 91; 232; 650) partly disposed in the housing (1), the moveable element (4; 44; 81; 91; 232; 650) being moveable from a first position to a second position.
- 6. Simulation device according to any of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the moveable element (85) simulates a needle unit (84), a cap, a trigger, a slider, a medication cartridge or cartridge holding component, a device cover or a button (button element 4).
- 7. Simulation device according to any of the claims 1 to 6, wherein a sliding element (3) or a wheel (91; 635; 665) is constructed to move from a starting position to a final position.
- 11. Simulation device according to any of the claims 2 to 10, comprising a ratchet device (31, 32, 33, 39, 15, 45; 301, 302, 25, 47) releasably engaging the sliding element (3).
- 13. Simulation device according to any of the claims 1 to 12, comprising a spring element coupled to a button element (4) and/or to a sliding element (3).
- 14. Simulation device according to any of the claims 5 to 15, wherein the display element (7) is suitable for displaying the position of the sliding element (3) or the wheel (635, 665).
- 15. Simulation device according to any of the claims 5 to 14, comprising at least one second display element (8; 630, 660) constructed to display status information which corresponds to the position of the sliding element (3) or the wheel (635, 665).
- 17. Simulation device according to any of the claims 1 to 16, comprising at least one third display element (5, 9; 660) constructed to display status information which corresponds to the position of the moveable element (4).
- 19. Simulation device according to any of the claims 1 to 18, wherein at least one display element comprises a window (77, 8, 9, 5; 630, 660).
- 21. Simulation device according to any of the claims 1 to 20, comprising a hub element (6) suitable for simulating the releasable attachment of a needle unit.
- 22. Simulation device according to any of the claims 2 to 21, wherein the moveable element (4) and the sliding element (3) are coupled via a lost motion component or wherein the moveable element (650) and a wheel (635) are coupled via a lost motion component.
- 23. Simulation device according to any of the claims 1 to 22, comprising means for generating sound effects.
- 24. Simulation device according to any of the claims 1 to 23, wherein at least one component of the simulation device is made of plastic, a laminated composite foam-board, paper or cardboard.
- 27. Simulation device according to any of the claims 1 to 26, comprising a hinged element (233) connected to the simulation device via a hinge (234) and to a lever (232) such that the hinged element (233) rotates when the lever (232) is moved.
- 28. Simulation device according to any of the claims 1 to 27, wherein the housing (1) is formed as a card having at least two layers (102, 103).
- 29. Simulation device according to any of claims 1 to 28 comprising at least one hinged flap (100) suitable for covering at least a part of the housing (1).
- 30. Simulation device according to any of the claims 1 to 29, further comprising pop-up elements (211, 212).
- 31. Simulation device according to any of the claims 1 to 30, suitable for simulating multiple devices within one housing (1).
The present invention relates to a simulation device for simulating the operation of a medication delivery device.
Medication delivery devices, e.g. injection pens, auto-injectors or inhalers, have been developed to facilitate the self-administration of medication.
Simulation or training devices in the field of simulating medication delivery devices, e.g. injection pens, are commonly used when patients are trained.
Document U.S. Pat. No. 5,567,160 discloses a training device for training individuals to use automatic injectors. The training device comprises a spring which is manually compressed and then released when an activating button is moved. This document concerns an autoinjector device simulator, which is a single-use device to deliver a single dose of medication, e.g. for emergency use. The simulator is in the same form as the autoinjector device, which means the simulator replicates the three-dimensional appearance of the autoinjector device and contains numerous components.
Document US 2008/0059133 discloses an electronic simulated medical delivery device coupled to an electronic circuit system.
There are a number of problems that may arise with typical training devices. They may be often designed to very closely resemble the actual medication delivery device that they are simulating. Indeed training aids may be often produced where the actual device components are used with the exception of a colour or labeling change and where the medication container is replaced with a container of a suitable placebo, e.g. water-for-injection or saline solution.
This creates the possibility that the patient may confuse the training aid with the actual device and deliver a dose of placebo rather than medication or vice versa. Such training aids may also be more costly than the actual device mechanism because the training aid is typically manufactured in smaller volumes. A further disadvantage for using actual device components is that it requires manufacturing capacity that could otherwise be utilised to manufacture the actual device.
Training aids that merely simulate an actual medication delivery device also suffer the disadvantage that they serve only to facilitate practise with the device, rather than providing any training information or instruction. The user may therefore require training in the operation of the training aid.
It is an aim of the present invention to provide a simple and inexpensive simulation device. A further aim of the present invention is to provide a simulation device that provides additional information and instruction to the user. For this purpose, a simulation device for simulating the operation of a medication delivery device is provided. The simulation device comprises a housing and a moveable element partly disposed in the housing. The moveable element is moveable from a first position to a second position for simulating at least one feature of an actual medication delivery device. “Moveable†means that the moveable element is moveable in an axial direction and/or rotatable and/or pivotable and/or is able to pop up.
The moveable element may e.g. simulate a needle unit, a cap, a trigger, a slider, a medication cartridge or cartridge holding component or device cover or a button. Preferably the moveable element is a button element which simulates a button.
This simulation device may or may not simulate all of the features of an actual device. It is preferable to only simulate the features of the actual device that are crucial to the patient's understanding of the operation of the actual device. In one embodiment, the simulation device enables to mimic the use of a multi-dose pen-type injector, where for example several doses can be delivered from a cartridge of medicament. In one embodiment, the simulation device enables to mimic the use of a fixed-dose pen-type injector. Such simulation device may be able to simulate the attachment of a disposable needle.
An actual device, selected features of which can be simulated by the inventive simulation device, comprises a cartridge filled with a medication, e.g. a liquid drug.
When doses are ejected with an actual medication delivery device the cartridge bung advances along the cartridge in the distal direction expelling the medicine through a delivery means, e.g. a needle. The fluid pressure of the liquid drug in the cartridge and friction between the bung and the cartridge internal surfaces counteracts the movement of the bung.
The inventive simulation device is a pure simulation device simulating features and the operation steps of an actual medication delivery device without using actual medication. The simulation device is neither capable of providing nor capable of administering a medication, e.g. a liquid drug, or a medication simulating substitute, e.g. water or placebo.
This simulation device eliminates the risk of the patient attempting to administer from it or mistaking the simulation device for the actual medication delivery device. Further, this simulation device would minimize the production costs compared to using some or all of the components of the actual device. Additionally the materials selection, size, shape and markings of the simulation device make it obvious to the user that this is not the actual medication delivery device.
One embodiment of the simulation device comprises a wheel at least partly disposed in the housing. The moveable element is coupled to the wheel such that the wheel rotates in response to moving the moveable element from the first position to the second position.
In one embodiment, the simulation device comprises a display element configured to display status information and/or instruction information which changes when the sliding element moves.
In one embodiment, the simulation device comprises a sliding element at least partly disposed in the housing. The moveable element, preferably a button element is coupled to the sliding element such that the sliding element is moved in a direction to the distal end in response to moving the moveable element from a first position to a second position. The sliding element simulates the movement of a piston and/or bung advancing along the medication container.
In one embodiment, the sliding element is constructed to move from a starting position to a final position, which visually simulates the movement of a piston or bung element or a piston rod driving a piston or bung element inside a cartridge of an actual medication delivery device.
A reusable embodiment of the simulation device comprises a sliding element resettable to the starting position. An expendable embodiment of the simulation device comprises a sliding element which is not resettable to the starting position.
In a preferred embodiment, the simulation device comprises a ratchet device releasably coupled to the sliding element such that the sliding element moves in the distal direction in response to moving a button element from the first position to the second position. The first position is the furthest proximal position of the button element. The second position is the furthest distal position of the button element fully pushed into the housing. Preferably, the ratchet device is releasably coupled to the sliding element such that the sliding element does not move in a proximal direction in response to moving the button element from the second position to the first position.
In one embodiment the simulation device comprises a spring element and/or damper element releasably coupled to a button element and/or to a sliding element such that the button element is moved from the first position to the second position in response to pushing the button element with at least a given force. The inclusion of a plastic or metal spring can provide tactile feedback to the user in order to simulate the forces required to operate the actual device. For example if the actual device is an injection device force will be required to drive a rubber bung along the length of the cartridge and/or to eject medication from a needle. Furthermore the spring element can provide audible feedback to the user. Thus, the spring element is appropriate to simulate an internal feature of the actual medication delivery device. In one embodiment the spring element is designed to reset the button element into the first position after pushing the button element to the second position.
In a further embodiment, the display element of the simulation device is suitable for displaying the position of a sliding element. The sliding element simulates the travel of the bung in the cartridge of an actual device. This display element simulates the transparent nature of the cartridge.
In one embodiment, the simulation device comprises a second display element constructed to simulate a display element present in the actual device. The second display element displays status information which corresponds to the position of a sliding element and/or button element. This display element may display a first direction mark (symbol or colour, e.g. an arrow in the distal direction) when the button element is positioned in the first position and/or a second direction mark (symbol or colour, e.g. an arrow in the proximal direction) when the button element is positioned in the second position. These marks replicate symbols present in the actual device and may be used to indicate to the user whether to pull the button element to simulate setting a dose or to push the button element to simulate delivering a dose. Alternatively this second display element may display a number corresponding to the volume of the medicament dose that would be delivered by the actual device if the same user actions were followed.
In one embodiment, the simulation device comprises additional display elements constructed to display further instructional information or feedback to the user, for example corresponding to the position of the sliding element and/or button element, that is not present on the actual device. For example a display element may indicate to the user that a simulated priming dose should be completed or inform the user of the completion of the simulated injections. In this example the display element would display a starting status mark when the sliding element is positioned in the starting position and/or a final status mark when the sliding element is positioned in the final position. Display elements may also provide status information in numeric or text form. For example, a display element may be used to numerically indicate the number of simulated doses remaining or the amount of simulated medicament remaining in the simulation device.
Preferably, at least one of the display elements comprises a window (e.g. in the housing) such that the displayed information is visible through the window. This window may be an uncovered opening or may be covered by a transparent material. In one embodiment a dose scale is provided to resemble a graduated scale of a medicament container.
In one embodiment, the simulation device comprises a hub element suitable for releasably attaching a needle unit. It should be mentioned that a needle unit means an actual needle, identical to those used for the actual device, or a needle dummy. Preferably, the needle unit means a needle dummy which helps to prevent injuries during training sessions. Attaching and detaching needles is a particularly difficult operation for injection pen users as fine manual dexterity is required to orientate and align the needle with the needle hub. If this is practised with an actual pen, it may cause the cartridge septum to become pierced and possibly damaged. Therefore, it is advantageous if the simulation device could be used to practise needle attachment and detachment.
In one embodiment, at least one of the elements of the simulation device is made of plastic. In one embodiment, at least one of the elements of the simulation device is made of laminated composite foam-board. In one embodiment, at least one of the elements of the simulation device is made of paper or cardboard.
Preferably most or all elements of the simulation device are made of inexpensive material, most preferably of cardboard. Another material which can be used for the simulation device is injection moulded plastics. Thus, it would be possible to include a simulation device to serve as training aid in each package of the actual medication delivery device or to supply simulation devices to healthcare professionals, e.g. doctors, nurses or pharmacists, or directly to patients in order to aid patient training.
The cost of the simulation device may be reduced by using low cost materials, for example card, composite foam or card, low cost plastic mouldings or pressings. In a preferred embodiment, the housing of the simulation device is formed as a card having at least two layers. In one embodiment, at least one of the elements of the simulation device is folded. The card would be printed in a way that all or a portion of the card resembles the actual medication delivery device for which the training aid is intended. The card may or may not include additional instructions, warnings or explanatory messages.
Additionally or alternatively, cost may be reduced by only simulating aspects of the medical device that are essential for teaching the correct use of the actual device and intentionally omitting other features of the device which may complicate the simulation device and which do not add significantly of the patient's learning. The resulting simulation device will resemble the actual device, but not necessarily in 3D (the three-dimensional appearance) or in the use of materials. The simulator may be merged into a “working instruction booklet†, which may comprise three-dimensional or moveable parts, for example pop-up parts. This gives the opportunity for including additional instructions or moving features or display windows that are not part of the actual device, for example being parts of an attached instruction card or booklet.
In one embodiment the simulation device cannot be reset to its starting state once the sliding element has reached its end position. This disposable simulation device is suitable for demonstrating that the actual medication delivery device is not reusable. In a preferred embodiment the simulation device will replicate the end of life condition of the actual device. For example once all of the simulated doses have been delivered it will not be possible for the button element to be moved from the second position to the first position.
However, reusable simulation devices, such as might be required for repeated demonstrations in doctors' offices or hospitals, might be better embodied with more robust material, such as plastic. Some features, such as audible clickers or plastic springs, may only be possible using plastic components rather than card.
In a further embodiment a simulation device is provided suitable to simulate multiple devices within one housing. For example, the housing may contain a number of button elements and sliding elements.
Other features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
In
The simulation device comprises a housing 1 having a distal end and a proximal end. A slot 2 extends from a front part of the housing 1, which is the distal end, to a rear part of the housing 1, which is the proximal end. A first part of the slot 2 located near the rear part of the housing 1 is covered by a housing cover 13 which is part of the housing 1. The slot 2 located near the front part of the housing 1 is visible from the outside.
A push-pull button element 4 (see
A sliding element 3 is disposed in the slot 2 of the housing 1. In
The sliding element 3 merely slides distally inside the slot 2. When the button element 4 is moved from the first position to the second position, dry friction counteracts the distal movement of the sliding element.
The not covered part of the slot 2 in the front part of the housing 1 is visible from the outside and serves as a status display 7. The position of the sliding element 3 indicates how far the simulated bung has advanced along the cartridge. The position of the sliding element 3 in conjunction with the dose scale printed on transparent window 14 (not shown) indicates how many simulated doses remain in the simulation device. The movement of the sliding element 3 simulates the movement of the bung in the cartridge of an actual medication delivery device. The position of the bung in the cartridge indicates the residual amount of the medication in the cartridge.
A window 5 in the housing cover 13 serves as direction indication display indicating in which direction the button element is to be moved. The display in the direction indication window 5 changes depending on the position of the button element.
A hub element 6 is arranged at the front of the housing 1. The hub element 6 may comprise connection means so that a patient could practise attaching a needle or a needle dummy on the hub element and detaching the needle or the needle dummy for the purpose of simulating attaching and detaching a needle on/from a connection means. Preferably the hub element will use similar needle connection means as the actual medication delivery device, e.g. a screw thread, a bayonet lock or a snap lock.
Even if the simulation device does not feature the full 3D shape of the needle connection means, different embodiments of hub elements are suitable for simulating attaching and detaching a needle unit. A cardboard simulation device could be manufactured with serrations on the hub element to mimic a sufficient portion of a screw thread to provide the connection means for attaching needles. Similarly, a plastic embodiment or a plastic needle hub added to a substantially cardboard embodiment of the simulation device could feature similar serrations or indeed a full or partial section of the connection means, e.g. a screw thread. In both cases the internal (distal) end of the needle would enter an air space in the simulation device instead of piercing a septum of a cartridge.
The embodiment shown in
The simulation device shown in
Another embodiment of the simulation device, which is not shown, has a rotating button grip. This could be obtained with simple injection mouldings or cardboard tubes. A simulation device with a rotating button grip can be used to simulate a number of medication delivery devices, including variable dose injection pen, such as those used for insulin delivery.
One further embodiment is suitable for simulating some of the internal features of the actual medication delivery device. For example, the force required to move a rubber bung along the length of the cartridge or the sounds made by the actual medication delivery device during setting and/or delivering a dose could be simulated by the inclusion of a plastic or metal spring in the simulation device providing a tactile or audible feedback. The spring can be coupled to the button element such that a given pressure is necessary to push the button element. In an alternative embodiment, the spring is coupled to the sliding element. In one embodiment the spring is arranged such that it is compressed in response to pushing the button element, e.g. by positioning the spring between the sliding element and the front housing wall. Alternatively, the spring is arranged such that the spring is uncompressed or expanded in response to pushing the button element.
The simulation tool is used for training patients and demonstration purposes. When a patient is given a medication delivery device he or she needs to be trained in the safe and correct use of this device by a medical professional. In addition or if no training is provided, the patient may benefit from practising the use of the device. Such practice might involve seeing how far the button should move, observing any changes in the device during operation, e.g. feedback/printing in status display windows, reading the dose scale or remaining doses indicators, attaching and detaching the needle. If this practice is performed using the actual medication containing device that patient will waste medication and there is the risk that the patient might damage the device or act in an unwise or unsafe manner.
One embodiment of the simulation device is designed to closely resemble, in terms of colours, printing, external moving parts and overall size, an actual medication delivery device. Each different medication delivery device would have its own version of the simulation device. The simulation device is far simpler, and therefore less costly, than the actual device. The simulation device would not necessarily have the same 3D shape as the actual device and does not contain any medication or liquid.
The embodiment as shown in
The embodiment of the simulation device is made of three layers of foam-board components. There are bottom, middle and top layer components.
The bottom layer of the simulation device comprises two components. A bottom part 11 of the housing comprising a bottom part 61 of the hub section serves as a base. A bottom part 441 of the button grip is provided to give the button grip 44 the same thickness as the housing 1.
The middle layer of the simulation device comprises three components. A housing wall section 12 comprising a top part 62 of the hub section, defines the walls of the housing and provides limits for button element and sliding element travel. The housing wall section 12 comprises a flexible arm 15 constructed to act as a pawl of a non-return ratchet. The housing wall section 12 is adhered to the bottom part 11 of the housing. The housing arm 15 is left free of adhesive and is not adhered to the bottom part 11 of the housing.
The sliding element 3 is constructed as a linear rack comprising a set of ratchet teeth 31, 32, 33, 39.
The middle layer part 42 of the button section comprises the middle layer part 442 of the button grip, a locking element 43 and an extended ratchet arm 45. Marks 51, 52 suitable for indicating the position of the button element are printed on the middle layer part 42 of the button element. The marks are visible in the direction indication window 5 of the simulation device.
The width of locking element 43 is larger than the width of the part 41 of the button element which is pulled out when the button grip 44 is pulled. Thus, the locking element 43 stops the proximal travel of the button element when reaching the inside wall 122 of the rear of the housing wall section 12, the inside wall 122 stopping the proximal movement of the locking element 43. The distal movement of the button element is stopped when the button grip 44 reaches the rear edge of the housing and/or when the locking element 43 reaches a stopping corner 123 in the inside wall of the housing wall section 12.
The top layer of the simulation device comprises three components. A first housing cover 13 comprises an opening 5 serving as direction indication window through which the marks 51, 52 on the button element can be seen. One of the marks 51, 52 appears depending upon the position of the button element in the direction indication window 5.
The first housing cover 13 covers the slot 2 located near the rear of the housing 1. In one embodiment, the first housing cover 13 is hinged to the middle and bottom layers to provide access to reset the middle layer components.
A second housing cover 14 comprises a cartridge dose scale 71 made of transparent material, e.g. cellophane, onto which the cartridge label or graduated dose scale could be printed. It should be mentioned that the second housing cover 14 is not shown in the embodiment shown in
A top layer part 443 of the button grip is adhered to the middle layer 442 of the button grip to give the button grip 44 the same thickness as the housing 1.
The externally visible surfaces may be shaped and printed in a way to resemble the actual medication delivery device for which the simulation device is intended.
The sliding element 3 is positioned such that the housing arm 15 engages the depression in front of the first tooth 31 of the sliding element 3. The button element 4 is in the second (pushed in) position. The ratchet arm 45 of the button element 4 is engaged with the depression in front of the second tooth 32.
When the button element 4 is pulled, the ratchet arm 45 deflects or slides up and over the second tooth 32 and is forced back (e.g. by the elasticity of the arm 45) into the depression in front of the next tooth 33. When the button is pulled in the proximal direction the sliding element 3 is prevented from also moving in the proximal direction by housing arm 15.
When the button element 4 is pushed in the distal direction, the angle of the button element's ratchet arm 45 causes it to bear against the second tooth 32, forcing motion of the sliding element 3 in the distal direction as the button element 4 is moved. The housing arm 15 deflects or slides up and over the first tooth 31 with the elasticity of the arm, which forces it back into the depression in front of the next tooth 32. In one embodiment, the relative movement of the ratchet components is accomplished by a bowing or twisting of the rack or pawl rather than by elastic deformation.
The step-by-step travel of the sliding element 3, by repeated pulling and pushing the button element 4, continues until the ratchet arm 45 has slid over the last tooth 39. Furthermore, the sliding element 3 has reached the front wall of the housing which limits the travel of the sliding element 3.
The user steps, the movement of the bung simulating sliding element 3 and the contents of the direction indication window 5 of the simulation device are similar to an actual embodiment of a pen injector.
The initial status of the training aid, as described in relation with
Simulating the setting of a dose of medication, the user pulls out the button grip 44 of the button element 4 to its furthest proximal position, as shown in
Simulating administering the dose, the user pushes the button grip 44 distally fully back in, as shown in
Simulation of dose setting and administration can be repeated until the sliding element 3 is fully advanced, the sliding element 3 simulating that the plunger of an actual device reaches the end of the cartridge of the actual device, as shown in
In one embodiment the simulation device cannot be reset to its starting state once the sliding element 3 has reached its end position as shown in
There are a number of options for multiple use of the simulation device. One embodiment of the simulation device is sufficiently simple that there are no parts to prevent reuse. Alternatively, if each use of the simulation device has an effect on the simulation device, for example advancing the sliding element simulating the piston, then there can be a reset mechanism for resetting the sliding element which reverses the effect. Another embodiment of the reset mechanism is to provide a means for temporarily disengaging ratchet arm 45 and housing ratchet 15 thereby permitting the sliding element 3 to be simply pushed back in a proximal direction to return it to its initial position. Another embodiment of the simulation device is constructed to permit full or partial disassembly of the simulation device in order that the elements of the simulation device can be reset to or reassembled in the initial position.
A further embodiment comprises a last-dose stop, which is not shown in the above-described simulation device. The last-dose stop is constructed to lock the button element 4 and to prevent further movement of the button element 4 in the proximal or distal direction after the dispense of the last dose has been simulated.
The card comprises a flap 100 suitable for covering at least a part of the card by being folded along the line 110. Opening and closing of the flap 100 can be used to simulate different states of the actual device. For example in this embodiment with the flap 100 in the “closed†position the flap 100 covers the cartridge and needle portion of the picture of the actual device. The visible outside surface of the flap 100 is printed with a picture of the cap of the actual device. Therefore in the “closed†card position the user will see a picture of the actual device in its capped state.
Further instructions or warning information may be printed and displayed on both the outside and inside surfaces of flap 100. For example in the embodiment of
In a further embodiment additional flaps, similar to flap 100, may be included. The surfaces of these flaps could be used to show additional states of the device, for example an interim uncapped state prior to needle attachment (a step to precede the illustrated embodiment of flap 100) or a subsequent needle removal stage (to follow the illustrated embodiment of flap 100). In a further embodiment these additional flaps would form a simulation device/booklet containing the full set of device user instructions. Thus the user would be able to read the instructions and simultaneously practise the use of the actual device with the simulation device.
Further information, e.g. instruction information, is also printed in a text field 501 on the card.
The button element and the sliding element 3 are also made of cardboard. The pull-push button element is positioned in the guide features of the card 1 such that the button grip 44 is visible and moveable. The button element, as shown in
The card housing 1 comprises a direction indication window 5 located at the distal end of the picture of the medication delivery device printed on the card. This direction indicating window 5 simulates a similar feature of the actual device. A status window 77 shows the position of the sliding element 3. The status window 77 is formed as cut-out in the printed cartridge holder displaying the position of the sliding element 3, the sliding element 3 simulating the travel of the bung (piston element) in the cartridge of a medication delivery device.
Further windows 8 and 9 are used to display additional information, explanation, feedback or warnings to the user during the operation of the simulation device. These further windows 8 and 9 and the information that they provide are not present in the actual medication delivery device. Any number or shape or position of these further windows may be provided in order to convey the most appropriate information regarding operation of the actual device to the user.
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment of
The simulation device is embodied as a disposable device with no means for resetting the simulation device to its initial position. This might be appropriate for promotional or training purposes or if every device is supplied with a simulation device serving as training aid. It is also helpful to simulate a disposable medication delivery device which is to be disposed after the last dose has been dispensed.
A further feature of the embodiment of
The housing component 10 comprises a first part 101 forming the bottom layer of the housing, a second part 102 forming the middle layer of the housing, and a third part 103 forming the top layer of the housing. Cut-outs in the third part 103 form the windows 5, 77, 8, 9 of the housing 1.
The first and the third part 101, 103 are substantially rectangular and have the size of the card.
The second part 102 of the housing component 10 comprises a first vertical cut 21 and a second vertical cut 22. A curved third cut 23 crosses a top part of the first cut 21, forming a first and a second flap 24, 25 located on both sides of the top part of the first vertical cut 21. Parts of the card between the second cut 22 and the nearby edge are removed, forming further flaps 26, 27.
The first and second flaps 24, 25 form parts of a ratchet device. The vertical cuts 21, 22 form guiding features guiding the travel of the sliding element 3 and the button element 4 as described later.
A further part 100 of the housing component 10 located next to the second part 102 serves as flap suitable for covering at least part of the folded card. The flap 100 features an optional cut-out 78. This optional cut out permits parts of the housing component 10 which would otherwise be covered by the flap 100 to be visible to the user, more closely representing an actual injection device.
The housing component 10 comprises glue laps 29 located on one side of the third part 103 of the housing component 10. The housing 1 is manufactured by folding the housing component 10 such that the third part 103 is arranged on the second part 102 which is arranged on the first part 101. The glue laps 29 fix the folding by adhering them to the first part 101 of the housing component 100. Optionally, the third part 103 is also adhered to the second part 102 of the housing component 10.
The sliding component 3 comprises a first linear rack 301 having a set of teeth and a second linear rack 302 having a further set of teeth wherein the racks 301, 302 are arranged in parallel.
Marks 81, 82 are printed on the bottom area of the sliding component. The mark “P†will be visible in the window 8 of the housing when the sliding element 3 is positioned in the starting position. The “X†will be displayed in the window 8 of the housing when the sliding element 3 is positioned in the final position.
A button component 40 comprises a central area 400 shaped as the button element 4 including the button grip. A grip flap 401 is located next to a button grip area of the central area 400. The button component 40 comprises top and bottom flaps 402, 403 located on top and on the bottom of the button component 40, respectively. An elongated loop flap 404 having a fixing tag 405 is located on the front top of the central area 400.
A left and a right arrow mark 51, 52 are printed on the central area 400. One of the arrows 51, 52 is displayed in the direction indication window 5 of the housing 1 when the button is pulled fully out or pushed fully in, indicating whether to push or pull the button grip 44.
The button grip 44 is formed by folding the grip flap 401 on the button grip area of the central area 400. The loop flap 404 is bent down. The fixing tag 405 is pulled through a cut-out 406 located on the bottom of the central area 400 in order to form a loop. The top and bottom flaps 402, 403 of the button component 40 are folded down. The folded loop and flaps 402, 403 form a recess guiding the travel of the sliding element 3.
The sliding element 3 is positioned in the recess formed by the bent down flaps 402, 403. Positioning is performed by pulling the loop flap 404 through the slot between the first rack 301 and the second rack 302. The loop flap 404 is bent down and fixed by pulling the fixing tab 405 through the cut-out 406. By bending down the loop flap 404 a top front corner 47 is formed slanted at an angle suitable for sliding over the teeth of the second rack 302. The corner 47 of the button element 4 and the second rack 302 form a non-return second ratchet device.
Then, the button element 4 is pulled through the first and second cuts 21, 22 such that the front and rear parts of the button element 4 are positioned in front of the middle layer 102 of the card 1 and the middle part of the button element 4 between the first and second cuts 21, 22 is located behind the middle layer 102 of the card 1.
The first flap 24 formed by the curved cut 23 is located behind the first rack 301 of the sliding element 3. The second flap 25 formed by the curved cut 23 is positioned in front of it. The second flap 25 and the first rack 301 form a non-return first ratchet device.
The sliding element 3 is prevented from travelling outwards with the button element 4 by being fixed by the non-return first ratchet device.
Simulation of the setting of a dose is performed as follows.
Before pulling the button element 4, the edge of the second flap 25 is engaged in the depression in front of a tooth of the first rack 301. The corner 47 of the button element 4 is engaged in the depression in front of a tooth of the second rack 302.
When the button element 4 is pulled, the corner 47 slides along the tooth of the second rack 302 causing the second rack 302 to bow and/or twist along its length in order to accommodate the sliding movement. Once the corner 47 has travelled beyond the tooth the second rack 302 will tend to return to its original unbowed and untwisted state whereupon the corner 47 will engage the depression in front of the next tooth. The sliding element 3 does not move in the direction of the button element 4 because the second flap 25 which is engaged in the depression in front of the tooth of the first rack 301 prevents this motion.
After pulling the button element 4 into the first position a click symbol 91, e.g. an ear symbol and the word “click†, is displayed in the window 9 of the card. The click symbol 91 is located on the button element 4 such that it appears in the window 9 when the button element 4 has been pulled to the first position. Displaying the click symbol 9 simulates clicking after setting a dose.
When the button element 4 is pushed, the angle of the corner 47 causes it to bear against the tooth of the second rack 302, forcing motion of the sliding element 3 in a same direction the button element 4 is moved. When the button element 4 is pushed, the second flap 25 slides along the tooth of the first rack 301 causing the first rack 301 to bow and/or twist along its length in order to accommodate the sliding movement. Once the second flap 25 has travelled beyond the tooth the first rack 301 will tend to return to its original unbowed and untwisted state whereupon the flap 25 will engage the depression in front of the next tooth. The distal movement of the sliding element 3 is visible in the status window 77 for simulating administration of the dose.
The step-by-step travel of the sliding element 3, by pulling and pushing the button element 4, is performed until the ratchet devices have slid over the last teeth.
Once the ratchet devices have slid over the last teeth the simulation device enters a locked-out state where the button element 4 is retained in its inward position and prevented from further movement. This is achieved when the sliding element 3 has advanced to the point where loop flap 404, which is threaded between first rack 301 and second rack 302, contacts the end of the slot formed between the first rack 301 and second rack 302. At this point further movement of the button element relative to the sliding element 3 is prevented. Relative movement of the sliding element 3 to the housing 1 is prevented by the engagement of the final tooth of first rack 301 with second flap 25.
An alternative embodiment of the simulation device permits only one movement of the button element from the first to the second position. This embodiment is suitable for simulating the trigger of a single-use auto-injector.
The slider 81 comprises a first information field 83 indicating a first state and a second information field 84 indicating a second state. The first information field 83 shows a hub element without a needle. The second information field 84 shows a needle unit attached to the hub element. An extending part of the slider 81 forms a handle 85. An arrow is printed on the handle 85.
One embodiment of the housing 82 is made of cardboard. The housing 82 comprises a top and a bottom cardboard layer. The top edges 821 and the bottom edges 822 of the layers are connected such that a guide for the slider 81 is formed. The slider 81 is located inside the housing 82 such that at least part of the handle 85 is positioned outside the housing 82.
The slider 81 moves into an axial direction when the handle 85 is pulled into this direction as indicated by the arrowhead so that the handle 85 is pulled out of the housing 82. Then, the second information field 84, which shows the needle unit attached, is visible in the window 86.
One embodiment of the housing 81 comprises stopping means suitable to stop further movement of the slider 81 when the second information field 84 is visible in the window 86. In one embodiment the slider is stopped by connected side edges 824 of the housing 82, the connected side edges 824 forming the stopping means.
The slider 81 moves backward when the handle 85 is pushed into the direction opposite to the pulling direction. In one embodiment the movement of the slider 81 is stopped by connected side edges 823 or side walls of the housing 82.
The housing 82 has a first window 86A and a second window 86B. Information for the usage of the simulation device is printed in a text field 504 on the housing 82. The text field 504 may contain the text “rotate to show needle attachment steps†.
When the segment 91A of the wheel 91 is moved, the wheel 91 rotates. Then the second information field 93 and the corresponding second text field 96 are visible in the first and second window 86A, 86B, respectively. The arrow 98, which is visible on the segment 91A, indicates the rotation direction.
When the segment 91A of the wheel is moved, the third information field 94 and the corresponding third text field 97 are visible in the first and second window 86A, 86B, respectively.
Pop-up cards can be made of cardboard. The pop-up card comprises plane elements connected such that the folded card is flat and the open pop-up card turns into a three dimensional arrangement.
The card comprises a card top 201 and a card bottom 202 connected via a fold forming a first hinge 205. When the card is opened the card top 201 rotates relative to the card bottom 202 around the first hinge 205.
The card comprises a pop-up element having a top element 211 and a bottom element 212 connected via a fold forming a second hinge 215. The top element 211 is connected with the card top 201 via a third hinge 216. The bottom element 212 is connected with the card bottom 202 via a fourth hinge 217. In one embodiment the top and bottom elements 211, 212 comprise laps located on the edge opposite the second hinge 215, the laps being folded. By gluing the laps to the card top and bottom 201, 202, the third and forth hinge 216, 217 are formed.
If the card is folded the top element 211 of the pop-up element is folded on the bottom element 212. These elements 211, 212 are sandwiched between the card top 201 and the card bottom 202. The third and fourth hinge 216, 21 are located between the first and the second hinge 205, 215.
When the pop-up card is opened, the card top 201 rotates into a first direction relative to the card bottom 202 around the first hinge 205. The top element 211 of the pop-up element rotates into a second direction relative to the bottom element 212, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.
When the card top 201 has rotated through 90 degrees, the top element 211 of the pop-up element is positioned parallel or nearly parallel to the card bottom 202 and the bottom element 212 of the pop-up element is positioned parallel or nearly parallel to the card top 201. Opening the pop-up card transforms the flat folded card into a three dimensional arrangement, wherein the pop-up element is formed similar to an actual device, e.g. a delivery pen. In one embodiment the pop-up element is printed in order to resemble the actual device.
If the arrangement is folded, the hinged section 233 is sandwiched between the plane unit 231 and the lever 232. When the lever 231 is pulled into an axial direction which is the direction from the second hinge 235 to the first hinge 234 the hinged section 233 rotates relative to the plane unit 231 into a first direction (e.g. clockwise) and the lever 232 rotates relative to the hinged section 233 into a second direction (e.g. counter clockwise) opposite to the first direction. Due to the rotation the hinged section 233 rotates and the lever 232 is lifted away from the plane unit 231.
When the lever 232 is moved backwards into the direction opposite to the pulling direction, the hinged section 233 rotates relative to the plane unit 231 into the second direction and the lever 232 rotates relative to the hinged section 233 into the first direction. The arrangement is folded so that the hinged section 233 is sandwiched between the back unit 231 and the lever 232.
The above describe arrangement is suitable for simulating moveable parts of a device.
The lever 232 and the hinged sections 241, 242, 243 are made of a folded stripe having three folds forming the second, third and fourth hinge 252, 253, 254. Dashed lines indicate to fold in one direction and the dotted line indicates to fold into the opposite direction to form the folds.
When the lever 232 is pulled the triangular sections 241, 242, 243 rotate around the hinges 251, 252, 253, 254 so that the lever 232 and the triangular sections 241, 242, 243 are located adjacent to each other in a same plane or almost a same plane.
After the lever 232 has been pulled, the second and third triangular section 242, 243 have been rotated through 90 degrees, but in opposite directions.
When the lever 232 is pulled, the stripe 244 rotates in the same direction as the second triangular section 242 rotates. When the lever 232 is moved backwards, the stripe 244 moves back into its initial position.
The above-mentioned simulation device is used to simulate rotating parts of a device.
One embodiment of a simulation card as shown in
A further embodiment of a simulation device comprises a flap which suddenly flips over when a user pulls a lever coupled with the flap.
Embodiments of pop-up arrangements and folded arrangements contain electronic sound effects. Electronic devices comprising a chip, a speaker and a battery are suitable to generate the sound effects, which may be similar to sound effects used in greeting cards.
In one embodiment the sound effects are triggered at significant stages of simulated use. In one embodiment the sound effect, e.g. a click, is produced as audible feedback. In one embodiment the sound effects are verbal instructions, feedbacks or warnings.
The simulation device is configured to simulate opening and closing of an outer cover, movement of an actuation lever and countdown of a dose counter.
The simulation device comprises a housing 600 with a grip section 620 and an outer cover 610. The housing 600 comprises a window 630 for indicating dose information. In this case the initial dose information “60†, which means 60 doses are available, is indicated. A rotatable dose counter wheel 635 is located inside the housing 600. Numbers for indicating the dose information are provided on the dose counter wheel 635. The dose information shown in the window 630 depends on the position of the dose counter wheel 635 relative to the window 630.
One embodiment of the simulation device has the same size and the same two dimensional shape as an actual device. An alternative embodiment is designed as an instruction card which is larger than the actual device. Such an instruction card comprises multiple card layers having a central rivet or stud acting as pivot for rotating layers. One embodiment of the simulation device comprises a ratchet that may be embodied as non-return ratchet.
The rotatable outer cover 610 comprises a message window 640 which is not provided in an actual device.
A movable actuation lever 650 and a mouthpiece 670 (not shown in
The outer cover 610 is coupled with the actuation lever 650 which is located beneath the actuation cover 610. In one embodiment the actuation lever 650 is engaged in a fold or latch in the outer cover 610.
When the outer cover 610 is opened, the outer cover 610 pulls the actuation lever 650 into a first position (unset position). This relative movement of the actuation lever 650 cannot be seen by the user as it is concealed behind outer cover 610. Once the actuation lever reaches the first position, the outer cover 610 bumps out of contact with the actuation lever 650 and is free to continue rotating.
The outer cover 610 has rotated into an open position. Due to the rotation another text field is visible in the message window 640. The text field may contain the text “rotate cover to close†.
A second message window 660 located near the actuation lever 650 provides user information. First information is shown if the actuation lever 650 is located in the first position as shown in
In one embodiment the message window 660 shows a first text field 510 containing “pull lever to set dose†and an arrow indicating the direction in which the actuation lever 650 is moved into the second position.
For simulating setting a dose the actuation lever 650 is moved into the second position. The actuation lever 650 is rotated through an angle, e.g. 30 degrees.
When the actuation lever 650 moves to the second position another text field 520 is shown in the second message window 660. The text field 520 may contain the text “ready to inhale†.
The actuation lever 650 and/or the wheel 665 are connected to the dose counter wheel 635 via a lost motion component. A lost motion component is configured to transform an input movement into a smaller output movement. In one embodiment the dose counter wheel 635 rotates through a smaller angle than the angle through which the actuation lever 650 rotates, e.g. when the actuation lever 650 rotates through 30 degrees the dose counter wheel 635 merely rotates through six degrees. Due to the rotation of the dose counter wheel 635 the dose information shown in the window 630 changes.
The user can repeat the above described simulation until the dose counter has reached 0. Then, the counter wheel disengages and remains at 0.
Other implementations are within the scope of the claims. Elements of different embodiments may be combined to form implementations not specifically described herein.
- 1 housing
- 2 slot
- 13 housing cover
- 3 sliding element
- 4 button element
- 44 button grip
- 5 direction indication window
- 6 hub element
- 7 display element
- 8, 9 window
- 10 housing component
- 11 bottom part of the housing
- 12 housing wall section
- 13, 14 housing cover
- 15 housing arm
- 31, 32, 33, 39 ratchet teeth
- 21, 22, 23 cut
- 24, 25, 26, 27 flap
- 29 glue lap
- 40 button component
- 61 bottom part of the hub element
- 62 top part of the hub element
- 41 part of the button element
- 42 middle part of the button section
- 43 locking element
- 45 extended ratchet arm
- 47 corner
- 51, 52, 81, 82, 91 marks
- 71 dose scale
- 77 status window
- 78 window in the flap
- 81 slider
- 82 housing
- 83 first information field
- 84 second information field
- 85 handle
- 86, 86A, 86B window
- 91 rotating wheel
- 91A segment of the wheel
- 92, 93, 94 information field
- 95, 96, 97 text field
- 98 arrow
- 100 flap
- 101, 102, 103 layer of the housing
- 110 folding line
- 122 inside wall
- 123 stopping corner
- 201, 202 card top, bottom card
- 211, 212 top, bottom element
- 205, 215, 216, 217 hinge
- 231 plane unit
- 232 lever
- 233 hinged section
- 234, 235 hinge
- 241, 242, 243 triangular section
- 244 stripe
- 251, 252, 253, 254 hinge
- 301, 302 rack with teeth
- 400 central area
- 401, 402, 403 flap
- 404 loop flap
- 405 fixing tag
- 406 cut out
- 441 bottom part of the button grip
- 442 middle part of the button grip
- 443 top part of the button grip
- 501, 502, 503, 504,510, 520 text field
- 600 housing
- 610 outer cover
- 630 window
- 635 dose counter wheel
- 640, 660 message window
- 650 actuation lever
- 665 wheel
- 670 mouthpiece
- 821 top edges
- 822 bottom edges
- 823, 824 side edges