In the second part of our series on insulin pens, we delve deeper into the world of simulation, which is essential for the development of these essential devices. My experience in developing precise devices has always presented me with new challenges, especially in the accurate dosing of vital drugs such as insulin. I would like to share with you my insights into the challenges and solutions in precision insulin dosing. If you haven’t read the first post yet, I recommend you read Blog Part 1: An in-depth look at the technology behind insulin pens.
The initial phase of each simulation typically starts with a rigid model. This is based on the assumption that the components of the pen do not change their shape under pressure. This simplified view helps us to gain basic insights, but it does not reflect the full reality. Materials, especially plastics, show a certain elasticity under load. This directly influences how the insulin pen behaves under real conditions.
To take this fact into account, we apply elastic models in the next step. These models incorporate the actual physical properties of the materials and show us that the amount of insulin released can deviate from the ideal calculation. The tolerances of the components are a decisive factor here. Small deviations in the production processes can have a significant impact on the performance of the pen. These deviations always occur and can be mapped using cpk values. Maximum and minimum dimensions must also be taken into account. Using simulation and statistical options, assembly variants come incredibly close to reality and a wide range of variants can be calculated and evaluated at the touch of a button.
This knowledge is invaluable to us at B&W. They enable us to develop insulin pens that are technically up to date and fulfil the requirements of users in daily use. Our research aims to create products that make the everyday lives of people with diabetes safer and easier.
By further developing our simulation models and incorporating realistic material behaviour, we are committed to the continuous improvement of insulin pen technology. The challenges in simulation are manifold and require a deep understanding of material science, mechanics and end-user needs. Each step in this process brings us closer to the goal of delivering insulin pens that enable reliable and accurate dosing, which is crucial for the treatment of diabetes.
In future posts, I will present further aspects of our work at B&W. Stay tuned to learn more about our efforts to improve the quality of life of people with diabetes through technological innovation.
