Force measuring device
20240393191 ยท 2024-11-28
Inventors
Cpc classification
International classification
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a force measuring device (1) comprising a spring module (2), and an electronic module (3), detachably mechanically connected to the spring module. The spring module comprises a test head (21) defining an outer surface of the device, a spring seat (23), and a spring (24) arranged between the test head and the spring seat, with a first end (24a) of the spring engaging the test head and a second end (24b) of the spring engaging the spring seat. The electronic module comprises a force sensor (31) arranged in physical contact with the spring seat.
Claims
1-14. (canceled)
15. A force measuring device comprising: a spring module, comprising: a test head defining an outer surface of the force measuring device; a spring seat; a spring arranged between the test head and the spring seat, with a first end of the spring engaging the test head and a second end of the spring engaging the spring seat; and a spring force adjustment arrangement arranged to adjust an accumulated force of the spring; and an electronic module, detachably mechanically connected to the spring module, the electronic module comprising: a force sensor arranged in physical contact with the spring seat.
16. The force measuring device of claim 15, wherein the spring is a compression spring, a tension spring or a torsion spring.
17. The force measuring device of claim 15, wherein the test head is movable between a first end position and a second end position during elastic deformation of the spring.
18. The force measuring device of claim 17, the spring module further comprising a rigid element fixed in relation to the test head and arranged to be in contact with the spring seat at the second end position.
19. The force measuring device of claim 18, wherein the rigid element is a rod-shaped component.
20. The force measuring device of claim 15, wherein the spring force adjustment arrangement is arranged to adjust a longitudinal extension of the spring between the test head and the spring seat.
21. The force measuring device of claim 20, wherein the spring force adjustment arrangement comprises: a lead screw axially fixed in relation to the test head; and a spring cap directly engaged with the first end of the spring, the spring cap being screwed onto the lead screw and being axially movable and rotationally fixed in relation to the test head.
22. The force measuring device of claim 15, wherein the spring module comprises a head joint fixed in relation to the test head and a spring cover fixed in relation to the spring seat.
23. The force measuring device of claim 22, wherein the spring cover and the head joint are telescopically arranged, allowing the head joint to be movable in relation to the spring cover in a longitudinal direction.
24. The force measuring device of claim 22, wherein the test head is detachably connected to the head joint via a bayonet connector, a screw thread, and/or a snap-fit connector.
25. The force measuring device of claim 15, wherein the device comprises a rear housing and a front housing, wherein the electronic module is arranged within the rear housing, wherein the spring module is arranged within the front housing, wherein an opening is arranged in a wall of the rear housing, wherein a counter opening is arranged in a wall of the front housing, wherein the force sensor is in physical contact with the spring seat though the opening and the counter opening, and wherein the rear housing is detachably connected to the front housing via a bayonet connector, a screw thread connector, and/or a snap-fit connector.
26. A method for measuring an external force applied by a user to the test head of the force measuring device of claim 15, the method comprising: the user applying a force to the test head; and the sensor measuring a first part of the applied force, said first part being transmitted to the spring seat via the spring.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the test head is moved from a first end position to a second end position by the force applied to the test head, during elastic deformation of the spring.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein, when the test head has reached the second end position, the measuring further comprises measuring a second part of the applied force, said second part being transmitted to the spring seat via a rigid element contacting the spring seat, said rigid element being fixed in relation to the test head.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Embodiments will be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0022]
[0023]
[0024]
[0025]
[0026]
[0027]
[0028]
[0029]
[0030]
[0031]
[0032]
[0033]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments are shown. However, other embodiments in many different forms are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the following embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.
[0035]
[0036] The applied force may be any type of force, applied in any direction. For instance, the force may be a press force applied by the user pressing down on the surface 22 of the test head 21, or a tensile force applied by a user pulling on the test head 21 when holding it at its surface 22, or a torque applied by a user twisting the test head 21 when holding it at its surface 22. Herein, the embodiments of the invention will be discussed with a press force used as an example, which may be preferred in some embodiments e.g. when the device 1 mimics an autoinjector, pen injector or inhaler.
[0037] In some embodiments of the present invention, the device 1 comprises an outer shell 10. The outer shell may protect the movable and/or electronic parts of the device from external disruption or pollution. The outer shell may extend along the longitudinal axis 100 (see
[0038] In some embodiments, the outer shell 10 is shaped as a medicament delivery device, e.g. an autoinjector, pen injector and/or inhaler, which may further improve the real-feel for the user of the device 1. In some embodiments, the outer shell 10 may be detachably arranged, allowing the outer shell 10 to be exchanged for another outer shell, e.g. having another shape mimicking another medicament delivery device.
[0039] The test head 21 may be telescopically arranged in relation to the outer shell 10, e.g. movable along a longitudinal axis 100 (see
[0040]
[0041] The spring module 2 comprises the test head 21, a spring seat 23 and a spring 24 arranged between the test head 21 and the spring seat 23. A first end 24a of the spring 24 directly or indirectly engages the test head 21, e.g. such that the test head 21 is fixed in relation to the first end 24a. Thus, the spring 24 is affected by a force is applied to the test head 21. A second end 24b of the spring 24 directly or indirectly engages the spring seat 23. Typically, the spring seat 23 is in direct contact with the second end 24b of the spring 24, e.g. by the spring 24 being fastened to the spring seat 23 or by the spring 24 being pressed against the spring seat 23.
[0042] By the spring 24 engaging both the test head 21 and the spring seat 23, at least a part of an external force applied to the test head 21, e.g. a press force, a tensile force and/or a torque, preferably a press force, can be transmitted to the spring seat 23 via the spring 24. A press force could be applied towards the spring seat 23, along the longitudinal axis 100, a tensile force could be applied away from the spring seat 23, along the longitudinal axis 100, and a torque could be applied in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 100. Thus, the spring 24 may be a compression spring, a tension spring or a torsion spring. In some embodiments, as also exemplified in the figures, the spring 24 is a compression spring, typically arranged for a press force applied to the test head 21. In some embodiments, as also exemplified in the figures, the spring 24 is a coil spring. An advantage of a coil spring is that it may fit, also during elastic deformation, within a cover of the device 1 arranged along the longitudinal axis 10o, e.g. the outer shell 10 and/or the font housing 50.
[0043] It follows that, in response to an external force being applied to the test head 21, provided that said external force overcomes any pre-accumulated force of the spring (also called pre-tension or biasing), the test head 21 may be movable (in relation to e.g. the spring seat 23) from a first (resting) end position p1 during elastic during elastic deformation of the spring 24, thus providing movement and force feed-back to the user applying the external force. In some embodiments, the test head 21 is movable a distance d from the first end position p1 towards a second end position p2, at which second position a structural limitation of the spring module 2 prevents further movement of the test head in response to the external force applied. Such a structural limitation may be by a rigid element (e.g. in the form of a lead screw 41, see
[0044] The electronic module 3 comprises the force sensor 31 which is arranged in physical contact with the spring seat 23, allowing the force sensor 31 to measure at least a part of the external force applied to the test head, as transmitted via the spring 24 and (optionally) also via any other structural element of the spring module 2 as further discussed below. The electronic module may also comprise means for handling and/or processing measurement signals from the force sensor 31, e.g. comprising a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 32.
[0045]
[0046]
[0047] In some embodiments of the present invention, the spring force adjustment arrangement 40 comprises a lead screw 41 which is axially fixed in relation to the test head 21, and a spring cap 42 directly engaged with the first end 24a of the spring 24, the spring cap being screwed onto the lead screw 41 and being axially movable and rotationally fixed in relation to the test head 21. The lead screw is fixed in relation to the test head and is typically oriented to axially extend longitudinally towards the spring seat 23. Thus, when the lead screw 41 is turned in relation to the rotationally fixed spring cap, the spring cap 42 is guided by the male thread to move axially towards or away from the spring seat 23, thus adjusting the longitudinal extension of the spring 24. The spring cap 42 may be engaged with the first end 24a of the spring 24 by being pressed against said first end 24a, e.g. if the spring is a compression spring which is pre-compressed between the spring cap 42 and the spring seat 23 to provide the accumulated force, or by being fastened to said first end 24a, e.g. if the spring is a tension spring which is pre-tensed between the spring cap 42 and the spring seat 23 to provide the accumulated force.
[0048] As mentioned above, the lead screw 41, which is axially fixed in relation to the test head, may form a rigid element which stops axial movement of the test head 21 towards the spring seat 23 at the second end position p2 after having been moved the distance d by making physical contact with the spring seat at said second end position p2 of the test head 21.
[0049] The lead screw may at least partly extend axially within the spring, towards the spring seat 23, especially when the spring is a coil spring, as shown in
[0050]
[0051] The test head 21 may be fixed in relation to the lead screw 41 e.g. by being attached directly to the lead screw and/or by being connected to a front housing 50, e.g. as shown in
[0052] In some embodiments of the present invention, the spring module 2 is arranged at least partly within a front housing 50. The front housing may protect e.g. the spring seat 23 and/or the spring 24 from external disturbance. The front housing 50 may also mechanically connect to the test head 21 and/or to the spring cap 42. Thus, the test head 21 may be held in place in the device 1 at least partly by being attached to the front housing by a connector 25. In some embodiments, the test head 21 is detachably connected to the front housing 50, e.g. to a head joint 51 thereof, e.g. by means of a connector 25, such as a bayonet connector (as in the example of
[0053] A function of the front housing 50 may be to fix the test head 21 in relation to the spring cap when in its resting end position p1. For instance, the front housing may be arranged to restrict the longitudinal extension of the spring 24, e.g. in cooperation with the spring force adjustment arrangement 40, facilitating pre-accumulation of force in the spring 24 by means of the spring force adjustment arrangement 40. In the example of figure r, where a compression spring is used, this is achieved by the spring seat 23 being arranged within the front housing 50, e.g. within the spring cover 52 thereof, and the spring cap 42 being mechanically connected to the front housing 50, e.g. to the spring cover 52 thereof. The front housing 50, e.g. the spring cover 52 thereof, may thus limit the maximum longitudinal extension of the spring 24 by the front housing, e.g. the spring cover, being rigid or having a limited maximum longitudinal extension.
[0054] Regarding the spring cap 42, it may be provided with a radially protruding tooth 43, or other outwards extending protrusion, which may be in mesh with a longitudinal groove or slit 53 of the front housing 50, e.g. of a spring cover 52 thereof, preventing the spring cap 42 from rotating while allowing the spring cap to move axially (i.e. in a longitudinal direction) along the longitudinal extension of the groove or slit 53. This is one example of how to realize the spring cover being axially movable and rotationally fixed in relation to the test head 21, especially when the test head is also attached to the front housing.
[0055] Additionally, the front housing 50 may engage the lead screw 41 to prevent it from axial movement while it is being turned, e.g. being turned by means of the force adjusting knob 44 extending outside of the front housing. The front housing 50, e.g. a head joint 51 thereof, may engage the lead screw to prevent it from axial movement e.g. by meshing with a radially extending flange 45, or other radially extending protrusion or ridge, of the lead screw. The flange may conveniently be positioned at a part of the lead screw which axially extends beyond the spring 24, e.g. at a part of the lead screw between the spring cap 42 and the force adjusting knob 44. Thus, the front housing may limit the maximum longitudinal extension of the spring module 2, e.g. as measured between the test head 21 and the spring seat 23, by the front housing being rigid or having an otherwise limited maximum longitudinal extension.
[0056] In some embodiments, the front housing 50 comprises a head joint 51 which is fixed in relation to the test head 21, e.g. by means of the connector 25 as mentioned above.
[0057] In some embodiments, the front housing 50 comprises a spring cover 52 which is fixed in relation to the spring seat 23, e.g. by being mechanically connected to the electronic module 3.
[0058] In case the front housing 50 comprises a head joint 51, e.g. fixed in relation to the test head 21, and a spring cover 52, e.g. fixed in relation to the spring seat 23, the spring cover 52 and the head joint 51 may conveniently be telescopically arranged, allowing the head joint to be movable in relation to the spring cover in a longitudinal direction, but typically not rotationally movable in relation to the spring cover. That the head joint 51 and the spring cover 52 are telescopically arranged may imply that they are concentrically arranged at least partly overlapping and slidably connected to each other. Typically, the telescopic connection has a stopper functionality preventing the head joint 51 and the spring cover 52 from separating from each other in the longitudinal direction, thus also providing the limited maximum longitudinal extension of the front housing 50.
[0059]
[0060]
[0061] Thus, in some embodiments, the device 1 comprises a rear housing 55. In some embodiments the electronic module 3 is fully or at least partly arranged within the rear housing 55. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the device 1 comprises a front housing 50. In some embodiments, the spring module 2 is fully or at least partly arranged within the front housing 50, though the test head 21 still defines an outer surface of the device 1, e.g. by longitudinally extending at least partly beyond the front housing 50 (e.g. as shown in
[0062] In some embodiments, the rear housing 55 is detachably mechanically connected to the front housing 50 by means of a mechanical connector, e.g. a bayonet connector, a screw thread connector or a snap-fit connector.
[0063] It is noted that the device 1 may comprise an outer shell 10, e.g. as discussed above, which may be arranged to define an outer surface of the device, e.g. of any of the embodiments of
[0064]
[0065] As more clearly shown in
[0066]
[0067]
[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, the external force applied S1 by the user is a press force, a tensile force or a torque, e.g. a press force applied in a direction towards the spring seat 23.
[0069] In some embodiments of the present invention, the test head 21 is moved from the first (resting) end position p1 towards and/or to the second end position p2 by the force applied S1 to the test head, during elastic deformation of the spring 24. The applied S1 force may be strong enough to move the test head 21 the whole distance d to the second end position p2, or it may be too weak to achieve this, only moving the test head a part of the distance d towards the second end position or not at all being able to move the test head from the first end position p1. In some embodiments, when the test head 21 has reached the second end position p2, the measuring S2 further comprises measuring a second part of the applied S1 force, said second part being transmitted to the spring seat 23 via a rigid element 41, e.g. the lead screw 41, making physical contact with the spring seat 23, said rigid element being fixed in relation to the test head. Alternatively, in an example where the applied S1 force is too weak to achieve the second end position p2, the measuring S2 can be done by measuring the reaction force on the spring seat 23.
[0070] The present disclosure has mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the present disclosure, as defined by the appended claims.
[0071] Some aspects of the invention are described in the clauses below. [0072] 1. A force measuring device (1) comprising: [0073] a spring module (2); and [0074] an electronic module (3), detachably mechanically connected to the spring module; [0075] the spring module (2) comprising: [0076] a test head (21) defining an outer surface (22) of the device (1); [0077] a spring seat (23); and [0078] a spring (24) arranged between the test head (21) and the spring seat (23), with a first end (24a) of the spring engaging the test head (21) and a second end (24b) of the spring engaging the spring seat (23); [0079] the electronic module (3) comprising a force sensor (31) arranged in physical contact with the spring seat (23). [0080] 2. The device of clause 1, wherein the spring (24) is a compression spring, a tension spring or a torsion spring. [0081] 3. The device of clause 2, wherein the spring (24) is a compression spring. [0082] 4. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the spring (24) is a coil spring. [0083] 5. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the test head (21) is movable between a first end position (p1) and a second end position (p2) during elastic deformation of the spring (24). [0084] 6. The device of clause 5, the spring module (2) further comprising a rigid element (41) fixed in relation to the test head (21) and arranged to be in contact with the spring seat (23) at the second end position (p2). [0085] 7. The device of clause 6, wherein the rigid element is a rod-shaped component (41). [0086] 8. The device of any preceding claim, the spring module (2) further comprising a spring force adjustment arrangement (40) arranged to adjust an accumulated force of the spring (24). [0087] 9. The device of clause 8, wherein the spring force adjustment arrangement (40) is arranged to adjust a longitudinal extension of the spring (24) between the test head (21) and the spring seat (23). [0088] 10. The device of clause 9, wherein the spring force adjustment arrangement (40) comprises: [0089] a lead screw (41) axially fixed in relation to the test head (21); and [0090] a spring cap (42) directly engaged with the first end (24a) of the spring (24), the spring cap being screwed onto the lead screw (41) and being axially movable and rotationally fixed in relation to the test head (21). [0091] 11. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the spring module (2) comprises a head joint (51) fixed in relation to the test head (21) and a spring cover (52) fixed in relation to the spring seat (23). [0092] 12. The device of clause 11, wherein the spring cover (52) and the head joint (51) are telescopically arranged, allowing the head joint to be movable in relation to the spring cover in a longitudinal direction. [0093] 13. The device of clause 11 or 12, wherein the test head (21) is detachably connected to the head joint (51), e.g. by means of a bayonet connector (25), a screw thread or a snap-fit connector. [0094] 14. The device of any preceding claim, [0095] wherein the device (1) comprises a rear housing (55) and a front housing (50); [0096] wherein the electronic module (3) is arranged within the rear housing (55); [0097] wherein the spring module (2) is arranged within the front housing (50); [0098] wherein an opening (56) is arranged in a wall of the rear housing (55); [0099] wherein a counter opening (54) is arranged in a wall of the front housing (50); [0100] wherein the force sensor (31) is in physical contact with the spring seat (23) though the opening (56) and the counter opening (54); and [0101] wherein the rear housing (55) is detachably connected to the front housing (50) by means of a bayonet connector, a screw thread connector or a snap-fit connector. [0102] 15. The device of clause 14 when dependent on any clause 11-13, [0103] wherein the front housing (50) is formed by the head joint (51) and the spring cover (52); and [0104] wherein the counter opening (54) is arranged in a wall of the spring cover (52). [0105] 16. The device of any preceding claim, further comprising an outer shell (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (100) of the device (1); [0106] wherein the spring seat (23) is arranged within the outer shell (10); [0107] wherein the test head (21) is partially arranged within the outer shell (10); and [0108] wherein the outer shell (10) is shaped as a medicament delivery device, e.g. an autoinjector, pen injector and/or inhaler. [0109] 17. The device of clause 16, wherein the test head (21) is telescopically arranged in relation to the outer shell (10). [0110] 18. The device of clause 16 or 17, wherein the electronic module (3) is at least partly arranged within the outer shell (10). [0111] 19. The device of any clause 16-18, when dependent on clause 14 or 15, wherein the rear housing (55) and at least a part of the front housing (50) are arranged within the outer shell (10). [0112] 20. A method for measuring an external force applied by a user to the test head (21) of a force measuring device (1) of any preceding claim, the method comprising: [0113] the user applying (S1) a force to the test head (21); and [0114] the sensor (31) measuring (S2) a first part of the applied (S1) force, said first part being transmitted to the spring seat (23) via the spring (24). [0115] 21. The method of clause 20, wherein the force is a press force, a tensile force or a torque. [0116] 22. The method of clause 20 or 21, wherein the force is a press force applied in a direction towards the spring seat (23). [0117] 23. The method of any clause 20-22, wherein the test head (21) is moved from a first end position (p1) to a second end position (p2) by the force applied (S1) to the test head, during elastic deformation of the spring (24). [0118] 24. The method of clause 23, wherein, when the test head (21) has reached the second end position (p2), the measuring (S2) further comprises measuring a second part of the applied (S1) force, said second part being transmitted to the spring seat (23) via a rigid element (41) contacting the spring seat (23), said rigid element being fixed in relation to the test head. [0119] 25. A kit comprising: [0120] a plurality of spring modules (2), each spring module comprising: [0121] a test head (21) defining an outer surface (22) of the spring module (2), [0122] a spring seat (23), and [0123] a spring (24) arranged between the test head (21) and the spring seat (23), with a first end (24a) of the spring engaging the test head and a second end (24b) of the spring engaging the spring seat, [0124] the spring (24) of each spring module (2) having a respective different spring constant; and [0125] an electronic module (3) comprising a force sensor (31), [0126] the electronic module (3) being detachably mechanically connectable to each of the spring modules (2) to bring the force sensor (31) in physical contact with the spring seat (23).