An embodiment of a fluid infusion device includes a fluid pump mechanism having a rotor and a stator. The rotor includes a reference surface and a cam element rising from the reference surface. The stator includes a cam element having a stator cam surface. The cam elements cooperate to axially displace the rotor as a function of rotation. A biasing element provides force to urge the cam elements together. A drive motor is coupled to actuate the rotor to pump medication fluid from a fluid cartridge module to a body, via a subcutaneous conduit. A force sensor is coupled to the rotor to generate output levels in response to force imparted thereto. The force sensor cooperates with a detection circuit that obtains and processes the output levels to detect occlusions in a fluid path downstream of the fluid pump mechanism.