WO2016051178A1 - Procédé et dispositif d'exploitation d'énergie - Google Patents

Procédé et dispositif d'exploitation d'énergie Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2016051178A1
WO2016051178A1 PCT/GB2015/052865 GB2015052865W WO2016051178A1 WO 2016051178 A1 WO2016051178 A1 WO 2016051178A1 GB 2015052865 W GB2015052865 W GB 2015052865W WO 2016051178 A1 WO2016051178 A1 WO 2016051178A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electrical energy
portions
movement
relative
energy
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2015/052865
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Tom Collings
Richard A Hall
Robert Milner
Original Assignee
Cambridge Consultants Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cambridge Consultants Limited filed Critical Cambridge Consultants Limited
Publication of WO2016051178A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016051178A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G5/00—Devices for producing mechanical power from muscle energy
    • F03G5/06—Devices for producing mechanical power from muscle energy other than of endless-walk type
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
    • H02K7/18—Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g. with turbines
    • H02K7/1869—Linear generators; sectional generators
    • H02K7/1876—Linear generators; sectional generators with reciprocating, linearly oscillating or vibrating parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
    • H02K7/06—Means for converting reciprocating motion into rotary motion or vice versa
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
    • H02K7/18—Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g. with turbines
    • H02K7/1807—Rotary generators
    • H02K7/1853—Rotary generators driven by intermittent forces
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/31—Details
    • A61M2005/3103—Leak prevention means for distal end of syringes, i.e. syringe end for mounting a needle
    • A61M2005/3104—Caps for syringes without needle
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/82—Internal energy supply devices
    • A61M2205/8237—Charging means
    • A61M2205/825—Charging means using mechanical generation of electricity, e.g. hand cranked generators
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/24—Ampoule syringes, i.e. syringes with needle for use in combination with replaceable ampoules or carpules, e.g. automatic
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/31—Details
    • A61M5/315—Pistons; Piston-rods; Guiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rod or piston; Appliances on the rod for facilitating dosing ; Dosing mechanisms
    • A61M5/31533—Dosing mechanisms, i.e. setting a dose
    • A61M5/31545—Setting modes for dosing
    • A61M5/31548—Mechanically operated dose setting member
    • A61M5/3155—Mechanically operated dose setting member by rotational movement of dose setting member, e.g. during setting or filling of a syringe
    • A61M5/31553—Mechanically operated dose setting member by rotational movement of dose setting member, e.g. during setting or filling of a syringe without axial movement of dose setting member
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
    • B65D41/02—Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
    • B65D41/04—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to methods of and apparatus for harnessing energy and in particular, but not limited to, harnessing energy from handheld electronic devices, for example medical devices such as dosing devices, injector devices and diagnostic devices.
  • This functionality can include the tracking and reporting of data such as: how frequently the device is being used, how the device is being used, level of activity of the device, location of the device.
  • Systems are known in which electrical energy is generated on-board from movement of the system (e.g. by shaking or winding). Such systems are typically based on a magnet and coil of wire, whereby a change in magnetic flux from moving the magnet or coil generates current in the coil.
  • known systems exhibit a lack of control over the amount of electrical power generated by the on-board movement, in particular as the amount of electrical power generated is largely user dependent - for example how vigorously the system is shaken or wound by a user.
  • the need to generate sufficient energy to power an electronic system can add to the complexity of the procedure that a user must perform to use a device successfully. For example, if information relating to the use of the device needs to be transmitted, the user cannot be sure of when sufficient energy has been generated, resulting in a user performing additional wasted actions to be on the safe side.
  • Providing additional circuitry to provide indications of sufficient energy input tends to add unwelcome cost and complexity to devices and also adds to the overall energy consumption.
  • the present invention seeks to overcome or at least partially alleviate one or more of the above issues.
  • a device for use in performing a task comprising: means for generating electrical energy from a discrete movement of a moveable portion, wherein said generating means is operable to generate a predetermined quantum of said electrical energy corresponding to said discrete movement; a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first and second portions are configured to be movable relative to one another; wherein at least one of said first and second portions comprises means for transforming, during operation of said device, a single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion into a predefined number of discrete movements of said moveable portion for conversion, by said generating means, into a predetermined amount of said electrical energy corresponding substantially to the number of said discrete movements multiplied by said quantum.
  • the first and second portions may be configured such that said single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion is required to enable said task to be performed.
  • the second portion may comprise a closure (e.g. a cap, lid, cover or the like) for the first portion and the first and second portions may be configured such that said single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion occurs while performing at least one of: removing said closure from said first portion; and placing said closure on said first portion.
  • a closure e.g. a cap, lid, cover or the like
  • the first and second portions may be configured such that said single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion is a single uninterrupted linear motion.
  • the first and second portions may be configured such that said single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion is a single uninterrupted rotational motion.
  • the means for generating may be operable to generate said electrical energy from discrete movements arising from the oscillation (e.g. reciprocation) of said moveable portion, and the means for transforming may be operable to transform said single motion into a plurality of oscillating (e.g. reciprocating) movements whereby to cause the generation of said predetermined amount of said electrical energy by said generating means.
  • the means for transforming may comprise at least one track forming a path for defining movement of said moveable portion such that said moveable portion undergoes said plurality of discrete movements during said single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion.
  • the moveable portion may comprise a lever forming part of generating means, and the track may be arranged to cause movement of said lever during said single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion, and movement of said lever may cause generation of said quantum of said electrical energy.
  • At least one said track may provide a corresponding channel and said moveable portion may comprise a follower for engaging in said channel and said follower may be configured to couple to said lever whereby to generate said plurality of discrete movements.
  • the at least one track may provide a corresponding channel and said moveable portion may comprise a follower for engaging in said channel and said follower may be configured to couple to said lever whereby to generate said plurality of discrete movements.
  • the follower may be configured to couple to said lever via an actuator for actuating movement of said lever.
  • the device may comprise a medical device for performing a medical task.
  • the medical device may comprise at least one of: a dosing device (e.g. an inhaler); an injector device; pharmaceutical structural packaging and a diagnostic device.
  • the predetermined amount of said electrical energy produced by said generating means may be used for at least one of: powering circuitry for storing information to a memory included in said device; powering circuitry for communicating information from said device to a further device; powering an electronic visual display included in said device for displaying information relating to said device; and powering circuitry for carrying out sensing functions relating to said device.
  • a medical device for use in performing a medical task, the device comprising: means for generating electrical energy from movement; a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first and second portions are configured to be movable relative to one another during normal operation of said device to perform said medical task; wherein at least one of said first and second portions comprises means for transforming, during said normal operation of said device to perform said medical task, a single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion into movement for conversion into electrical energy by said generating means.
  • a method of generating electrical energy comprising using a device according to any of the above aspects, said method comprising the steps of: moving said first and second portions relative to one another whereby to generate said predetermined amount of said electrical energy.
  • a method of manufacturing a device according to the first aspect comprising the steps of: fabricating said first and second portions and assembling said first and second portions together with said generating and transforming means to produce said device.
  • the above aspects allow a device to produce electrical energy during use without a user having to perform any additional energy generating actions which are not required to perform the task (e.g. the medical task).
  • Figure 1 shows an injection pen including an energy harnessing mechanism, according to a first embodiment
  • Figure 2 is a cut-away axonometric view of the injection pen of Figure 1
  • Figure 3 is a further cut-away axonometric view of the injection pen of Figure 1
  • Figure 4 is an exploded view of the injector pen of Figure 1;
  • Figures 5a and 5b illustrate exemplary track profiles which can be used in the injection pen of Figure 1;
  • Figures 6a - 6d illustrate an exemplary sequence of operation of the injection pen of Figure 1;
  • Figures 7a and 7b illustrate a second exemplary embodiment comprising a container including a screw closure.
  • the devices which convert user actions performed during normal use of a device into electrical energy in a controlled and consistent manner, using an energy harnessing mechanism.
  • the devices produce a quantifiable, tuneable amount of electrical energy as an unavoidable result of normal device operation. This is particularly suitable to devices for use in regulated markets such as healthcare and medicine.
  • the energy harnessing mechanism can, beneficially, replace a lithium coin cell or other such battery.
  • the action by the user of moving one element of a handheld or other device, either linearly or rotationally, relative another element causes reciprocating (or oscillating) movement of an actuator of the energy harnessing mechanism via a cam track and a follower provided respectively on one element of the device and the actuator.
  • the reciprocating movement of the actuator causes, in a generator, an associated change in the magnetic field with respect to an electrical coil, in order to generate electrical current.
  • Each oscillation of the actuator causes the generator to generate a predetermined and consistent amount of electrical energy.
  • the total amount of electrical energy generated can be precisely and consistently controlled by setting the number of reciprocations performed by the actuator, using an appropriate design of the profile of the cam track.
  • a minimum amount of energy supply can be guaranteed through normal operation of a device.
  • the device can be relied upon to perform critical functions including storing information to memory, communicating information to other devices, displaying information on the device or carrying out sensing functions within the device.
  • the profiles of the cam track and follower can therefore be designed effectively to 'tune' the configuration of the device to the energy requirements of the electrical circuitry within it, taking account of the expected relative displacement of the device elements by the user, and the number of oscillations achievable within the bounds of the space envelope and frictional losses.
  • Figure 1 shows an injection pen 1 including an energy harnessing mechanism, according to a first embodiment.
  • the injection pen 1 is a handheld device which allows a user to inject a preset amount of drug into the body.
  • the injection pen 1 is an example of a handheld device which, in use, involves necessary user action - in this case the removal and/or replacement of a cap. Removal of the cap constitutes a necessary user action because it is performed as part of the normal operation of the device.
  • Figure 1 shows an axonometric view of the injection pen 1 having a cap 101 at a proximal end of the injection pen 1.
  • the cap 101 is configured to be slidably received on, and to be coupled to, a main portion 121 of the injection pen 1.
  • Figure 1 shows a view of the injection pen 1 where the cap 101 has been removed from the main portion 121, partially exposing a pre-filled drug cartridge 111 to which a disposable needle (not shown) can be attached.
  • the main portion 121 includes a housing 123 which contains, amongst other things, components for controlling the delivery of a drug from the drug cartridge 111.
  • the cap 101 includes two extended portions 107a and 107b, which extend from the distal end of the cap 101 in a distal direction.
  • the extended portions 107a and 107b are located on opposing sides of the cap 101. Furthermore, the main portion 121 includes two recesses 127a and 127b which complement the two extended portions 107a and 107b. Therefore, when the cap 101 is placed on the main portion 121 the extended portions 107a, 107b are received by the recesses 127a, 127b.
  • This arrangement advantageously provides an increased amount of overlap between the main portion 121 and the cap 101. This is beneficial in the energy harnessing mechanism, as explained below.
  • the cap 101 includes two cam tracks 103 each comprising a channel formed in the inside surface of each of the extended portions 107a, 107b.
  • the channels have a waveform shape; in the present embodiment the cam tracks 103 have an approximately triangular waveform, but the waveform may be of any suitable shape.
  • the main portion 121 of the injection pen 1 includes two followers 133a and 133b (133b not shown) each in the form of a projection protruding outwards from each of the recesses 127a, 127b.
  • the followers 133 are provided near the proximal end of the main portion 121 and of the recesses 127a, 127b.
  • the cam tracks 103 and the followers 133a, 133b form part of the energy harnessing mechanism of the injection pen 1.
  • the cam tracks 103 and the followers 133a, 133b are arranged such that when the cap 101 is attached to or removed from the main portion 121 the followers 133 travel along the cam tracks 103, following the path defined by the cam tracks.
  • the path defined by each of the cam tracks 103 causes the followers to oscillate with a linear motion. This oscillating motion is converted into electrical energy by a generator (not shown) disposed within the main portion 121.
  • cam tracks 103 in extended portions 107a, 107b of the cap which have a substantial overlap with the main portion 121 means that a greater length of cam track will pass over the proximal end of the main portion 121 and over the followers 133a, 133b when the cap 101 is placed onto or removed from the main portion 121. This in turn causes more oscillation of the followers 133a, 133b and thus more energy generated by the generator connected to the followers 133a, 133b.
  • the drug cartridge 111 and proximal end of the pen are initially covered with the cap 101.
  • the cap is removed by the user, much like a writing pen. Removal of the cap 101 causes movement of the cam tracks 103 relative to the followers 133a, 133b, causing the follows to oscillate as they follow the path defined by the cam track 103.
  • the injection pen 1 may be used to administer an injection of a medicament to a patient.
  • the delivered dose of drug can be determined by the user via a dial mechanism 125.
  • the disposable needle is stored separately from the injection pen 1 and is only attached to the pre-filled drug cartridge 111 immediately prior to administration, once the cap 101 has been removed.
  • the injector pen 1 In a typical use of the injector pen 1, a user will first remove the cap 101, then self-administer injection of the medicament held in the drug cartridge 111, and finally replace the cap 101 for safe storage or disposal of the injector pen 1.
  • the pen 1 can be disposable or reusable, in which case the drug cartridge 111 can be removed and replaced when empty.
  • Figure 2 is a cut-away axonometric view of the injection pen 1.
  • the drug cartridge 111 is omitted, along with an upper part of the housing 123.
  • Figure 3 is also a cut-away axonometric view of the injection pen 1, in this case showing components of the energy harnessing mechanism in more detail.
  • Figure 4 is an exploded view of the injector pen 1, showing each element separately.
  • the main portion 121 includes an actuator 135 to which the followers 133 are connected.
  • the actuator 135 is generally plate shaped and the followers 133 are formed as projections protruding from opposing edges of the actuator 135.
  • the housing 123 of the main portion 121 includes two slots 155a and 155b through which the followers 133a and 133b respectively pass.
  • the slots extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cap 101 when the cap is removed or replaced. Therefore, the actuator 135 and followers 133 are constrained to move, in general, only in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cap 101 when the cap is removed or replaced.
  • the actuator 135 connected to an energy generator 137 via a lever 139.
  • the actuator 135 is coupled to a proximal end of the lever 139, such that oscillations of the actuator, in the form of linear translations, cause the lever to oscillate back and forth with generally rotary motion.
  • the oscillations of the lever 139 provides mechanical power to the energy generator 137, allowing electrical energy to be generated.
  • the energy generator 137 is configured such that the lever 139 moves a magnetic element from a first position, where it is held by a mechanical spring or magnetic force, to a second position, which leads to a rapid change in magnetic flux through a part of a magnetic circuit around which a coil is wound, in turn leading to the induction of current in the coil.
  • the magnetic element then returns to the first position (preferably under bias), causing another change in magnetic flux and induction of current, completing a single oscillation of the magnetic element and the lever 139.
  • each oscillation of the lever 139 generates a predictable and consistent amount of electrical energy to be generated by the generator. Therefore, the track profile of the cam tracks 103a, 103b can be used to control exactly how much energy is generated by the user during removal or replacement of the cap 101.
  • the cam track 103 profile (i.e. the shape of the waveform) controls the oscillations of the followers 133a, 133b and thus the actuator 135.
  • the total number of the oscillations performed by the actuator 135 during removal or replacement of the cap 101 is thus controlled by the track profile.
  • Figures 5a and 5b illustrate exemplary track profiles which can be used in the cap 101.
  • Each of Figures 5a and 5b show part of the extended portion 107 of the cap 101, including respective tracks 613 and 623, each of which has a different track profile.
  • the track 613 is configured to cause the follower 133 to undergo four oscillations, by having a profile defining four peaks and troughs.
  • the track 623 is configured to cause the follower 133 to undergo five oscillations, by having a profile defining five peaks and troughs. If E denotes the energy generated by the generator from one oscillation of the actuator 135 and lever 139, then track 613 results in 4f of energy being generated, while track 623 results in 5f of energy being generated.
  • n oscillations of the actuator 135 causes n oscillations in the energy generator in order to produce n bursts of electric current, where n is an integer.
  • the amplitude of the track waveform is selected to ensure that each oscillation of the actuator 135 is sufficient to cause the generator to perform a full energy-generating oscillation (preferably where the magnetic element moves from the first position to the second position and back again), therefore generating the predetermined amount of electrical energy.
  • Figures 6a - 6d illustrate an exemplary sequence of operation of the injection pen 1, in which the incidental, necessary removal the cap 101 acts as a power source for generating electrical energy using the energy harnessing mechanism.
  • Figure 6a shows the cap 101 being removed by a user, as indicated by the arrow A.
  • Removal of the cap 101 causes the cam track 103, shown in Figure 6b, to travel past the followers 133.
  • the followers 133a, 133b follow the path of the track as it travels past them.
  • the followers 133a, 133b are constrained by the slots 155a, 155b to move in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cap as it is removed, and therefore the followers 133a, 133b follow the transverse displacement of the path of the cam tracks 103.
  • This causes the followers and therefore the actuator 135 to oscillate, as indicated by arrow B in Figure 6c. In this way, removal of the cap 101 drives oscillation of the actuator 135.
  • Figure 6d shows the oscillation of the actuator 135, indicated by arrow C.
  • the actuator 135 in turn causes oscillation of the lever 139, which causes electrical current to be generated by the energy generator 137.
  • Figures 7a and 7b illustrate a second exemplary embodiment, in this case a container including a screw closure 701, the container incorporating an energy harnessing mechanism.
  • Figure 7a is a section through the closure 701 of the container, while Figure 7b is a partial side view of a top part of a body 721 of the container.
  • the closure 701 includes a groove 741 in the form of an internal helical thread, the groove disposed on an inside surface of the closure 701.
  • the groove 741 is configured to receive an external helical ridge 743 disposed around the top portion of the body 721 of the container. Cooperation of the groove 741 and ridge 743 provide a screw-fit between the closure 701 and the body 721.
  • the closure 701 also includes a cam track 703 which comprises a channel formed in the inside surface of the closure 701.
  • the channel has a waveform shape, and extends around the inside surface along an axis indicated by a dotted and dashed line in Figure 7a.
  • the axis of the cam track 703 extends around the inside surface of the closure 701 in a generally helical manner, with the pitch of the axis of the cam track 703 being substantially the same as the pitch of the groove 741.
  • the body 721 includes a slot 755 through which a follower 733 extends.
  • the slot 755 and follower 733 are provided next to the helical ridge 743 of the body 721.
  • the cam track 703 and the follower 733 form part of the energy harnessing mechanism of the container.
  • the cam track 703 and the follower 733 are arranged such that when the closure 701 is attached to or removed from the body 721 in a screw-fit fashion, the follower 733 travels along the cam track 703, following the path defined by the cam track 703.
  • the path defined by the cam track 703 causes the follower to oscillate with a linear motion as the inner surface of the closure 701 passes the follower 733 with rotating motion. This oscillating motion is converted into electrical energy by a generator (not shown) disposed within the body 721, the generator being coupled to the follower 733.
  • the cam track 103 profile controls the oscillations of the follower 733 and thus the generator.
  • the total number of the oscillations performed by the follower 733 during removal or replacement of the closure 701 is thus controlled by the track profile, and this allows control and tuning of how much energy is produced by the generator during the total amount of rotation performed by the closure 701 relative to the body 721 in order to removed/replace the closure 701.
  • the energy generated by the energy harnessing mechanism of the container can be used to, for example, power transmission circuitry which transmits information relating to the usage of the container - this could be useful, for example, in medicine containers.
  • the present invention is not limited to injector devices.
  • the described energy harnessing mechanism can be incorporated into any type of device which involves necessary user action involving relative movement between parts of the device, particularly handheld devices. This relative movement provides an energy source from which electrical energy can be produced.
  • the described mechanism can be used for harnessing energy in handheld electronic devices, for example medical devices such as dosing devices, injector devices and diagnostic devices.
  • Preferred examples of handheld devices include devices which involve the removal and/or replacement of a cap (or lid) as a conventional user step.
  • a cap or lid
  • the present invention allows energy to be generated from the movement of the cap without affecting the normal look and feel of the cap.
  • sources of mechanical energy from which electrical energy can be harvested include the twisting of two parts of a device (e.g. to remove a lid from a container, set a parameter - e.g. in the manner of a thermostat or the like, or to dispense something held within a container - e.g. in the manner of a pepper mill or the like).
  • the opening of a door or hinged lid may act as an energy source (e.g. having an arcuate member, comprising a cam track, that extends as the door/lid is opened and/or returns as the door/lid shut to drive energy generation).
  • an energy source e.g. having an arcuate member, comprising a cam track, that extends as the door/lid is opened and/or returns as the door/lid shut to drive energy generation.
  • the described energy harnessing mechanism can be packaged into a conventional handheld device usually without changing core, mechanical, device functionality.
  • incorporating energy harnessing mechanism requires typically one additional part (actuator), with other functionality (e.g. track) being designed into components typically found in a device.
  • actuator e.g. track
  • tracks 613 and 623 are shown in the cap 101 of the injector pen, these exemplary track profiles can be applied to any device which involves normal, necessary user action involving relative movement between parts of the device.
  • the profiles of the cam tracks 103 and followers 133a, 133b can be tuned to match the expected displacement of the element of the device which is moved by the user, and the number of oscillations achievable within the bounds of the space envelope and frictional losses.
  • the track profile of the cam tracks used on any device can be designed to control precisely how much energy is generated by the relevant user action performed as part of normal use of the device.
  • the electrical energy generated by the energy harnessing mechanism can be used for any purpose, for example to power 'smart' functionality integrated into a handheld device such as an injector, fitness tracker or blood glucose meter. Examples include, but are not limited to, storing information to memory, communicating information to other devices, displaying information on the device or carrying out sensing functions within the device.
  • the electrical energy is used to power radio communications circuitry for communicating information relating to usage of the device in which it is implemented.
  • the electrical energy may be temporarily stored in one or more capacitors or similar storage devices prior to being used to power radio communications circuitry
  • the waveform of the cam tracks may be of any shape, for example sinusoidal, square or sawtooth waveforms.
  • the injector pen or other device may include any number of cam tracks and followers.
  • only one of each may be provided, and consequently an injector pen example may only include one extended portion of the cap and one recess.
  • the cap and main portion may be configured such that the cap can only be fitted onto the main portion in one orientation (in general the number of tracks and followers may be matched to the number of orientations in which the cap can be fitted onto the main portion).
  • the followers may be coupled to different actuators.
  • multiple actuators and/or generators may be provided.
  • the injector pen (or other devices) may have more cam tracks than followers.
  • the actuator may have any suitable shape. Any of the actuator, the followers and the lever may be combined - in particular the lever itself may perform the functions of the actuator and followers.
  • the cam track may be provided in any suitable form which will cause oscillation of the follower (or its equivalents).
  • the cam track may be provides as a projection having a wave form, or the edge of a component may be shaped in a wave form in order to provide the cam track.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé et un dispositif pour convertir des actions d'un utilisateur, effectuées lors de l'utilisation normale d'un dispositif, en énergie électrique de manière contrôlée et cohérente, à l'aide d'un mécanisme d'exploitation d'énergie.
PCT/GB2015/052865 2014-09-30 2015-09-30 Procédé et dispositif d'exploitation d'énergie WO2016051178A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1417294.4 2014-09-30
GB1417294.4A GB2530758A (en) 2014-09-30 2014-09-30 Method and device for harnessing energy

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016051178A1 true WO2016051178A1 (fr) 2016-04-07

Family

ID=51901401

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2015/052865 WO2016051178A1 (fr) 2014-09-30 2015-09-30 Procédé et dispositif d'exploitation d'énergie

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2530758A (fr)
WO (1) WO2016051178A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2347800A (en) * 1999-03-10 2000-09-13 Ericsson Telefon Ab L M Hand powered battery charger
WO2013155607A1 (fr) * 2012-04-20 2013-10-24 Sonomax Technologies Inc. Dispositif de collecte d'énergie pour dispositifs intra-auriculaires utilisant le mouvement dynamique du conduit auditif
US20130300345A1 (en) * 2012-05-09 2013-11-14 Plantronics, Inc. Jaw Powered Electric Generator
US20140152241A1 (en) * 2012-12-04 2014-06-05 Mipwr, LLC Recharging jacket assembly for a mobile communication device

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5363445A (en) * 1994-01-07 1994-11-08 Shyu Chih Yes Auxiliary charging device for a mobile telephone
DE102011087844A1 (de) * 2011-12-06 2013-06-06 Johnson Matthey Catalysts (Germany) Gmbh Baugruppe zur Energieerzeugung sowie einen Biegewandler für eine solche Baugruppe
WO2013169726A1 (fr) * 2012-05-07 2013-11-14 Xceedid Corporation Système de collecte d'énergie à partir d'une porte ou d'un déplacement de matière de porte

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2347800A (en) * 1999-03-10 2000-09-13 Ericsson Telefon Ab L M Hand powered battery charger
WO2013155607A1 (fr) * 2012-04-20 2013-10-24 Sonomax Technologies Inc. Dispositif de collecte d'énergie pour dispositifs intra-auriculaires utilisant le mouvement dynamique du conduit auditif
US20130300345A1 (en) * 2012-05-09 2013-11-14 Plantronics, Inc. Jaw Powered Electric Generator
US20140152241A1 (en) * 2012-12-04 2014-06-05 Mipwr, LLC Recharging jacket assembly for a mobile communication device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2530758A (en) 2016-04-06
GB201417294D0 (en) 2014-11-12

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0069350B1 (fr) Appareil d'infusion médical
US20220241514A1 (en) Supplemental Device for Attachment to an Injection Device
CN105268057B (zh) 用于给药的设备
AU2002216254B2 (en) Drive mechanism for an injection device
US8936574B2 (en) Drug delivery pump drive using linear piezoelectric motor
EP2211939B1 (fr) Dispositif d'administration d'un médicament comportant un actionneur à mémoire de forme, une vis-mère et un mécanisme à cliquet
US20180117265A1 (en) Electromechanical manipulating device for medical needle and syringe with sensory biofeedback and pain suppression capability
EP3038672B1 (fr) Dispositif ayant un moteur du type lavet
US20140131388A1 (en) Discharging apparatus for media
JP2019500153A (ja) シリンジ
JP2011519651A (ja) 電気的に駆動する注射器
WO2016051178A1 (fr) Procédé et dispositif d'exploitation d'énergie
EP2968788B1 (fr) Mecanisme d'administration pour un dispositif medical
EP4241803A1 (fr) Dispositif d'administration de médicaments
KR20130124057A (ko) 펜형 약물 주입 장치
KR20130124424A (ko) 약물 공급 장치
US20240131270A1 (en) Compact ratchet mechanism
CN208582811U (zh) 驱动单元、医疗用泵以及药剂投放器
KR101548458B1 (ko) 주사기형 약물 주입 장치
CA2906253C (fr) Mecanisme de distribution pour un dispositif medical
US20170021093A1 (en) Medical device with self-sustaining power source

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 15781138

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 15781138

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1