Patent Publication Number: US-2022217511-A1

Title: Communication module for an autoinjector

Description:
The present invention is directed to a communication module for an autoinjector, a reusable communication element for an autoinjector, to an autoinjector comprising a communication module, to a method of manufacturing a component of a medical device, the component comprising a communication module. 
     Autoinjectors, also sometimes called automatic drug delivery devices, are known examples of medical devices. Such autoinjectors are configured for dispensing a fluid product such as a medicament to a patient. The term autoinjector is used herein to describe not only an automatic drug delivery device described above, but also a training or demonstration device which may be intended to simulate at least some of the functions of such an automatic drug delivery device. 
     Examples of such autoinjectors for drug delivery are described, for example, in WO 2019/224782, WO 2019/224783, WO 2019/224784 and WO 2019/224785, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     In general, such autoinjectors provide reliable functioning and may be used accurately even by non-experienced persons. Nevertheless, there is still the risk to accidentally inject only part of the dose. Furthermore, some medicaments have to be delivered at certain times of the day and/or at certain intervals. 
     The invention provides a communication module, a drive module, an autoinjector, a reusable communication element, a method of using an autoinjector and a method of manufacturing a medical device as set out in the attached claims. 
     The communication module for an autoinjector according to the invention comprises a detector component configured to detect an injector usage event to obtain injector usage information and a transmitter component configured to wirelessly transmit injector usage information to a receiving device. 
     In this way, it is possible to transmit information about injector usage, in particular, an injection process, to some receiving device which may be, for example, a mobile phone, e.g. the smartphone of a user, a laptop, tablet computing device, personal computer, or other device. Injector usage information is obtained or acquired via the detector component. Since the communication module comprises a detector component which detects an injector usage event as well as a transmitter component as described, monitoring the use of the autoinjector is achieved in a reliable and simple way. The information about injector usage may be additionally or alternatively be used to provide feedback to a user to train or assist a user in the correct use of such a device. The feedback may be provided by the device, or by a companion or linked device such as a mobile phone, personal computer, tablet or other computing device. The feedback may be provided during use of the device with no, or very small time delay, to reflect the actual use of the device at the time, or the feedback may provide feedback after use to improve subsequent use of the same, or a similar, device. The feedback may comprise indications of the state of the autoinjector, for example via an animation or other visual representation, through a text or symbolic indication, a countdown to a next usage step, or a prompt to take a next step. The feedback may comprise an indication relating to correct use of the autoinjector, for example a light may indicate when the device is held at, or is not held at, a predetermined angle. 
     The detector may be configured to detect particular usage information. The usage information may include an indication that a cap of an autoinjector with which the communication module is associated has been removed. The usage information may include an indication of the usage state of an autoinjector with which the communication module is associated based on the position of elements of a drive mechanism of that autoinjector, for example a trigger element and/or an indicator element. The usage information may include one or more of device orientation before use, device orientation during use, time of use, date of use, temperature of the device and timing of operation of one or more components of the autoinjector. 
     When the communication module is intended to provide usage information about an autoinjector, the communication module may be arranged in a rear portion of the device. The rear portion being opposite the injection end of the device. The communication module may be arranged so that it is arranged on, or in a rear half of the autoinjector. The communication module may be arranged so that it does not extend towards a front, or injection end of the device, beyond half the length of the device. 
     The usage information may include information about a condition of the autoinjector, for example a condition that may be indicative of storage quality. A condition of the autoinjector may be monitored continuously or at intervals, regular or irregular, for example from final assembly to use, or during any suitable time period. This time period may include, for example a period of shipping or transporting the autoinjector during which conditions may be more difficult to control. The condition may include temperature and / or agitation. Temperature may be monitored by a temperature sensor and agitation may be measured by an accelerometer. The usage information may comprise an indication regarding whether a quality threshold has been passed, for example a maximum or minimum temperature or level of agitation. The usage information may include an indication of the time for which a particular threshold has been passed. Such condition monitoring may not be appropriate, for example foe a training, or demonstration device, which does not contain any medicament. 
     The communication module may comprise a data storage component to store usage information relating to one or more injector usage events and may be configured to store the usage information for later transmission. The data storage component may comprise a memory. The memory may include non-volatile memory so that the memory content of the non-volatile memory is retained when the memory is not powered by a power supply. 
     The communication module may comprise a receiver component to receive signals and or data from an external source, for example from the receiving device. This may allow two way communication between the autoinjector and the receiving device. The receiver component may be combined with the transmitter component in the form of a transceiver component. Unless specifically excluded, references to a transmitter component herein include references to a transceiver component. 
     The transmitter component may be configured to automatically transmit the injector usage information upon creation of that information or to transmit the injector usage information upon receipt of a trigger signal, for example, a trigger signal indicating completion of use of the device, or a trigger from the receiving device and/or a user. The data and/or trigger signal may be transmitted in an encrypted form. 
     The transmitter component may be configured to transmit injector usage information at a predetermined time. For example, it may transmit injector usage information immediately when (new) injector usage information has been obtained or acquired by the detector component; in other words, it may transmit injector usage information upon detecting an injector usage event, for example any new injector usage event, or a predetermined set of new injector usage events. A set of new usage events may be a set including a cap removal event, which may activate certain components of the communication module, and a dose completion event. 
     The transmitter component may be configured to wirelessly transmit the injector usage information upon completion of the injection process. 
     The transmitter component may be configured to automatically transmit injector usage information before, during and/or after use of the autoinjector to train a user, or assist a user, in use of the device. 
     The detector component may be configured to obtain an injector usage signal upon detection of an injector usage event. Such an injector usage signal may be used in an advantageous way to provide injector usage information. The injector usage signal may directly constitute the injector usage information; alternatively, it may be processed to obtain injector usage information. 
     The detector component may be configured to detect acoustical, electrical, magnetic, optical, orientation, and/or acceleration signals and/or to detect proximity and/or contact with one or more components. In this way, a reliable detection for obtaining injector usage information is ensured. Such a detected signal may constitute an injector usage signal and/or injector usage information. Alternatively, it may trigger providing and/or generating an injector usage signal and/or injector usage information. The detector component may comprise a contact sensor or a non-contact sensor to detect an electrical, magnetic, acoustical, optical, orientation and/or acceleration signal and/or to detect proximity, contact and/or temperature. 
     The detector component may comprise a sensor, in particular, an electrical sensor (sensing an electrical signal or an electromagnetic field), such as an inductive sensor or a capacitive sensor, a magnetic sensor (sensing a magnetic flux), such as a Hall sensor which can act as a proximity sensor, an optical sensor, such as a photodetector, an acoustical sensor, such as a microphone, a contact sensor such as an electromechanical mechanical switch, an orientation sensor such as a gyroscope, for example a MEMS gyroscope and/or an acceleration sensor, such as an accelerometer. The orientation sensor and/or acceleration sensor may be configured to detect orientation of the device. Such elements are readily available and allow for a simple and cost-effective configuration of the communication module. 
     The detector component may comprise two or more sensors. The two or more sensors may be of the same or of different types. 
     As suggested above, the detector component may comprise a switch, wherein operation (activation, or a state change) of the switch and/or a predetermined switch position is representative of an injector usage event. Via the switch, an electrical signal constituting an injector usage signal may be provided. 
     The switch may be configured and/or arranged to take at least two switch positions, for example the switch may be movable from a first position to a second position through contact with a component of an autoinjector with which it is associated. At least one switch position being representative of an injector usage event. The detector component may be configured to detect a switch position of a switch. 
     The switch may be a contact switch, in particular, an electromechanical switch, or a non-contact switch, in particular, a Hall effect switch. The switch may comprise a sensor, in particular, one of the sensors listed above. A non-contact switch enables, or facilitates a water-proof configuration of parts of, or the complete, autoinjector. 
     The detector component may comprise two or more switches. The two or more switches may be of the same or of different type. In case of two or more switches, operation of two or more of said two or more switches and/or a predetermined switch position two or more of said two or more switches may be representative of an injector usage event. In other words, a combined operation of two or more switches and/or a combination of two or more switch positions may be representative of an injector usage event. 
     In the above-described communication modules, the communication module and / or the detector component may comprise a main board, for example a printed circuit board with a microcontroller and/or digital signal processor (DSP), or other processor, wherein the microcontroller and/or digital signal processor (DSP), or other processor is configured to process a sensor signal and/or a switch signal. The sensor signal may result from a sensor as described above. The microcontroller and/or digital signal processor (DSP), or other processor may comprise multiple component and be provided in a single, integrated component. The switch signal may result from a switch as described above. 
     The communication module may also include a component including a memory containing instructions which can be interpreted by a processor of the communication module. As set out above the memory may comprise non-volatile memory. The main board may carry one, some or all of a processor, detector component, power supply, transmitter component and component comprising a memory. 
     The microcontroller and/or DSP, or other processor may be configured to process a sensor signal and/or a switch signal to obtain an injector usage signal or injector usage information. The microcontroller and/or DSP may be configured to process an injector usage signal to obtain injector usage information. 
     The microcontroller and/or digital signal processor (DSP), or other processor may be configured to acquire the timing of a detected injector usage event and/or between detected injector usage events. For example, the microcontroller and/or digital signal processor (DSP), or other processor may have a timer, e.g. which can log time difference. 
     An injector usage event may be one of: 
     an injector storage event, in particular, the quality profile over time of the autoinjector since assembly, for example the temperature profile or agitation profile over time; 
     an injection preparatory event, in particular, uncasing the autoinjector and/or removal of a cap of the autoinjector, but this could include other preparatory events such as preparatory handling such as mixing components, for example components of the medicament within the device, priming, shaking or resting the device, and/or warming or cooling the device, orienting the device prior to injection; and 
     an injection event, in particular, placement of the autoinjector onto an injection site, start of movement of an injection needle towards puncture, start of dispensing a fluid product, completion of dispensing a fluid product, removal of the autoinjector from an injection site, the orientation of the device during injection, the time between detection of selected actions, the hold time following injection before the autoinjector is removed from the skin. 
     As noted above, an injector storage event may comprise recording data from one or more sensors prior to the device being used, or being prepared for use, for example prior to removing a cap from the device. In such an example any sensor or element in the detector element used for detecting the injector storage event may be enabled and/or powered following assembly. In some examples the communication module may be in a low power mode in which other sensors or elements that are not used for detecting the injector storage event may be disabled and/or unpowered prior to a particular event, for example an injection preparatory event such as removing a cap from the autoinjector, which may trigger activation of some or all of those sensors as the communication module transitions to a use mode. At least one sensor or detection element may be enabled, or powered following assembly to detect the particular event and thus trigger a change of mode and/or activation of other elements. 
     The indication of orientation may comprise an indication regarding whether the device was used in a vertical or horizontal orientation. An incorrect usage state may be indicated to a user if the device is not substantially horizontal or vertical prior to use, or when used. A correct usage state may be indicated to a user if the device is substantially horizontal or vertical prior to use, or when used. The correct or incorrect usage state may be indicated to the user by the autoinjector device and/or a linked device. The correct or incorrect usage state may depend upon a selected injection site. For example, a correct usage stage for an injection into the stomach it may be a substantially horizontal autoinjector orientation. As another example, a correct usage state for an injection into a thigh may be a substantially vertical autoinjector orientation. The intended injection site may be indicated by a user providing an input to the autoinjector and/or the receiving device. This may enable the autoinjector or the receiving device to provide feedback and/or guidance to a user regarding use of the device. The detection of orientation of the device may be initiated, activated or enabled by a preparatory event being detected, for example the removal of a cap of the autoinjector. 
     Useful injector usage events to reliably monitor use of an autoinjector may include, but are not limited, to injector usage events described herein. For example, a start of dispensing a fluid product may be defined by start of movement of a drive mechanism for dispensing the fluid product, e.g. start of movement of a plunger of the autoinjector. Completion of dispensing a fluid product may be defined by end of movement a drive mechanism for dispensing the fluid product, e.g. end of movement of a plunger of the autoinjector. Completion of dispensing a fluid product may trigger a completion indicator event, such as displacement of a completion indicator element. In such a case, detecting the injector usage event of completion of dispensing a fluid product may comprise detecting a completion indicator event, in particular, detecting displacement of a completion indicator element. Completion of a stage of use of the autoinjector may trigger an indicator event, such as displacement of an indicator element. In such a case, detecting the injector usage event of completion of that stage of use of the autoinjector may comprise detecting a completion indicator event, in particular, detecting displacement of a completion indicator element. The indicator element may also be an element that moves to provide an indication which can be sensed by a user, such as a visual, audible or tactile indication. 
     The detector component may be configured to detect (occurrence of) one or more such indicator usage events. The detector component may be configured to record, at least temporarily, (occurrence of) one or more such indicator usage events 
     For example, the detector component may comprise three switches, i.e. a first switch, a second switch and a third switch. Activation of the first and the third switch, the second switch being deactivated, may be representative of the event of removal of a cap of the autoinjector, activation of the second and the third switch, the first switch being deactivated, may be representative of the event of start of dispensing a fluid product, activation of the second switch, the first and third switch being deactivated, may be representative of the event of completion of dispensing a fluid product, activation of the first switch, the second and third switch being deactivated, may be representative of the event of removal of the autoinjector from an injection site. 
     In some examples, two of the switches may be configured to detect movement of a trigger element of a drive mechanism of an autoinjector, and one may be configured to detect movement of an injection complete indicator element. The three switches may be arranged in the communication module so as to be distributed along a longitudinal axis of an autoinjector to which the communication module is coupled. 
     Of course, different numbers of switches and/or different combinations of switch activations and/or deactivations and/or switch positions may be used as well. 
     Some or all of the switches may be contact switches and/or some or all of the switches may be non-contact switches. For example, the above-described switches may all be Hall effect switches or may all be electromechanical switches, for example contact switches. 
     In the above-described communication modules, the transmitter component may be configured for transmission via Bluetooth, WLAN, LPWAN, RFID (e.g., Near Field Communication (NFC)) or mobile communications networks. 
     The particular choice of a transmission hardware and/or protocol may depend on the intended receiving device. 
     For example, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) may be used. This is particularly advantageous as regards power efficiency. Furthermore, due to its short-range capabilities, the risk of intercepting the transmitted signals is reduced. Furthermore, most mobile phones are equipped with Bluetooth receivers, thus, are enabled to communicate with the communication module without additional equipment. As an alternative example, Near Field Communication (NFC) may be used. 
     The above-described communication modules may comprise a temperature sensor. The transmitter component may be configured to wirelessly transmit temperature information to a receiving device. 
     Temperature information may constitute an indication whether the autoinjector is ready for use and, as set out above, may also indicate whether the autoinjector has been stored appropriately. For example, the transmitter component may be configured to wirelessly transmit an indication that a fluid product in the autoinjector has a temperature above a predetermined lower threshold and/or below a predetermined upper threshold which may indicate that the device is ready to use, for example the device may need to be stored at a reduced temperature and then warmed to room temperature prior to use Alternatively or additionally, as set out previously, temperature information may be used as a basis of warning information in case the autoinjector has passed a pre-determined temperature threshold during storage or shipping to generate a warning on the receiving device or on the communication module. Passing a pre-determined temperature threshold during storage or shipping may indicate that a quality of a medicament within the autoinjector may be compromised. 
     The temperature sensor may be a temperature sensor of a processor, digital signal processor or a microcontroller being part of the detector component. 
     The communication module may comprise a connection component for connecting the communication module to an autoinjector. This allows to retrofit already existing (standard) autoinjectors with such a communication module in a simple way. 
     The connection component may be configured to provide for an adhesive connection, a frictional connection or a form-fit connection. For example, the attachment component may comprise an adhesive coating. The adhesive coating may be covered by a removable film. Alternatively, the attachment component may comprise a sleeve, a clamp and/or a snap-fit element. 
     The connection component may be configured for a connection, in particular, an attachment, which is releasable in a non-destructive or a destructive way. 
     A destructively releasable connection provides for secure connection, whereas a non-destructively releasable connection enables reuse of the communication module. In case the connection component is destructively releasable attached to the autoinjector, it may be disposed of with the autoinjector. 
     The communication module may be configured to be arranged within a housing of an autoinjector to thereby allow the creation of an autoinjector with an integrated communication module rather than an autoinjector with an external add-on communication module. 
     At least some of the communication module, for example some, or all, of the electronic components may be removable from the autoinjector after use. This may allow the electronics to be separated from mechanical components of the autoinjector to facilitate disposal and/or recycling. 
     The communication module may be secured to the autoinjector, or a part thereof, by a frangible connection. The autoinjector may include a releasable connection or catch which secures the communication module to the autoinjector, or a part thereof. The releasable connection or catch may be moved or released during or after use of the autoinjector to allow at least some of the communication module to be more easily removed from the autoinjector. 
     The communication module may be located so that it is accessible via an opening in a wall of the autoinjector housing. This may facilitate installation and/or removal of the communication module. The opening in the wall of the housing may be covered by an openable or removable portion, such as a door, which can be moved from a closed position to an open position. When in the closed position, the removable portion may cover all, or some, of the opening and may prevent access to the communication module. When in the open position access to the communication module is not prevented by the openable or removable portion and it may be possible to install, access, or remove the communication module via the opening. The communication module may be coupled releasably, or permanently, to the openable or removable portion to be movable therewith so as to facilitate removal of the communication module from the autoinjector. The coupling or couplings between the openable or removable portion may be located anywhere suitable, for example they may be located at, or adjacent a perimeter of the openable or removable portion, at one, or both, opposed axial ends of the openable or removable portion and/or may be at one, or both, opposed lateral sides of the openable or removable portion. The openable or removable portion may be held in place by one or more breakable connections so that it must be destructively opened or removed. The breakable connection may be provided by a molded weakness, a frangible connector, a sticker or label, or other suitable connection. The openable or removable portion may additionally or alternatively be held in place by one or more releasable connections such as catches or latches. A releasable connection may release the openable or removable portion from at least a part of the housing in a non-destructive manner. The openable or removable portion may be held in place by a releasable coupling to a component of the drive mechanism, for example an indicator element. 
     The openable or removable portion may include gripping portions, which may include, for example slots, indents or other features to facilitate automatic handling of the openable or removable portion, for example during assembly. 
     Moving the openable or removable portion from the closed position to the open position may comprise breaking one or more breakable connections and/or releasing one or more releasable connections to allow the openable or removable portion to be removed from the housing, or the openable or removable portion may remain attached to the housing for example by a pivot, hinge or tether which allow the openable or removable portion to expose the opening. 
     The opening in a wall of the housing may be through a wall which extends substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the autoinjector. Installation and/or removal of the communication module via the opening may be through movement of the communication module in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the autoinjector. This may reduce a likelihood of accidental removal of the communication module, for example when a user is seeking to remove a cap element by applying a pull force along the longitudinal axis. 
     A releasable connection or catch may be provided on a movable component of the autoinjector, for example an indicator element which provides an indication of a state of the autoinjector. Movement of the movable component may move the catch to release a connection between the communication module and autoinjector and/or between the openable or removable portion and autoinjector. 
     A portion of the communication module and/or the openable or removable portion may be releasably secured to a component of the drive mechanism. The component of the drive mechanism may secure the communication module and/or the openable or removable portion to the drive mechanism when in an initial position prior to use of the drive mechanism and may move during use of the drive mechanism to release at least a portion of the communication module. 
     The communication module may comprises a main board and the main board may comprise a board feature, for example a slot, projection, extension or other feature. The openable or removable portion may comprise a door feature, for example a slot, projection, extension or other feature. The component of the drive mechanism may include one or more component features, for example an opening, recess, projection or other feature to engage with the board or door feature. When engaged with the board or door feature the component feature may secure the communication module or openable or removable portion to the drive mechanism. Movement of the component during use of the drive mechanism may move the component feature out of engagement with the board or door feature, thereby releasing the communication module or openable or removable portion from the drive mechanism. 
     The above-described communication modules may comprise a battery, capacitor or other electrical power source for powering the detector component and/or the transmitter component. The communication module may comprise a recharge component, for example a battery recharge component. In this way, a rechargeable power source, such as a battery may be used. This is particularly useful for a reusable communication module. The battery may be replaceable. The battery may be inserted into and/or removed from the communication module through an opening, for example a slot. The opening or slot may be covered by a door which is openable, for example movable or removable to allow access to the opening or slot. 
     The above-described communication modules may comprise an activation mechanism to activate or enable the detector component, or elements thereof, a DSP, controller, microcontroller, processor and/or the transmitter component. Such an activation mechanism reduces energy consumption as long as the autoinjector is not in use. For example, the detector component and/or the transmitter component may be in a standby state and are woken up or enabled by the activation mechanism. As another example, the detector component and/or the transmitter component may be disconnected from a power source, and activation by the activation mechanism comprises connecting the detector component and/or transmitter component to the power source and/or powering it up. 
     The activation mechanism may activate or enable the respective component in a mechanical and/or an electronic way. The activation mechanism may activate the respective component via a switch, such as a contact or a non-contact switch. 
     The activation mechanism may be configured to establish electrical contact between the battery and the detector component and/or the transmitter component, e.g. when the autoinjector is put into operation. For example, the activation mechanism may comprise a sheet of insulating material between the battery and one or more of its electrical contacts. The sheet may be removed when the autoinjector is put into operation. The activation mechanism may comprise a sensor, such as a switch, which is actuated upon a predetermined event indicative of putting the injector into operation, such as the removal of a cap of an autoinjector. When the predetermined event is detected the communication module may trigger the activation or enabling of other elements of the communication module. 
     Putting the autoinjector into operation may be defined by one or more predetermined events. For example, the autoinjector may be put into operation by uncasing it/taking it out of its package. In this case, a sheet of insulating material which is arranged between the battery and one of the electrical contacts may be connected to the package so that removing the autoinjector from the package pulls the sheet out of the communication module from between the battery and the electrical contact. 
     Alternatively, putting the autoinjector into operation may be defined by removing a cap of the autoinjector. Detection of this event may activate or enable the detector component and/or the transmitter component. Detection of the event may be through detection of movement of a component within the drive mechanism of an autoinjector to which the communication module is coupled. The component may move towards an injection end of the autoinjector when the cap is removed. For example, removal of the cap may allow a safety shield to extend from the autoinjector, the component that moves may be a trigger element to which the needle guard is coupled. 
     As a further alternative, putting the autoinjector into operation may be defined by attaching a communication module to an autoinjector. Detection of this event may activate the detector component and/or the transmitter component. This is particularly useful in case of a reusable or retrofit communication module. 
     The activation mechanism may comprise a switch to activate or enable the detector component and/or the transmitter component. The switch may be a contact or a non-contact switch. The switch may be configured to switch (operate) upon occurrence of a predetermined event. The predetermined event may be one of the events described above, i.e. uncasing the autoinjector/taking it out of its package, removing a cap of the autoinjector and/or attaching a communication module to an auto-injector. 
     The invention further provides an autoinjector comprising a communication module as described above. 
     The autoinjector may be configured as described, for example, in one of the references mentioned above. 
     For example, the autoinjector may comprise a longitudinal housing extending along a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end close to a dispensing/injection site, a distal end opposite to the proximal end and a hollow interior; a removable cap mountable to the proximal end of the housing; a syringe assembly arranged at a mounting position inside the housing and having a hollow syringe body and an injection needle formed within the hollow syringe body including the fluid product; a drive mechanism which can be triggered by a trigger element in order to initiate dispensing of the fluid product, wherein the drive mechanism is operatively coupled with a safety shield movable within the longitudinal housing, wherein the safety shield is biased into a proximal position in which it protrudes out of the proximal end of the longitudinal housing in order to cover a needle tip of the injection needle, and wherein the safety shield is movable into a distal position in which the injection needle is exposed for injection. 
     The drive mechanism may include a plunger which may be biased by a drive spring into proximal direction. The plunger may act on a stopper sealably guided within the syringe body and acting on the fluid product included within the syringe body. The syringe holder may receive axial forces applied by the plunger onto the syringe body and may transmit the forces to the longitudinal housing. 
     The communication module may be mounted to the autoinjector in a non-destructively releasable way or in a destructively releasable way. The communication module may be mounted within the housing of the autoinjector. In this case, the autoinjector may be equipped with a communication module from the beginning, i.e. the point of manufacture. 
     The invention further provides a demonstration or training autoinjector comprising a communication module as described above. As set out above, a demonstration/training autoinjector may differ from a drug delivery autoinjector in that it may not comprise a syringe and/or no fluid product. Instead of a syringe, it may comprise a surrogate syringe, such as a surrogate syringe without a needle. A training or demonstration autoinjector may provide feedback to a user regarding use of the device, for example feedback regarding correct use, incorrect use or how to improve future use. The feedback may be provided on the autoinjector itself, or via a receiving device which may receive usage information from a communication module which is coupled to the autoinjector. 
     The invention also provides a reusable communication element for an autoinjector, comprising a communication module as described above and a sleeve for mounting onto the autoinjector. In this way, existing or standard autoinjectors may be equipped with a communication module in a simple way. The sleeve may be configured so as to slip it onto the autoinjector. The sleeve may be configured to partially or fully cover and/or embrace the autoinjector. This allows for a simple connection and attachment of the communication module to the autoinjector. 
     The reusable communication element is equally suitable for a demonstration/training autoinjector. 
     The reusable communication element may comprise an autoinjector identifying component configured to acquire identification information from the autoinjector. The identification information may represent information on the autoinjector, for example whether the autoinjector is a training or demonstration device, whether the autoinjector is a medicament delivery device and/or information on the (fluid or powder) product/drug contained therein. In this way, transmitted injector usage information may be linked to a specific autoinjector and/or the product/drug, etc. 
     The autoinjector-identifying component may comprise a non-contact sensor, in particular, an optical, magnetic and/or electrical sensor. The sensor may be configured to acquire identification in-formation from the autoinjector. As an example, the autoinjector-identifying component may comprise a near field communication (NFC) or RFID reader to read identification information from the autoinjector. 
     In case of a reusable communication element, the autoinjectors may be equipped with an RFID chip containing an identification of the autoinjector, the drug (product, batch, etc.), an expiry date and/or any other useful information. This data is read by a corresponding reader on the side of the communication module. Alternatively, an NFC reader may be provided for reading out such data. 
     The reusable combination element may comprise a memory for storing acquired identification information from the autoinjector and/or acquired injector usage information. This allows for transmitting the information/data at a later stage. 
     The invention provides a method of manufacturing a component for a medical device, the component comprising a communications module, and the method comprising: 
     a) assembling a preliminary assembly comprising a main board, power source, processor, a detector component configured to detect an usage event to obtain usage information, and a transmitter component configured to wirelessly transmit usage information to a receiving device, the main board comprising at least one component having a memory which includes a first set of instructions; 
     b) using the processor to run the first set of instructions, the first set of instructions causing the processor to put the communication module into a test mode for a test period and then into a pre-assembly mode, wherein, in the test mode the detector component and the transmitter component are enabled to allow preliminary testing of the component function, and in the pre-assembly mode the detector component is disabled or the transmitter component is disabled; 
     c) altering the memory of the pre-assembly mode communication module such that that the instructions therein comprise a second set of instructions; 
     d) using the processor to run the second set of instructions, the second set of instructions causing the processor to put the communication module into an assembly mode in which the detector component is enabled and, upon detection of a usage event, the processor changes the communication module into a use mode in which the detector component and the transmitter component are enabled. 
     The preliminary assembly provides at least the communication module, and the communication may be as described herein. The preliminary assembly may comprise a component of a medical device, for example a drive mechanism or a housing of an autoinjector. The preliminary assembly may comprise a medicament container, for example a syringe, cartridge, or other container. The preliminary assembly may be a drive module for an autoinjector comprising a communication module and a drive mechanism. The preliminary assembly may be a housing module for an autoinjector comprising a communication module, a housing and a medicament container. 
     Enabling the detector and/or the transmitter may comprise enabling the detector and/or the transmitter using a software instruction and/or providing power to the component to allow, or cause, it to function. It should also be noted that enabling the detector and/or transmitter includes enabling at least some of the components that comprise the detector and/or transmitter. 
     This method allows the preliminary module to be tested using the power supply after assembly with the communication module in test mode before the communications module effectively shuts down, or is disabled, to preserve the power supply as instructed by the first set of instructions. Once the preliminary assembly is ready to be installed into or onto a medical device, for example in a device assembly process, the memory can be altered so that it comprises a second set of instructions which cause the communications module to enter an assembly mode, which is a low power mode, in which the detector component is enabled, or powered (but the transmitter component may not be enabled, or powered) and is able to cause the communications module ‘wake’ and enter a use mode when a usage event is detected. 
     This method allows power use to be controlled following post-assembly testing of the preliminary assembly so that the preliminary assembly can be stored or transported prior to final assembly into or onto a medical device. This may allow a power supply, for example a battery, of a reduced physical size to be used than might be required if the instructions were not altered prior to final assembly. This may be particularly useful for a disposable medical device which is intended to be disposed of following a predetermined number of uses, for example a single use medicament delivery device. 
     The method may include put the communication module into a drain mode in which the energy of the power source is used to drain the power source. This may reduce a risk of shorting of the power source. Shorting of the power supply may occur as a result of damage or other fault and may occur, for example, during disposal or storage. Shorting of the power source may result in temperature increase and may result in an increased fire risk. 
     In the drain mode, the energy of the power source may be used to power one or more components in an inefficient manner, for example continuously operating the transmitter component at high, or full power, or passing current through one or more ballast resistors. The use of the energy of the power source may be controlled to avoid, or reduce a risk of, overheating of the power source, or component being powered. 
     A drain mode may be triggered following use of the autoinjector, for example completion of an injection and transmission cycle in a single use autoinjector. A drain mode may be triggered by detection of the removal of the communication module from the autoinjector. 
     The medical device for which the communication module is intended may be any suitable medical device the use or operation of which is to be monitored. The medical device may be a medicament delivery device operable to deliver a medicament to a patient, or to simulate such a device. The medical device may be an autoinjector, for example a single use disposable autoinjector. 
     The instructions may be altered by updating the firmware of the component, by flash-updating the component. Altering the instructions may involve no hardware changes to the electronics components of the communications module which may prevent the introduction of new hardware problems following preliminary testing. The second set of instructions may replace some or all of the first set of instructions, or may be included in addition to some or all of the first set of instructions. 
     The invention may also extend to the manufacture of a medical device including the component by combining the component with at least one or more further components. 
     The communication module may be integrated with a drive mechanism in a drive module for an autoinjector. When installed in an autoinjector the drive module may be configured so that a trigger element of the drive mechanism is held in a retracted position when a cap is attached to a front end of the device prior to use. The trigger element may be coupled directly, or indirectly to a needle guard element which is held in a retracted position by the cap. 
     In other examples, the communication module may be integrated in a housing module for an autoinjector with a medicament container. The medicament container may be, for example a syringe or cartridge. The medicament container may comprise a movable stopper, movement of which may force a medicament from an outlet. The outlet may comprise a needle to pierce the skin of a user. 
     With the communication module positioned with the drive mechanism, when the drive mechanism is held in a retracted position by a cap the trigger mechanism may be positioned between a first and second switches of the communication module. When the cap is removed from the autoinjector the needle guard may be biased to a protective position in which it extends further out of a front of the housing than in the retracted position thereby preventing accidental access to a needle of the syringe. The movement of needle guard out of the housing causes, or allows, the trigger element to move towards the front of the housing to a forward position. A first contact switch of the communication module may be arranged to contact a portion of the trigger element, for example a first contact portion of the trigger element, when the trigger element is in the forward position. The first contact portion of the trigger element may be a radially raised portion of the trigger element. This is one example of an arrangement in which the communication module is able to detect removal of a cap of an autoinjector. 
     To use the autoinjector the needle guard can be pressed onto an injection site and forced backwards into the housing which moves the trigger element backwards away from the forward position. The rearward motion of the needle guard may allow a needle of the syringe to pierce the skin. 
     When the trigger element reaches a rearmost position, possibly having passed through the retracted position, a plunger of the drive mechanism is released to drive a stopper of the syringe to deliver a medicament (e.g., in the form of a fluid product) to the patient through the needle. A second contact switch of the communication module may be arranged to contact a portion of the trigger element, for example a second contact portion of the trigger element, when the trigger element is in the rearmost position. The second contact portion of the trigger element may be a radially raised portion of the trigger element and may be the same as the first contact portion or may be a different contacting portion of the same radially raised portion of the trigger element. 
     During injection, the trigger element may be held in place and remain in substantially the same position within the housing relative to the communication module. A delivery indicator element may be included to indicate a state of operation of the drive mechanism. The delivery indicator element may be a completion indicator element to indicate that delivery of a dose is substantially complete. The delivery indicator element may be a triggered indicator element to indicate that the drive mechanism has been activated or triggered. 
     When dose delivery reaches a predetermined percentage of completion, for example greater than 90% complete, greater than 95% complete, greater than 99% complete, or substantially complete, a delivery indicator element is released and caused to move from an initial position to an indication position. The communication module may include a third contact switch which is arranged to contact a portion of the delivery indicator element, for example an indicator contact portion of the delivery indicator element, when the delivery indicator element is in one of the initial position, or the indication position. The indicator contact portion of the delivery indicator element may be a radially raised portion of the delivery indicator element. 
     After the delivery of the dose is complete the trigger element may be released. As the autoinjector is removed from the injection site the needle guard can be caused to move forwards out of the housing to prevent accidental access to the used needle. As the needle guard moves forward the trigger element may move forward with the needle guard to the forward position and the contact a portion of the trigger element, for example a first contact portion of the trigger element, may make contact with the first switch of the communication module. 
     Each contact switch of the communication module, for example the first, second and third contact switches mentioned above, may include a switch contact element. The switch contact element is the part of the contact switch that makes contact with the actuating element of the drive mechanism, for example the contact portion of the trigger element or delivery indicator element. Movement of the switch contact element relative to the switch body, for example, towards or away from a switch body of the contact switch may cause actuation of the contact switch. The switch contact element may be a button which slides into the switch body, or a lever which is pivotable relative to the switch body, or any other suitable element. The contact element may directly actuate the switch, or may cause movement of one or more additional elements that cause actuation of the switch. 
     An actuating element of the drive mechanism may move along a first axis and a contact switch of the communication module may be arranged so that a contact surface of the switch contact element is arranged to initially extend transverse to the first axis so as to be in the form of a movable ramp, or may be arranged to pivot to form such a ramp. 
     When the contact switch is not actuated the ramp may have an increasing height in the anticipated direction of travel of the actuating element that is to cause actuation of the contact switch and, when actuated the movable ramp may have moved into, or flattened against the body of the contact switch. In this configuration the initial contact between the actuating element and the switch contact element can be with the lowest height of the ramp and, as the actuating element continues to move along the axis and a contact point between the switch contact element and actuating element moves along the ramp, the switch contact element can move to reduce the ramp height, or flatten the ramp. The use of such a ramp allows control over the forces required to actuate the contact switch. 
     The ramp may have an angle of between 10° and 20° to the longitudinal axis, for example the ramp angle may be about 15° to the longitudinal axis. 
     The communication module may include two contact switches which are configured to contact the trigger element. A first contact switch may be configured to contact the trigger element in a forward position, and a second contact switch may be configured to contact the trigger element in a rearmost position. Each contact switch may include a switch contact element, and the switches may be arranged such that movable ramps formed by the contact surfaces of the switch contact elements are directed towards one another, with the lowest height of the ramps being closest to one another along the first axis. 
     To construct an autoinjector, a drive module, which contains the drive mechanism and the communication module, may be inserted into an elongate hollow housing which contains a needle guard assembly and a syringe containing a medicament. 
     Certain autoinjector embodiments described herein, as provided to an end user, will generally include a fluid product containing an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). In some cases, the API is formulated for subcutaneous delivery. Alternatively, the API can be formulated for intradermal delivery. As yet another alternative, the API can be formulated for intramuscular delivery. The autoinjector can be configured to (e.g., subcutaneously) deliver from 0.1 to 5 mL of fluid product, preferably from 0.25 to 2 mL fluid product, more preferably from 1 to 2 mL fluid product, or about 0.25 mL, 0.5 mL, 1 mL, 1.5 mL, or 2 mL of fluid product. In some embodiments, the autoinjector therefore can comprise or contain from 0.1 to 5 mL of fluid product, preferably from 0.25 to 2 mL fluid product, more preferably from 1 to 2 mL fluid product, or about 0.25 mL, 0.5 mL, 1 mL, 1.5 mL, or 2 mL of fluid product, wherein said fluid product is configured for delivery to a subject. As used herein, an autoinjector comprising or containing a volume of fluid product configured for delivery can additionally comprise an overfill to ensure delivery of an entire specified volume configured for delivery to the subject. In some embodiments, the API in an autoinjector described herein can be formulated at a high concentration, e.g., for subcutaneous or intramuscular delivery. For example, the API can be formulated at a concentration of from about 10 mg/mL to about 300 mg/mL, from about 25 mg/mL to about 250 mg/mL, from about 50 mg/mL to about 175 mg/mL, from about 75 mg/mL to about 175 mg/mL, from about 75 mg/mL to about 150 mg/mL, or about 25, 50, 100, 125, 150, or 175 mg/mL. In some embodiments, the API is or comprises a peptide or protein sequence. For example, the API can be or comprise a peptide ligand, a protein enzyme, or an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the API is or comprises a bispecific antibody, or a bispecific antigen-binding fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the API is or comprises an Fc region of an antibody, or a derivative thereof. In some embodiments, the API comprises a sequence of amino acids (e.g., a peptide, a protein, an Fc region of an antibody, an antibody or an antigen binding fragment thereof), a linker, and a toxin or radionuclide. In some embodiments, the API is or comprises a cytokine, a hormone, or an interferon (e.g., interferon beta-1b, or interferon alpha-2b). In some embodiments, the API is a drug suitable for chronic pain relief, or palliative care, such as an opioid. In some embodiments, the API is an IL-17 antagonist, such as an antibody that binds IL-17, a dimer comprising IL-17A, and/or a dimer comprising IL-17A and IL-17F. In some embodiments, the API is bimekizumab, ixekizumab, or secukinumab. Exemplary APIs suitable for an autoinjector described herein, include but are not limited to adalimumab, abatacept, alemtuzumab, basiliximab, canakinumab, crizanlizumab, daratumumab, darbepoietin, emecizumab, erenumab, etanercept, factor Vila, fentanyl, infliximab, iscalimab, lenacapavir, morphine, natalizumab, ofatumumab, omalizumab, rilonacept, rituximab, and trastuzumab. 
    
    
     
       The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures in which: 
         FIGS. 1   a,    1   b  illustrate a reusable communication element; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates another communication element; 
         FIGS. 3 a , 3 b    show another reusable communication element; 
         FIGS. 4 a  to 4 e    show sectional views of a reusable communication element mounted to an autoinjector; 
         FIG. 5  shows a sectional view of a communication module; 
         FIG. 6  shows a an upper side view of the communication module of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIGS. 7 a  to 7 e    show sectional views of an autoinjector with integrated communication module; 
         FIG. 8  shows a flow chart for assembling an autoinjector; and 
         FIGS. 9 a  to 9 g    show sectional views of an autoinjector drive module; 
         FIG. 10 a  to 10 g    show views of an autoinjector with a removable communication module; and 
         FIGS. 11 a  to 11 g    show views of a different autoinjector with a removable communication module; 
         FIG. 12  shows a view of a medicament delivery autoinjector and an associated receiving device; and 
         FIG. 13  shows a view of a training autoinjector and an associated receiving device. 
     
    
    
     It is to be understood that the different features and elements illustrated described in the following examples are not inextricably linked to each other and may, alternatively, be provided without the presence of others of the features. It is also understood that the Figures and references to the Figures described in the following examples are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions described herein. 
       FIGS. 1 a  and 1 b    illustrate an example of a reusable communication element  101  which may be mounted on existing autoinjectors.  FIG. 1 a    is an exploded view,  FIG. 1 b    shows the reusable communication element in assembled form. 
     The communication element  101  of this example comprises a communication module  102  with a main board, in this case a printed circuit board  103  onto which a processor, in this case a microcontroller, and detectors, in this case an accelerometer and a microphone are mounted. 
     The printed circuit board  103  may be attached to a support  104  with which it is inserted into a housing  105 . Furthermore, an NFC antenna  106  may be provided, being coupled to the printed circuit board  103 . 
     In this example, the housing comprises a snap-fit element  107 . A sleeve  108  is provided which partly accommodates the housing  105  with the communication module. In particular, the housing is partly inserted into the sleeve so that, inter alia, the snap-fit element is completely contained within the sleeve. The sleeve has a hollow construction so that it can be slipped onto an autoinjector. The housing into which the communication module has been inserted is enclosed with a cap  109  together with a cap insert  110 . Other connection mechanisms may be used in other examples. 
     Between the cap insert  110  and the printed circuit board  103 , a battery  112  may be arranged which can serve as power supply for the communication module  102 . 
     The sleeve  108  and/or the housing  105  may be made of a transparent material. 
     Additionally, a label  113  may be provided to enclose the cap  109  within the housing  105 . In case of a transparent housing  105 , the cap insert  110  and any markings thereon may be visible from the outside. The snap-fit element  107  may be hidden beneath a cover element  111 . 
     The printed circuit board  103  together with the accelerometer and the microphone may be part of a detector component to detect an injector usage event. For example, as different elements of the autoinjector, such as the syringe or a completion indicator element will generate noises and small shocks when being moved during operation, both the microphone and the accelerometer measure signals which allow for a detection of corresponding injector usage events. 
     These detector elements may enable detection of removal of the cap of the autoinjector and/or removal of the autoinjector from the injection site such as a patient&#39;s skin area. 
     The communication module, furthermore, comprises a transmitter component which is, in this example, a BLE module being mounted to the printed circuit board  103  as well. Such a BLE module enables fast and efficient pairing of the communication module with a users smartphone, or other suitable receiving device such as personal computer, laptop, tablet or smart hub, so as to transmit data in an efficient way. 
     The transmission of obtained or acquired injector usage information may be done in different alternative ways. According to a first option, each time a specific event is detected, e.g. start of an injection process or completion of injection process, the transmitter component directly transmits wirelessly the respective injector usage information to the receiving device, such as a users smartphone. In this case, a timing device, for example a clock, is not necessarily required on the side of the communication module as correlating the detected events with a certain time may be performed on the side of the receiving device, such as a smartphone. 
     Alternatively, the communication module may save a plurality of detected events, for example all detected events starting with the removal of the cap until removal of the autoinjector from the injection site, and stores the data together with time information. For this purpose, the communication module, particularly the detector component, can comprise a memory in which the data is stored. The memory may be volatile or non-volatile memory. 
     According to a further alternative, transmission of the injector usage information may be performed even at a later stage after having detected, recorded and stored a plurality of injection processes. 
     Upon receipt of a trigger signal, the stored injector usage information may be transmitted to the receiving device. The trigger signal may be received from the receiving device, e.g. the smartphone. For example, a user may click on a “Synchronize” button in a respective application on the smartphone. Alternatively, the trigger signal may be issued by the detector component upon detection of a predetermined event such as completion of the injection process. 
     The autoinjector may be configured as described, for example, in WO 2019/224783, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     An alternative reusable communication element  201  for an autoinjector is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . This reusable communication element  201  of this example comprises a battery  202  for powering the communication module. The communication element has a housing  203 . Within the housing  203 , a printed circuit board  204  is provided. In the example as illustrated, the housing  203  is transparent; it is to be understood, however, that this need not be the case for some, or all, of the housing. 
     In some examples a sheet or strip of an insulating material  205  may be arranged between the battery  202  and one or more of its electrical contacts on the printed circuit board  204 . The sheet may be removed when the autoinjector is put into operation. As an example, the part of the sheet projecting out of the housing of the communication element may be fixed to a part of the package in which the autoinjector together with the communication element is stored. Upon removal of the autoinjector, the sheet remains fixed to the package and, thus, will be pulled out so as to enable an electrical contact between the battery and the electrical contacts on the PCB. 
     Generation of an electrical contact may also activate the communication module. 
     The reusable communication element  201  may be bonded onto an autoinjector. For this purpose, the communication element  201  may be provided with an adhesive layer or coating covered by a protective film. In an example, the top surface of the autoinjector  206  has a mounting pad  207  which may be made of some epoxy, plastic or other material. When mounting the communication onto the autoinjector, the protective film may be removed. 
       FIG. 3 a    shows an exterior view of a reusable communication element  301  with a sleeve  302  to be slid onto an autoinjector.  FIG. 3 b    is a sectional view of this reusable communication element. 
     The reusable communication element  301  of this example comprises a battery  303  as a power source so that it may be reusable with a plurality of autoinjectors. The battery  303  is electrically connected to a printed circuit board  304 . To the printed circuit board  304 , Hall effect sensors  305 _ 1 ,  305 _ 2  and  305 _ 3  are mounted which are to be used as switches. These Hall effect sensors form part of the detector component. In other examples, different sensors or a different arrangement of sensors may be used. 
       FIG. 4 a    illustrates a configuration in which a reusable communication element, here denoted as  401 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b    is mounted on an autoinjector  406 . The configuration shows the autoinjector with mounted cap  407 . The communication element of this example comprises three non-contact switches in the form of Hall effect switches including Hall effect sensors  405 _ 1 ,  405 _ 2  and  405 _ 3  as well as two switching elements  408 _ 1  and  408 _ 2  each comprising a magnet. In this example the first switching element  408 _ 1  is part of a trigger element of a drive mechanism of the autoinjector  406 . The second switching element  408 _ 2  is part of a dose complete indicator of a drive mechanism of the autoinjector  406 . 
     In the configuration according to the example of  FIG. 4 a   , the left/first switching element  408 _ 1  is situated between the leftmost/first Hall effect sensor  405 _ 1  and the middle/second Hall effect sensor  405 _ 2 . Thus, neither the first Hall effect switch, nor the second Hall effect switch are “switched on”, i.e. activated. 
     However, the right/second switching element  408 _ 1  is situated directly below the rightmost/third Hall effect sensor (i.e. in close proximity). Thus, the third Hall effect switch is switched on or activated. 
     As also described in more detail in WO 2019/224783, in the assembled or initial state of the autoinjector  406  with reusable communication element  401  ( FIG. 4 a   ), the end cap  407  is screwed onto, or otherwise secured to, the longitudinal housing  409 , wherein the end cap  407  is held in circumferential direction by an engagement of inner protrusions formed on the proximal end of the housing within a corresponding receiving space between two projections and formed inside the end cap body. Thereby, the re-movable cap  407  is held on the housing against an axial withdrawing force by the projections as well as against small twist-off forces, which are below a twist-off force threshold value, by opposing projections forming a receiving space. 
     In this state, the first and second switch are both deactivated while the third switch is activated. This combined switch statuses (which may be parametrized as “001”) corresponds to the injector usage event “cap-on”. This event or its detection may be stored in a memory of the communication element which may be mounted on the printed circuit board. Moreover, in the assembled state, a syringe is held within a syringe holder. 
     From this fully assembled initial position, the device can be used as follows: 
     Under rotation between the removable end cap  407  and the housing  409  performed by a user by applying a twist-off force, the safety shield  410  is pressed out by the safety shield spring  411  in proximal axial direction. 
       FIG. 4 b    shows a view in a condition in which the removable cap is entirely removed from the longitudinal housing  409  and the device is ready for dispensing the fluid product. One can see that the removable end cap is fully separated from the housing  409 . The proximal portion  412  of the safety shield  410  fully projects out of the housing  409  and covers the injection needle with its needle tip. 
     Removal of the cap leads to displacement of the first switching element  408 _ 1  towards the first Hall effect sensor  405 _ 1 . This leads to activation or switching on of this first sensor/switch of the detector component and this may lead to the activation, or powering on, of other components of the communication module; the relative position of the second switching element  408 _ 2  and the third Hall effect sensor  405 _ 3  remains unchanged. The combined switch statuses (which may be parametrized as “ 101 ”) now correspond to the injector usage event “Cap removal”. Detection of this event may be stored in the memory of the communication element. 
     Detection of the cap removal event may also activate the transmitter component  414  which is also mounted to the printed circuit board  404 . 
     By further pressing the autoinjector against the patient&#39;s skin, the safety shield  410  can be moved in distal direction into the housing  409 , whereby the needle  413  is pierced into the patient&#39;s skin and the situation as shown in  FIG. 4 c    is reached. In a condition in which the device is pressed against a patient&#39;s skin, the injection needle is pierced into the patient&#39;s skin, the safety shield  410  is fully de-pressed into the longitudinal housing  409  and dispensing of the fluid product is initiated. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 4 c   , depressing the safety shield  410  is fully into the longitudinal housing  409  leads to displacement of the first switching element  408 _ 1  towards the second Hall effect sensor  405 _ 2 . This results in activation or switching on of this second sensor/switch of the detector component; the relative position of the second switching element  408 _ 2  with respect to the third Hall effect sensor  405 _ 3  remains unchanged. The combined switch statuses (which may be parametrized as “011”) now correspond to the injector usage event “Start of dispensing fluid product”. Detection of this event may be stored in the memory of the communication element. 
     Due to the relative movement between the safety shield  410  and the housing  409 , the needle  413  is exposed and protrudes into the patient&#39;s skin. Under the action of a main spring (not shown), the plunger  415  is pressed in axial direction. Thereby, the drug is pressed out of a glass body of the syringe through the injection needle  413  into the patient&#39;s tissue. 
     This process continues for a full dispensing of the drug into the patient&#39;s tissue. 
       FIG. 4 d    show a view in a condition in which the fluid product is being nearly entirely dispensed. In this stage of the device, the right/second switching element  408 _ 2  is free to move in distal direction so that the second switching element  408 _ 2  moves away from the third Hall effect sensor  405 _ 3  in distal direction which is, thus, deactivated. 
     In this position, the second switch remains switched on. This combined switch statuses (which may be parametrized as “010”) correspond to the injection usage event “End of dispensing fluid product”). 
     When the dose has been fully dispensed into the patient&#39;s tissue, the autoinjector  406  with the reusable communication element  401  can be removed from the injection site. 
     In the situation illustrated in  FIG. 4 e   , the housing  409  has been lifted so far from the patient&#39;s skin, that the needle is fully covered by the proximal end portion  412  of the safety shield  410  and the proximal end portion  412  extends beyond the sharpened needle tip of the injection needle. In other words, due to the action of the expanding spring  411 , the safety shield  410  is pressed to such an extent out of the housing  409 , that it fully covers the needle and protrudes over the needle tip. 
     In this case, the second and third switches are deactivated while the first switch is activated. This combined switch statuses (which may be parametrized as “100”) correspond to the injection usage event “Removal from injection site”). 
     Recording of the “removal from injection site” event triggers transmission of the injector usage information to the receiving device via the transmitter component  414 . 
     A communication module for integration within an autoinjector is illustrated in the sectional view of  FIG. 5  and the upper side view of  FIG. 6 . In this configuration, the detector component comprises contact switches to detect the different events or steps of the injection process. 
     The communication module  501  of this example comprises a printed circuit board (PCB)  502  with a microcontroller. As shown in  FIG. 5 , below, on the opposite side of the PCB, three contact switches  503 _ 1 ,  503 _ 2  and  503 _ 3  are arranged, forming part of the detector component. In the state of  FIG. 5 , all three switches  503 _ 1 ,  503 _ 2  and  503 _ 3  are deactivated, i.e. no electrical contact is established. This state may be parametrized as “000”. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  also show an additional NFC element  504 . The NFC element  504  is optional; other transmitter components may be provided as well or instead.  FIGS. 7 a  to 7 e    illustrate a sequence of injection process steps for an example autoinjector  701  with integrated communication module, analogously to the case of  FIGS. 4 a  to 4 e   . The integrated communication module is similar to the one shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , but does not comprise an NFC element. Instead, a BLE transmitter component is employed, but other transmitter components may be used. In other examples, fewer, or additional usage steps may be recorded. 
     In  FIG. 7 a   , the autoinjector  701  is in its initial configuration with a cap  702  still present. Three contact switches  703 _ 1 ,  703 _ 2  and  703 _ 3  are provided that are switched on/activated by pushing them upwards so that an electrical contact is established. 
     In this state, the first and second switch  703 _ 1 ,  703 _ 2  are both not activated while the third switch is activated/switched on as it is pushed upwards. This combined switch statuses (which may be parametrized as “001”) correspond to the injector usage event “Cap-on”. 
     In  FIG. 7 b   , the cap has been removed. The removal of the cap leads to a movement of switching trigger  704  to the left so that the first switch  703 _ 1  is pushed upwards and, thus, activated/switched on. The second switch  703 _ 1  remains deactivated, the third switch  703 _ 3  remains activated. This combined switch statuses may be parametrized as “101” and correspond to the event “Cap off”. 
     The operation of the first switch  703 _ 1  activates the system including (the active parts of) the detector component and the transmitter component by establishing electrical contact between the battery and the printed circuit board, or otherwise enabling one or more components. The detection of this event is recorded. 
     Placing the autoinjector onto the injection site and pressing it against the patient&#39;s skin will operate the second (middle) switch  703 _ 2  while deactivating the first switch  703 _ 1 . The combined switch statuses may be parametrized as “011”. The detection of this event is recorded as “Start of the injection process”. 
       FIG. 7 c    illustrates the situation in which the injection needle is pierced into the patient&#39;s skin and dispensing of the fluid product is initiated. The depth of piercing may be pre-set, or may be adjustable, to be appropriate for the medicament being delivered, for example for a subcutaneous, intramuscular or intradermal injection. 
       FIG. 7 d    shows a view in a condition in which the fluid product is being nearly entirely dispensed. The first switch  703 _ 1  and the third switch  703 _ 3  are deactivated, whereas the second switch  703 _ 2  is activated. This combined switch statuses (which may be parametrized as “010”) correspond to the injection usage event “End of dispensing fluid product”). 
     In the situation illustrated in  FIG. 7 e   , the housing has been lifted from the patient&#39;s skin, so that the needle is fully covered by the proximal end portion of the safety shield and the proximal end portion extends beyond the sharpened needle tip of the injection needle. 
     In this configuration, the first switch  703 _ 3  of the example autoinjector is operated indicating the completion of the injection process. Thus, the second and third switches  703 _ 2  and  703 _ 3  are deactivated while the first switch  703 _ 1  is activated. This combined switch statuses (which may be parametrized as “100”) correspond to the injection usage event “Removal from injection site”). 
     This event is recorded in memory. A trigger signal may be issued triggering the transmitter component to build up, or establish, communication with a receiving device, e.g. a user&#39;s smartphone, via Bluetooth, or other wireless communication, and transmit the recorded data about the injection process from the communication module to the receiving device. Alternatively, if the receiving device is within reach, the injector usage information may be transmitted continuously to the receiving device during the complete operation/ at least some of the period of use of the autoinjector. 
       FIG. 8  shows a flowchart of a method  800  of manufacturing a medical device. In this case the medical device is an autoinjector, but could be any other medical device, for example a medicament delivery device or monitoring device. The medical device may be disposable or reusable. The medical device comprises a communications module, and the method comprises the following: 
     Assembling  802  a preliminary assembly. The preliminary assembly may be any suitable assembly for constructing a medical device, for example a drive module for an autoinjector, a housing module for an autoinjector or other medical device, or other sub-assembly. 
     In this example the preliminary assembly comprises a communications module comprising a main board, power source, processor, a detector component configured to detect a usage event to obtain usage information, and a transmitter component configured to wirelessly transmit usage information to a receiving device. The power source, processor, detector component and transmitter may be attached to the main board. The main board comprises at least one component having a memory which includes a first set of instructions. 
     After assembling  802  the preliminary assembly, the processor is used  804  to interpret the first set of instructions. In this example the first set of instructions cause the processor to put the communication module into a test mode for a test period and then, after expiry of the test period, into a pre-assembly mode. In the test mode the detector component and the transmitter component are enabled, for example using software, or by power being provided from the power source to the detector component and the transmitter component, to allow preliminary testing of the component function. In the pre-assembly mode the detector component and the transmitter component are not enabled, for example using software, or by no power being provided to the detector component or the transmitter component, so that power is saved. 
     In the pre-assembly mode the preliminary component may be stored and/or shipped  806  prior to installation into a sub-assembly or a final device form. 
     Prior to, or as part of, such installation, the memory of the pre-assembly mode communication module can be altered  808  such that that the instructions therein comprise a second set of instructions. The processor can then be used to interpret the second set of instructions. The second set of instructions may cause the processor to put the communication module into an assembly mode in which the detector component is enabled, for example through software or by receiving power and, upon detection of a usage event, the processor changes the communication module into a use mode in which the detector component and the transmitter component are enabled, for example through software or by power being provided from the power source to the detector component and the transmitter component. 
     The altering  808  of the memory to contain the second set of instructions may occur prior to, or during, the installation of the preliminary assembly into a sub-assembly or a final device form. 
     The method may comprise installing  810  the preliminary assembly into a sub-assembly or final device form of a medical device. In this example, the sub assembly is a drive module of an autoinjector, but in other examples could be a housing module, or other sub assembly. The drive module may comprise a drive mechanism including a trigger element for controlling an operation of the drive mechanism, and installing the preliminary assembly comprises aligning the detector component to allow the detector component to detect a position of the trigger element. The sub-assembly may be a drive module of an autoinjector. The drive module may comprise a drive mechanism including an indicator element for indication a state of operation of the drive mechanism and installing the preliminary assembly comprises aligning the detector component to allow the detector component to detect a position of the indicator element. The sub-assembly can then be installed into a final device for use  812 . 
     It is to be understood that the above embodiments are only exemplary and the disclosed features may be provided in other combinations. For example, the different types of switches disclosed in the different embodiments (e.g. contact and non-contact switches) may be combined in other ways. Furthermore, the number, arrangement and activation/deactivation of the different switches depending on the injector usage events may vary as well. 
     A skilled person will appreciate that, where Hall effect sensors are described in the foregoing and following embodiments, other suitable non-contact sensors, such as magnetoresistive (AMR/GMR/TMR) sensors, may also be used in the same or a similar configuration. 
       FIGS. 9 a  to 9 g    show sectional views of an example of an autoinjector drive module  900 . The drive module  900  comprises a communications module  902  and a drive mechanism  904 . The drive mechanism  904  of this example comprises a trigger element  906 , an indicator element  908  and a plunger rod  910 . The communications module  902  comprises a detector component which, in this example, comprises a first contact switch  912 , a second contact switch  914  and a third contact switch  916 . The communications module  902  also comprises a transmitter component  918 . The first contact switch  912 , second contact switch  914  and third contact switch  916  are distributed along a first axis  920 . Each of the first contact switch  912 , second contact switch  914  and third contact switch  916  include a switch contact element  930  extending from a switch body  932  transverse to the first axis  920 . The switch contact elements  930  provide a contact surface which will make contact with an actuating element and are attached at an end to the switch body so that the switch contact elements  930  can pivot when a force is applied through contact with an actuating element. The contact surface of the switch contact elements  930  may be biased to extend at an angle of between 10° and 20° to the longitudinal axis, for example the ramp angle may be about 15°. In this example the contact elements  930  of the first and third contact switches  912 , 916  are pivoted so that a free end can be moved towards a first, injection, end of the drive module  900 . In this example the contact element  930  of the second contact switch  914  is pivoted so that a free end can be moved towards a second, opposite, or rear, end of the drive module  900 . 
       FIG. 9 a    shows the autoinjector drive module  900  of this example in an example of a pre-assembled state. In the pre-assembled state a radial projection, or raised portion,  922  of the trigger element  906  is biased by a trigger spring  926  to a forward position in which it is axially aligned with, and actuates, the first contact switch  912 . In the pre-assembled state of this example a portion  924  of the indicator element  908  is axially aligned with, and actuates, the third contact switch  916 . As set out above, the communication module  902  in this preassembled state may include a component having a memory comprising a first set of instructions. Following testing the transmitter component and the detector component of the communication module  902  are both disabled to reduce power use and risk of accidental actuation of the detector component. 
       FIG. 9 b    shows the autoinjector drive module  900  in a cap-on state. In the cap-on state the drive module  900  is installed into an autoinjector (not shown in these figures) and a cap is installed on the autoinjector. As set out above, the communication module  902  in this assembled state may include a component having a memory comprising a second set of instructions. The second set of instructions mean that the communication module is in the assembled state in which at least a portion of the detector element is enabled. In this example it is the first contact switch  912  that is enabled. 
     The cap installed on the autoinjector causes a needle guard to be held in an intermediate position. The needle guard forces the trigger element  906  to be held against the biasing force of the trigger spring  926  in a retracted position in which the radial projection  922  of the trigger element  906  axially between first contact switch  912  and the second contact switch  914  so neither switch is actuated. In the cap-on state a portion  924  of the indicator element  908  remains axially aligned with, and actuates, the third contact switch  916 . 
       FIG. 9 c    shows the autoinjector drive module  900  in a cap-off state. In the cap-off-state the drive module  900  is installed into an autoinjector as in  FIG. 9 b   , but the cap has been removed allowing the trigger element  906  to be biased by the trigger spring  926  to the forward position in which the radial projection  922  of the trigger element  906  is axially aligned with, and actuates, the first contact switch  916 . This actuation of the first contact switch  912  through cap removal may cause a processor to change the communication module into a use mode, which may trigger activation of one or more additional components the communication module. In the cap-off state a portion  924  of the indicator element  908  remains axially aligned with, and actuates, the third contact switch  916 . As set out above, this change of state of the first contact switch  912  may be recorded as an injector usage event. 
       FIG. 9 d    shows the autoinjector drive module  900  in a triggered state. In the triggered state the drive module  900  is installed into an autoinjector, the cap has been removed as in  FIG. 9 c    and the needle guard of the autoinjector is pressed against the skin of a user to force the needle guard back into a body of the autoinjector. The movement of the needle guard into the autoinjector housing forces the trigger element  906  backwards against the biasing force of the trigger spring  926  into a rearmost position in which the radial projection  922  of the trigger element  906  axially aligned with the second contact switch  914  so that the second contact switch  914  is actuated. In the triggered state a portion  924  of the indicator element  908  remains axially aligned with, and actuates, the third contact switch  916 . As set out above, this change of state of the first and second contact switches  912 , 914  may each be recorded as an injector usage event. 
       FIG. 9 e    shows the autoinjector drive module  900  in a delivering state. In the delivering state the drive module  900  is installed into an autoinjector and the needle guard of the autoinjector is pressed against the skin as in  FIG. 9 d    and movement of the trigger element  906  to the rearmost position releases the plunger rod  910  allowing it to be biased forward by a drive spring  928  and act upon a plunger of a syringe in the autoinjector to deliver a dose of medicament. In the delivering state the radial projection  922  of the trigger element  906  remains axially aligned with the second contact switch  914  so that the second contact switch  914  is actuated, and a portion  924  of the indicator element  908  remains axially aligned with, and actuates, the third contact switch  916 . In this example, during delivery there may be no change of state of the contact switches, although other detection elements could be used, for example optical sensors, microphones, accelerometers or other sensors. A change of state may be recorded as an injector usage event. 
       FIG. 9 f    shows the autoinjector drive module  900  in a delivered state. In the delivered state the drive module  900  is installed into an autoinjector and movement of the plunger rod  910  taking place in  FIG. 9 e    has been substantially completed. Once forward movement of the plunger rod  910  has reached a predetermined position, for example more than 95% of a complete dose delivery, the indicator element  908  is released and is biased rearwards by the trigger spring  926 . The trigger element remains in the rearmost position in which the radial projection  922  of the trigger element  906  axially aligned with the second contact switch  914  so that the second contact switch  914  is actuated. In the delivered state the indicator element  908  has been biased backwards so that no portion of the indicator element  908  is axially aligned with the third contact switch  916 . As set out above, this change of state of the third contact switches  916  may be recorded as an injector usage event. 
       FIG. 9 g    shows the autoinjector drive module  900  in a used state. In the used state the drive module  900  is installed in an autoinjector, dose delivery has been completed as in  FIG. 9 f    and the autoinjector has been moved away from the skin. The movement of the autoinjector away from the skin allows the needle guard to extend from the autoinjector to a needle protecting position. The forward movement of the needle guard allows the trigger element  906  to move from the rearmost position to the forward position so that the radial projection  922  of the trigger element  906  is axially aligned with, and actuates, the first contact switch  912 . In the used state the indicator element  908  has been biased backwards so that no portion of the indicator element  908  is axially aligned with the third contact switch  916 . As set out above, this change of state of the first and second contact switches  912 , 914  may be recorded as an injector usage event. As this is may be considered to be an end of use event entering this state of the switches may trigger the communication module to try to establish communication with a receiving device so that data relating to the recorded usage events can be transmitted to the receiving device once communication has been established. The communication module may to try to establish communication with a receiving device following receipt of trigger signal from the receiving device. 
     As noted, the description of  FIGS. 9 a  to 9 g    relate to an example of an autoinjector drive mechanism and its operation. Other drive mechanisms may be used and other detection elements may be employed allowing more or fewer usage events to be recorded during use. A greater number of usage events being recorded, for example in an appropriate sequence may provide a more certain indication of correct autoinjector use. 
       FIGS. 10 a  to 10 g    show views of an example of an autoinjector  1001  having a removable communication module  1002 . 
       FIG. 10 a    shows an example autoinjector  1001  in a pre-use state in which a cap  1004  is installed on an injection end of the autoinjector  1001 . The communication module  1002  is not visible in this figure as it is installed within a housing  1006  of the autoinjector  1001  to provide an integrated device. In this example the autoinjector  1001  is a single use, disposable medicament delivery device and is disposed of following use. To facilitate recycling after the device has been used, the communication module  1002  may be removable from the autoinjector  1001  so that the communication module  1002  and remainder of the autoinjector can be disposed of separately. The housing  1006  extends along a longitudinal axis  1008  of the autoinjector  1001  and comprises an opening  1010  which is covered by a door  1012  which prevents access to an interior of the housing  1006 . The door  1012  is held in place at one end by a connector  1034  and at an opposite end by a connector  1036 . In this example connector  1034  is a releasable catch which can be actuated to release the door  1012  at that end. In this example connector  1036  is a frangible connector which must be broken to release the door  1012  at that end. In other examples one connector  1034 , 1036  may be omitted or moved to another location on a periphery of the door  1012 , and/or a further connector may be added. One of more connectors may be replaced by a hinge or pivot. In this example both connectors are not the same type, but in other examples both, or all, connectors may be of the same type, either both, or all, releasable, or both, or all, frangible. 
       FIG. 10 b    shows a cross section through the example autoinjector  1001  along the longitudinal axis and through the door  1012 . In this example the communication module  1002  is arranged adjacent the door  1012  and may be coupled to a drive mechanism  1014  of the autoinjector  1001 . In this example a projection  1016  of the communication module  1002  engages in an opening  1018  of an indicator element  1020  of the drive mechanism  1014  to couple the communication module  1002  to a movable element of the drive mechanism  1014 . The engagement of the projection  1016  in the opening  1018  may prevent the communication module  1002  being moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  1008  of the autoinjector  1001 . It can be seen that the communication module is location in a rear portion of the device  1001 , in this case a rear half of the device. 
       FIG. 10 c    shows the same cross section as  FIG. 10 b   , but with the autoinjector  1001  in a used state. The cap  1004  has been removed, the drive mechanism  1014  has been activated to drive a plunger rod  1022  to deliver a dose of medicament as previously described. The indicator element  1020  has been driven away from the communication module  1002  which, in this example releases the engagement between the projection  1018  of the communication module  1002  and the opening  1018  of the indicator element  1020 . The release of the engagement of the projection  1016  in the opening  1018  now allows the communication module  1002  to be moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  1008  of the autoinjector  1001 . However, in this example, access to the communication module  1002  is prevented by the door  1012 . 
       FIG. 10 d    shows the same cross section as  FIG. 10 b   , but with the example autoinjector  1001  in a separated state in which the door  1012  has been removed to expose the opening  1010  and the communication module  1002  has been accessed and removed via the opening  1010 . Removal of the communication module  1002  may be achieved by moving the communication module  1002  substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  1008  through the opening  1010 . It should be noted that, in this example, such movement of the communication module would have been prevented by the engagement of the projection  1016  in the opening  1018  of the indicator element  1020  if the autoinjector  1001  had not already been used to dispense a medicament dose. 
       FIGS. 10 e  and 10 f    together show a view of the example autoinjector  1001  and the communication module  1002  in the separated state. The communication module  1002  has been removed from the autoinjector  1001  through the opening  1010 . The projection  1016  at an end of the communication module  1002  can be clearly seen. The projection  1016  may be formed by any suitable means and from any suitable part of the communication module  1002 . In this example the projection  1016  is integrally moulded with a mounting member  1024 , which carries a main board  1026  of the communication module  1002  and comprises a c-clip  1028  to couple the communication module  1002  to the drive mechanism  1014 . In other examples a different clip and/or projection could be used in the same, or different locations. The projection  1016  could be at an opposite end of the communication module, or at a location between ends of the communication module. In some examples other means of releasably coupling the communication module  1002  to a movable element of the drive mechanism  1014  may be used in addition to, or instead of, the projection  1016 .  FIG. 10 g    shows a side view of the communication module  1002  in which a battery  1030  and three contact switches  1032  distributed along the communication module  1002 . When the communication module  1002  of this example is installed in the autoinjector  1001  the switches  1032  are arranged in a line parallel with the longitudinal axis of the device  1008 . 
       FIGS. 11 a  to 11 g    show views of an example autoinjector  1101  having a removable communication module  1102 . The autoinjector  1101  is similar to the autoinjector  1001  and the same numbers incremented by  100  will be used to indicate like parts. 
       FIG. 11 a    shows the example autoinjector  1101  in a pre-use state in which a cap  1104  is installed on an injection end of the autoinjector  1101 . The communication module  1102  is not visible in this figure as it is installed within a housing  1106  of the autoinjector  1101 . The housing  1106  extends along a longitudinal axis  1108  of the autoinjector  1101  and comprises an opening  1110  which is covered by a door  1112  which prevents access to an interior of the housing  1106 . 
     The door  1112  is held in place at one end by a connector  1136  and at an opposite end by a retainer (not visible in this Figure). Connector  1136  in this example is a snap clip which can be released without breaking, but in other example may be another type of connector, for example a frangible connector which must be broken to release the door  1112  at that end. 
     This autoinjector  1101  is an example of an autoinjector in which the communication module  1102  may initially be installed into a housing subassembly, such as a housing module, rather than a drive module. The housing module may comprise the communication module and a medicament container. During assembly the communication module  1102  may be removed from the housing  1106  via the opening  1110 , the drive mechanism  1114  fitted and then the communication module  1102  then refitted. Some manipulation may be required to engage the communication module  1102  to the drive mechanism  1114 , or the communication module  1102  and the drive mechanism  1114  may be adapted to allow automatic engagement, for example by a snap fit or other mechanism. 
       FIG. 11 b    shows a cross section through the autoinjector  1101  along the longitudinal axis and through the door  1112 . The communication module  1102  is arranged adjacent the door  1112  and is coupled to a drive mechanism  1114  of the autoinjector  1101 . Unlike the projection  1016  and opening  1018  of autoinjector  1001  of the previous example, a different engagement between communication module  1102  and indicator element  1120  is provided. In other examples other means of engagement may be used. An extension  1138  of the communication module  1102  engages in a recess  1140  of an indicator element  1120  of the drive mechanism  1114 . The engagement of the extension  1138  in the recess  1140  prevents the communication module  1102  being moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  1108  of the autoinjector  1101 . 
       FIG. 11 c    shows the same cross section as  FIG. 11 b   , but with the autoinjector  1101  in a used state. The cap  1104  has been removed, the drive mechanism  1114  has been activated to drive a plunger rod  1122  to deliver a dose of medicament as previously described. The indicator element  1120  has been driven away from the communication module  1102  thereby releasing the engagement between the extension  1138  of the communication module  1102  and the recess  1140  of the indicator element  1120 . As described before, the release of that engagement allows the communication module  1102  to be moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  1108  of the autoinjector  1101 . However access to the communication module  1102  is prevented by the door  1112 . 
       FIG. 11 d    shows the same cross section as  FIG. 11   b,  but with the example autoinjector  1101  in a separated state in which the door  1112  has been removed. In this example the communication module  1102  is attached to the door  1112 , so removal of the door  1112  also removes the communication module  1102 . Removal of the door  1112  and communication module  1102  is achieved by moving the door  1112  and communication module  1102  substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  1108  so that the communication module  1102  moves through the opening  1110 . As discussed before, in this example such movement of the communication module  1102  would have been prevented prior to use of the autoinjector, in this case by the engagement of the extension  1138  in the recess  1140  of the indicator element  1120  of the autoinjector  1101 . 
       FIGS. 11 e  and 11 f    together show a view of the autoinjector  1101  and the communication module  1102  in the separated state. The door  1112  has been removed from the autoinjector  1101  causing the communication module  1102  to be removed from the autoinjector  1101  through the opening  1110 . The extension  1138  at an end of the communication module  1102  can be clearly seen. As mentioned in connection with the projection  1016 , extension  1038  may be formed by any suitable means and from any suitable part of the communication module  1102 . In this example the extension  1138  is part of a main board  1142  of the communication module  1102 . 
     In some examples a removable sticker may be applied covering some or all of the door  1112 . After use of the device and completion of data transfer to a receiving device, a user may be instructed to remove the sticker. Removal of the sticker after use of the device may cause the door, and the associated communication module  1102 , to be removed from the autoinjector and this may facilitate separation of the communication module from the autoinjector for recycling. The means of holding the door to the housing and/or the means of coupling the communication module to the drive mechanism may be adapted for such use. 
       FIG. 11 g    shows a cross section view of the communication module  1102  in which a battery  1130  and three contact switches  1132  distributed along the communication module  1102 . The door  1112  is connected to the communication module  1102  by clips  1144  which are integrally molded with the door  1112 . The clips  1144  engage with opposed lateral edges of the main board  1142 . In this example, when the communication module  1102  and door  1112  is installed in the autoinjector  1101  the switches  1132  are arranged in a line parallel with the longitudinal axis of the device  1108 , although other arrangements are possible. 
     The retainer  1146  which holds an end of the door  1112  opposite the connector  1136  is visible in this figure. The retainer  1146  is in the form of a hook which is adapted to fit under an edge  1148  of the housing  1106  which defines an end of the opening to prevent movement of the door perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  1108 . It will be understood that other retainer designs may be used. To remove the door  1112  and associated communication module  1102  the connector  1136  is broken to release the associated end of the door  1112  so that it can be moved away from the autoinjector in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  1108  so that the door  1112  pivots about the retainer  1146  until the door  1112  and communication module  1102  can be moved parallel with the longitudinal axis  1108  to release the retainer  1146  from the housing. 
     In  FIGS. 10 a  to 10 g  and 11 a  to 11 g    it is a part of the communication module that is releasably secured to an element of the drive mechanism. In other examples the door may be additionally, or alternatively, be releasably secured to an element of the drive mechanism. 
     The autoinjectors  701 ,  1001  and  1101  shown in  FIGS. 7 a  to 7 e , 10 a  to 10 g  and 11 a  to 11 g    may be suitable for use with the drive module and/or the drive mechanism shown in  FIGS. 9 a    to  9   g.    
       FIG. 12  shows an example of a medicament delivery autoinjector  1201  and an associated receiving device  1250 , in this example a smart phone, but in other examples may be any suitable receiving device, including a computing device, tablet, laptop, hub or smart watch. 
     The receiving device  1250  may be associated with the autoinjector  1201  through any suitable wireless connection, for example wireless software linking or pairing of the two devices to establish one- or two-way communication between the devices, or the communication could be one directional from the autoinjector  1201  to the receiving device  1250  following use, in which case the receiving device  1250  may be regarded as associated as it is able to receive transmissions from the communication module  1202 . 
     During use of the autoinjector  1201 , as described above, a user may remove a cap to change the state of a first switch and so enable at least some of the functions of a communication module  1202  housed in the autoinjector  1201 . The autoinjector  1201  may then be oriented at a preferred injection angle relative to an injection surface  1252 . The orientation may be detected by the communication device  1202 . 
     The autoinjector  1201  may then be pushed against an injection surface  1252  which may cause a needle guard to be pushed back into the autoinjector  1201  and this may change a state of a second switch of the communication module  1202  as described above. 
     Following completion of medicament delivery an indicator element may be released and may move away from the injection surface  1252  and this may change a state of a third switch of the communication module  1202  as described above. 
     Removing the autoinjector  1201  from the injection surface  1252  may allow the needle guard to extend from the autoinjector  1201  and this may change a state of a second switch of the communication module  1202  as described above. 
     Completion of this use cycle may automatically trigger the wireless transmission of data relating to the use of the autoinjector  1201  to the receiving device  1250 . In some examples the completion of this use cycle may trigger the communication module  1202  to store data relating to the use of the autoinjector  1201  for later transmission to the receiving device  1250 . Transmission of the data to the receiving device  1250  may occur following a request from the receiving device  1250  which may be received wirelessly by a receiver of the communication module  1202 . The receiver of the communication module  1202  may be integrated with the transmitter of the communication module  1202  in the form of a transceiver. 
     Following completion of the injection, the communication module may be separated from the autoinjector, for example as described with reference to  FIGS. 10 a  to 10 g    or  11   a  to  11   g . The separation of the communication module from the autoinjector may take place after completion of the transmission of data, or may take place prior to transmission of the data, 
       FIG. 13  shows a training autoinjector  1301 , in this case the training autoinjector is also a medicament delivery device, but in other examples may not be, and an associated receiving device  1350 , in this example, as above, a smart phone, but in other examples may be any suitable receiving device, including a computing device, tablet, laptop, hub or smart watch. 
     As described above, the receiving device  1350  may be associated with the autoinjector  1301  through any suitable wireless connection, for example wireless software linking or pairing of the two devices to establish one- or two-way communication between the devices, or the communication could be one directional from the autoinjector  1301  to the receiving device  1350  following use, in which case the receiving device  1350  may be regarded as associated as it is able to receive transmissions from the communication module  1302 . 
     During use of the autoinjector  1301 , as described above, a user may remove a cap to change the state of a first switch and so enable at least some of the functions of a communication module  1302  housed in the autoinjector  1301 . This may initiate communication between the receiving device  1350  and the communication module  1302 . During use of the training device  1301  there may be wireless communication established between the receiving device  1350  and the autoinjector  1301 . The receiving device  1350  may include a screen  1354 , or other feedback device, for example a microphone or tactile feedback generator, and may display information relating to the state of the autoinjector  1301  based, for example on detected usage events, for example confirming that a cap has been removed. 
     The autoinjector  1301  may then be oriented at a preferred injection angle relative to an injection surface  1352 . The orientation may be detected by the communication device  1302  and displayed on the receiving device  1350 . The receiving device may include an indication regarding whether or not the autoinjector  1301  is in an appropriate orientation to begin an injection event. 
     The autoinjector  1301  may then be pushed against an injection surface  1352  which may cause a needle guard to be pushed back into the autoinjector  1301  and this may change a state of a second switch of the communication module  1202  as described above. The change in state of the autoinjector  1301  may be indicated on the receiving device  1350 . 
     Following completion of medicament delivery an indicator element may be released and may move away from the injection surface  1352  and this may change a state of a third switch of the communication module  1302  as described above. The change in state of the autoinjector  1301  may be indicated on the receiving device  1350 . 
     Removing the autoinjector  1301  from the injection surface  1352  may allow the needle guard to extend from the autoinjector  1301  and this may change a state of a second switch of the communication module  1302  as described above. The change in state of the autoinjector  1301  may be indicated on the receiving device  1350 . 
     In some examples an animation or other visual representation of the state of the autoinjector may be displayed on the receiving device to inform and/or guide a user during use of the autoinjector. 
     Completion of this use cycle may trigger a use summary to be displayed on the receiving device  1350 , for example confirming that the device was maintained in an appropriate orientation during an injection event and that the device was maintained in position against the injection surface for a length of time sufficient for medicament delivery to be completed. The receiving device may provide suggestions for improvements for subsequent use of the autoinjector  1301 . 
     It should also be noted that indications regarding the state of the autoinjector  1301  may be displayed, or provided, additionally or alternatively on the autoinjector  1301 , for example on a display, or via one or more lights, or via audible or tactile feedback. Such an indication may be the result of a wireless signal from the receiving device  1350 . 
     Following completion of the injection, the communication module may be separated from the autoinjector, for example as described with reference to  FIGS. 10 a  to 10 g    or  11   a  to  11   g.