Autoinjector having ergonomic structure

Abstract

Embodiments relate to an autoinjector for automatic subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of a drug, and provide an ergonomic structure for grip stability, rolling prevention, visibility, and pain relief when a user presses the autoinjector against the skin to operate same. The autoinjector according to embodiments comprises a housing which forms the exterior, wherein the housing includes a support part and a grip part that have different maximum outer widths in a cross section perpendicular to a central axis thereof, the grip part extends in the axial direction on a distal side of the support part, and the maximum outer width of the grip part is smaller than the maximum outer width of the support part, thus preventing slipping. In addition, the cross section of the grip part has a non-circular quadrilateral contour, thereby preventing rolling, the housing includes a proximal part and a distal part that have different transparencies, thereby providing visibility and psychological stability, and an activation member that comes into contact with the skin includes, in a proximal end surface thereof, a protruding shape for increasing local pressure, thereby relieving injection pain.

Description

ergonomically designed automatic syringe

[0001] The embodiments relate to an auto-injector for automatically injecting drugs subcutaneously or into the muscle, and more specifically, to an ergonomic auto-injector that prevents slipping and rolling on flat surfaces when a user pressurizes the syringe through structural features of the housing, provides internal visibility and psychological stability simultaneously through differential transparency of the housing, and further alleviates injection pain by improving the end shape of the active member that contacts the skin.

[0002] An auto-injector is a medical device designed to allow patients to easily self-administer a predetermined dose of medication subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Typically, such auto-injectors consist of a syringe containing the medication, an actuation unit (e.g., a spring) that pushes the plunger to inject the drug, and a housing that encloses these components. With the recent increase in patients with chronic diseases requiring self-administration or those needing to manage emergency situations, the ease of use and safety of auto-injectors are becoming increasingly important.

[0003] To operate an automatic syringe, the user must generally place the syringe against the injection site and apply pressure to the entire syringe toward the skin to activate the internal activation mechanism. During this process, the user applies a significant axial force; however, conventional automatic syringes adopt simple cylindrical or tubular housings with a constant outer diameter for reasons such as ease of manufacturing. This shape has a structural limitation in that the hand is prone to slipping along the syringe's axial direction (proximal direction) when the user presses the syringe with strong force. If the hand slips, the injection needle may not be inserted at the correct angle and depth, or sufficient force required for activation may not be transmitted, potentially preventing drug injection from starting at all.

[0004] In addition, this cylindrical shape has the problem that it can easily roll away from a slight incline or weak external impact when placed on a flat surface. If the syringe rolls off the table and hits the floor, the internal drug container may be damaged or the trigger may malfunction, making it impossible to use expensive medication. In particular, the dropping of a syringe, which requires maintaining a sterile state before use, poses a serious threat to medication safety.

[0005] Meanwhile, users need to visually check the condition of the medication (e.g., turbidity, discoloration, etc.) from outside the housing before injection, and clearly recognize whether the medication infusion is proceeding normally and has been completed during the injection. To this end, there is a technology that ensures visibility by making the entire housing out of a transparent material; however, in this case, internal mechanical devices essential for use, such as sharp needles or compressed springs, are exposed. Seeing these directly may cause some users to feel fear or anxiety about the injection, which can be a factor that hinders compliance with self-injection.

[0006] Finally, the user may experience significant pain the moment the needle of an automatic syringe penetrates the skin. This is due to the change in pressure applied to the skin tissue as the needle is rapidly inserted, and it is particularly pronounced in areas with sensitive skin.

[0007] Therefore, there is a growing need for an integrated ergonomic design that prevents slipping and rolling solely through the structural shape of the housing without the need for separate additional devices, thereby facilitating stable use, simultaneously ensuring visibility and psychological stability, and furthermore, alleviating pain during injection.

[0008] The embodiments are intended to solve the problems of the aforementioned prior art, and the first objective is to provide a structure that mechanically prevents the hand from slipping when a user presses the syringe toward the skin by forming sections of different diameters in the housing of an automatic syringe.

[0009] Another objective of the embodiments is to design the cross-section of the housing of the automatic syringe, particularly the grip portion that the user primarily holds, to be non-circular so that the device is stably positioned when placed on a flat surface and is prevented from unintentionally rolling off.

[0010] Another objective of the embodiments is to provide an automatic syringe that ensures visibility by forming areas with different transmittances in the housing of the automatic syringe, thereby allowing the user to easily check the status of the drug and the injection process from any direction of the syringe, while effectively concealing components that may cause psychological anxiety to the user, such as the injection needle or spring.

[0011] Furthermore, the embodiments aim to provide an automatic syringe capable of reducing pain during actual needle insertion by configuring a shape on the proximal end surface of an activating member to stimulate the user, thereby applying pre-stimulation to the skin before drug injection.

[0012] An automatic syringe according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem comprises: a drug container having a drug storage unit and an injection needle to store a drug and inject the drug by penetrating the skin; a plunger housing arranged to move linearly along the central axis of the drug container to pressurize the drug, wherein the first elastic member pressurizes the plunger in the proximal direction, the first elastic member having an activation member with a proximal end protruding outside the housing from an initial position; a second elastic member pressing the plunger in the proximal direction; and a trigger structure that locks the plunger when the activation member is in an initial position and releases the locking of the plunger by the movement of the activation member. The housing comprises a support member and a grip member having different maximum outer widths in a cross-section perpendicular to its central axis, wherein the grip member is formed continuously in the axial direction on the distal side of the support member, and the maximum outer width of the grip member is smaller than the maximum outer width of the support member.

[0013] Additionally, the grip portion may include a shoulder portion at its proximal end, in which the maximum outer width of the cross-section is gradually reduced from the support portion.

[0014] In addition, the axial length of the grip portion may be 87 mm to 97 mm.

[0015] Additionally, the housing includes a proximal and a distal portion made of a transparent or translucent material, and the light transmittance of the distal portion may be greater than the light transmittance of the proximal portion.

[0016] In addition, the light transmittance of the distal portion may be 75% or more, and the light transmittance of the proximal portion may be 50% or less.

[0017] Additionally, the housing may be integrally formed by an injection molding process. In this case, the proximal portion may have a lower light transmittance than the distal portion by having a surface on which the surface texture of the inner surface of the molding cavity is transferred or a surface textured equivalently applied.

[0018] Additionally, the proximal portion may include at least a longitudinal section extending from the proximal end of the housing in which the first elastic member is disposed, or at least an axial section in which the injection needle is disposed.

[0019] In addition, the present invention further includes a drug container holder that fixes the drug container within the housing, and the drug container holder may be formed of a transparent material.

[0020] Additionally, the activation member may be formed of a transparent material. In this case, the activation member may include a proximal portion including a proximal end protruding outward from the housing at an initial position, and a distal portion extending in a distal direction after the proximal portion, wherein the light transmittance of the distal portion may be 75% or more and the light transmittance of the proximal portion may be 50% or less.

[0021] Additionally, the housing further includes an opening penetrating its side wall, and the opening may expose at least a portion of the drug storage portion to the outside. In this case, the support may extend from the proximal end of the housing, past the proximal end of the opening, in a distal direction to a point that is at least 35% of the total height of the opening.

[0022] Additionally, it further includes a label attached to the outer surface of the distal portion, and the label may be positioned to substantially visually shield the trigger structure from the outside.

[0023] Additionally, the device further includes a distal cap coupled to the distal end of the housing, wherein the outer edge of the distal cap is rounded and a concave portion formed in the center in the direction of the central axis of the housing may be formed.

[0024] Additionally, the cross-section of the grip portion has a non-circular contour in the form of a quadrilateral including four vertices and four sides connecting the vertices, and at least one of the four sides may have an outwardly convex curve shape. In this case, all four sides of the cross-section of the grip portion may have an outwardly convex curve shape.

[0025] In addition, the cross-section of the support member may have an elliptical contour.

[0026] In addition, a plurality of grooves extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the housing may be formed axially spaced apart in at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing.

[0027] Additionally, the apparatus further includes a protective cap coupled to the proximal end of the housing, wherein the protective cap is detachable by being pulled downward along the central axis of the housing, and a plurality of grooves extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the housing may be formed axially spaced apart on at least a portion of the outer surface of the protective cap. In this case, an indicator mark indicating the separation direction of the protective cap may be formed on the outer surface of the protective cap, and a flange portion protruding radially outward may be formed on the outer periphery of the proximal end of the protective cap, having an outer diameter larger than that of an adjacent section in a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis of the housing. Additionally, the protective cap and the housing may include an overlap portion that overlaps axially so that when coupled, the inner surface of the distal end of the protective cap covers the outer surface of the proximal end of the housing from the outside.

[0028] Additionally, the proximal end surface of the activating member may include a protruding shape to increase local pressure pressing on the skin.

[0029] In addition, the protruding shape may be an inclined surface formed on the proximal end surface of the active member.

[0030] In addition, the protruding shape may be a plurality of inclined surfaces arranged along the circumferential direction of the proximal end surface of the active member.

[0031] Additionally, the protruding shape may be an inclined surface inclined along the radial or opposite radial direction of the proximal end face of the active member.

[0032] In addition, the protruding shape may be a plurality of projections protruding from the proximal end surface of the activating member.

[0033] The automatic syringe according to the embodiments has a housing shape that includes a support portion with a relatively large diameter and a grip portion with a small diameter, so that when a user presses the syringe, the palm catches on the step between the support portion and the grip portion. This acts as a mechanical stopper and structurally prevents the hand from sliding in the axial direction, so that anyone, even users with weak hand strength or excessive sweating, can administer medication accurately and safely.

[0034] In addition, the automatic syringe according to the embodiments effectively prevents unintended rolling by forming the cross-section of the grip portion into a quadrilateral non-circular contour having four sides, thereby providing a stable contact surface when placed on a flat surface such as a table. This prevents damage and contamination of the device, thereby increasing the safety and cost-effectiveness of medication administration.

[0035] In addition, the automatic syringe according to the embodiments forms the distal portion of the housing with a transparent material with high transmittance to expose the drug reservoir, thereby allowing the user to check the status of the drug and monitor the injection process from any angle without the need to align the syringe in a specific direction. On the other hand, the proximal portion of the housing, where the injection needle and drive spring are located, is formed with a translucent material with relatively low transmittance to visually conceal the components, thereby effectively reducing the fear or anxiety the user may feel during the injection process. Since the housing having this difference in transmittance can be manufactured by integrating it into a single body through an injection molding process, production efficiency can be increased.

[0036] Finally, the automatic syringe according to the embodiments can effectively reduce the pain experienced by the user during drug injection by applying a special protruding shape to the proximal end surface of the active member in contact with the skin, thereby dispersing nerve sensations by applying weak pressure to the skin before needle insertion. In addition, said shape provides the effect of improving injection accuracy by ensuring that the automatic syringe adheres stably to the skin during use.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a front view of an automatic syringe according to one embodiment of the present invention,

[0038] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automatic syringe of the same embodiment,

[0039] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automatic syringe of the same embodiment, cut at a different angle from FIG. 2,

[0040] FIG. 4 is a front view of a housing (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention,

[0041] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an activation member (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention,

[0042] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a housing (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention,

[0043] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a distal cap (190) according to one embodiment of the present invention,

[0044] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a protective cap (800) according to one embodiment of the present invention,

[0045] FIGS. 9 to 13 are perspective views showing protruding shapes (431, 432, 433, 434, 435) formed on the proximal end surface of an activating member (400) according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and may be embodied in other forms. Rather, the embodiments introduced herein are provided to ensure that the disclosed content is thorough and complete and to sufficiently convey the spirit of the present invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, components may be exaggerated or reduced for clarity, and like reference numerals indicate like components.

[0047] As used herein, the term “proximal end” refers to the end of an auto-injector where drug release may be provided. Thus, it is the end of the auto-injector that tapers toward the injection or release site. This definition also extends to any internal or external component of the auto-injector, namely, the proximal end of any component is the end closest to the proximal end of the auto-injector. The “distal end” is the end opposite to the proximal end. Additionally, the proximal direction means the direction from the distal side toward the proximal side, and conversely, the distal direction means the direction from the proximal side toward the distal side.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a front view of an automatic syringe according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an automatic syringe of the same embodiment.

[0049] In this embodiment, the automatic syringe comprises a housing (100) forming an exterior, a drug container (200) formed inside the housing, a plunger (300) that moves linearly within the drug container (200), an activating member (400) that is arranged to move linearly along the central axis (lengthwise direction) of the housing (100), a first elastic member (500) that presses the activating member in a proximal direction, a second elastic member (600) that presses the plunger (300) in a proximal direction, and a trigger structure (700) that locks the plunger (300) or unlocks the locking. Additionally, it may include a distal cap (190) coupled to close the distal end of the housing (100), a protective cap (800) coupled to the proximal end of the housing (100) as a safety device before use (shown as a separate cap), and a label (900) attached to the outer surface of the particularly distal part of the housing (100).

[0050] The housing (100) is preferably tubular, forms the substantial exterior of the automatic syringe, and accommodates and protects other components of the automatic syringe inside. The size of the housing (100) is preferably such that it has a length and cross-sectional area (thickness) that allow the user to comfortably grip the automatic syringe with one hand. The housing (100) is preferably formed of a plastic material. A distal cap (190) is coupled to the housing (100) and closes the distal end of the housing (100) that accommodates the other components.

[0051] The drug container (200) may include a drug storage section (210) for storing a drug to be injected and an injection needle (220) for injecting the drug by penetrating the skin. The drug container (200) is installed to be fixed axially and radially to the housing (100), for example, it may be installed to be fixed by a drug container holder (230) disposed inside the housing (100).

[0052] A stopper (310) is hermetically disposed at the distal end of the drug storage unit (210), and the stopper (310) is pressed by the proximal end of the plunger (300). Thus, when the plunger (300) moves linearly in the proximal direction, the stopper (310) pushes out the drug, allowing the drug to be discharged through the injection needle (220).

[0053] The plunger (300) has its proximal end inserted or aligned with the drug storage unit (210) so as to be able to push the stopper (310) as described above, and is positioned to move linearly to push and release the drug. The plunger (300) is manufactured with its movement basically locked by the trigger structure (700). Therefore, it can maintain a stationary state even though it is pressed in the proximal direction by the second elastic member (600) in a compressed state.

[0054] The activating member (400) is positioned inside the housing (100) and, in particular, is positioned to be linearly movable along the central axis of the housing (100). Additionally, the activating member (400) is positioned so that its proximal end protrudes outward from the proximal side of the housing (100) from its initial position. Thus, when a user pressurizes the automatic syringe by contacting it to the application site, the activating member (400) moves linearly in a distal direction, that is, inwardly into the housing (100). This distal movement of the activating member (400) acts as a switch to unlock the plunger (300) in conjunction with the trigger structure (700).

[0055] When the locking is released, the plunger (300) moves linearly in the proximal direction by the elastic force of the second elastic member (600) to start drug injection.

[0056] Meanwhile, the first elastic member (500) is installed to apply pressure to the activating member (400) in a proximal direction, so that when the external force applied, such as when the user removes the syringe from the application site, is removed, the activating member (400) returns to its original protruding state.

[0057] The above automatic syringe has a protective cap (800) attached to its proximal end, the protective cap (800) prevents the injection needle (220) from being exposed before use and also accommodates the activating member (400) inside to prevent the activating member (400) from unintentionally sliding inward.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an automatic syringe of the same embodiment, which is a cross-sectional view cut at a different angle and enlarged to explain the trigger structure (700).

[0059] Referring together to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, which represent the initial state, i.e., the locking state, the trigger structure (700) may include a trigger housing (710) installed to be fixed within the housing (100) in this embodiment, a locking module (720) that engages with and fixes the plunger (300), and a locking sleeve (730) that moves linearly in the distal direction by being pushed by an activation member (400).

[0060] In the locked state before the trigger is released, the central locking pin (721) of the locking module (720) is inserted into the distal end (320) of the plunger (300) to secure (lock) the plunger (300) to the trigger housing (710). In particular, a locking projection (722) is formed at the proximal end of the locking module (720) to firmly secure the locking module (720) to the trigger housing (710).

[0061] Now, to explain the trigger release process of the automatic syringe of the present embodiment, the user inserts the automatic syringe into the target area, and as the activating member (400) moves in the distal direction, the user pushes the flange portion (731) of the locking sleeve (730) to also move the locking sleeve (730) in the distal direction. Then, the release slope (732) formed at the distal end of the locking sleeve (730) is inserted into the inside of the locking projection (722), causing the locking projection (722) to spread outward. Accordingly, the fixation of the locking module (720) is released, and as the locking pin (721) slides in the distal direction by the locking sleeve (730) and comes out of the distal end (320) of the plunger, the locking of the plunger (300) is released, and the plunger (300) slides in the proximal direction by the second elastic member (600).

[0062] FIG. 4 is a front view of a housing (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the housing (100) may have an ergonomic shape so that a user can grip it stably. Specifically, according to the embodiment, the housing (100) includes a support portion (101) and a grip portion (102) having different maximum outer widths in a cross-section perpendicular to its central axis (length direction). Here, the grip portion (102) is a part that the user primarily grips with their hand and is a section with a relatively small maximum outer width. Additionally, the support portion (101) is formed continuously in the axial direction on the proximal side of the grip portion (102) and has a larger maximum outer width than the grip portion (102). In this case, the “maximum outer width” may refer to the maximum distance between two opposing points forming the outer contour in a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis of the housing (100) (if the cross-section is circular, it may be equal to the outer diameter). "Formed continuously in the axial direction" may mean that the external shape from the support part (101) to the grip part (102) is formed continuously along the central axis without separation.

[0063] Additionally, according to an embodiment, the grip portion (102) may include a shoulder portion (103) at its proximal end, the maximum outer width of which gradually decreases. When a user grasps the grip portion (102) with their hand and presses the syringe toward the skin (proximal direction), a part of the palm (particularly the area between the thumb and index finger) naturally catches on this shoulder portion (103). This shoulder portion (103) acts as a mechanical stopper, structurally preventing the user's hand from sliding proximally. This provides a stable grip, especially for users with weak hand strength or sweaty hands, thereby significantly improving the accuracy and safety of medication administration.

[0064] Additionally, preferably, the axial length of the grip portion (102) is set to 87 mm to 97 mm. This takes into account the average palm width of adult men and women, and is an optimal length range sufficient for most users to comfortably wrap around the entire grip portion (102).

[0065] The housing (100) may be formed with at least a portion of a transparent or translucent material, and in particular, the housing (100) of the present invention may include a proximal portion (110) and a distal portion (120) made of a transparent or translucent material. Preferably, the light transmittance of the distal portion (120) is greater than the light transmittance of the proximal portion (110).

[0066] Here, light transmittance is a measure indicating the proportion of light in a specific wavelength band that passes through an object, and in this specification, it may be measured according to standardized test methods such as ASTM D1003. The higher the light transmittance, the more transparent the object appears; the lower the transmittance, the closer it appears to translucent or opaque.

[0067] The difference in light transmittance between the proximal part (110) and the distal part (120) of the housing (100) is intended to achieve the following purpose. Since the distal part (120) corresponds to the area where the drug storage part (210) within the drug container (200) is located, it has a high transmittance so that the user can clearly check the condition of the drug before injection (discoloration, turbidity, etc.) and visually monitor the process of drug injection during injection. On the other hand, since the proximal part (110) corresponds to the area where parts that may cause psychological anxiety or fear to the user, such as the injection needle (220) or the first elastic member (500), are located, it has a relatively low transmittance so that the parts are visually concealed or made to appear blurry. Through this, the user can clearly obtain necessary information while maintaining a sense of psychological stability.

[0068] As specific values, it is preferable that the light transmittance of the distal portion (120) be 75% or more, and the light transmittance of the proximal portion (110) be 50% or less. This can be the optimal range that combines transparency sufficient for drug identification with translucency effective for concealing internal parts.

[0069] The housing (100) having such a difference in transmittance can be integrated into a single part by an injection molding process, that is, formed integrally. Compared to the method of combining two different parts, this makes the manufacturing process simpler and more cost-effective, and is advantageous for ensuring structural rigidity.

[0070] In order to achieve a difference in transmittance between the proximal part (110) and the distal part (120) in an integral injection molding process, the inner surface of the cavity of the molding die can be processed differently. That is, the proximal part (110) may have a surface on which the surface texture of the inner surface of the molding cavity is transferred. For example, if fine irregularities (textures) are formed on the inner surface of the proximal molding area of ​​the die through etching, sandblasting, or laser processing, the resin will replicate these irregularities exactly during the injection process. The fine surface irregularities of the proximal part (110) formed in this way cause light to diffusely reflect, thereby reducing transmittance. On the other hand, the inner surface of the distal molding area of ​​the die can be polished smoothly into a mirror-like surface to obtain a transparent distal part (120) with high transmittance.

[0071] Additionally, the coverage area of ​​the proximal portion (110) having low transmittance can be set according to functional purposes. In one embodiment, the proximal portion (110) may include at least a longitudinal section extending from the proximal end of the housing where the first elastic member (500) is positioned. In another embodiment, the proximal portion (110) may include at least an axial section extending from the proximal end of the housing where the injection needle (220) is positioned. Thus, the proximal portion (110) can be functionally partitioned to mitigate visual exposure of the internal drive unit, and the distal portion (120) can be functionally partitioned to ensure visibility of the drug storage unit (210) and the progress of the plunger (300).

[0072] In the automatic syringe of a preferred embodiment, the proximal portion (110) and the distal portion (120) made of a transparent or translucent material are configured to visibly expose a drug storage portion (210) that stores drugs. For example, in this embodiment, the drug container holder (230) that fixes the drug container (200) within the housing (100) is formed of a transparent material having a high light transmittance, similar to the distal portion (120) of the housing (100). Thus, when a user observes the inside from the outside of the housing (100), the user can clearly check the state of the drug storage portion (210) and the drug injection state without interference from the drug container holder (230). Preferably, the light transmittance of the drug container holder (230) is 75% or higher.

[0073] Additionally, the activating member (400) is positioned along the central axis of the housing (100) to cover a portion of the drug container (200). Therefore, in order to maximize visibility of the drug storage unit (210) and the plunger (300) moving inside it, the activating member (400) in this embodiment is also formed of a transparent material. By forming internal components that may obstruct the view in such a transparent manner, the technical effect of adopting a transparent housing (100) can be fully achieved.

[0074] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an activation member (400) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the activation member (400) made of a transparent material includes a proximal portion (410) that includes a proximal end protruding outward from the housing at an initial position, and a distal portion (420) that extends in a distal direction after the proximal portion. The light transmittance of the proximal portion (410) and the distal portion (420) may be different, and preferably, the light transmittance of the distal portion is 75% or more, and the light transmittance of the proximal portion is 50% or less.

[0075] The purpose of creating such a difference in light transmittance is similar to that of the housing (100) described earlier. In particular, since the first elastic member (500) can be positioned at the proximal portion (410) of the activating member (400), it is covered so as not to cause discomfort to the user, and since the distal portion (420) of the activating member (400) is located inside the housing (100) and can cover part of the path of the drug storage portion (210) and the plunger (300), it has a high transmittance so as not to obstruct the user's field of vision as much as possible.

[0076] The activation member (400) having different transmittances like this can also be formed integrally through an injection molding process, just like the housing (100), and the difference in light transmittance between the proximal part (410) and the distal part (420) can be realized through surface texture processing on the inner surface of the mold cavity.

[0077] The following explanation refers again to Fig. 4.

[0078] Meanwhile, the transparent distal portion (120) may be sufficient for monitoring the progress of the injection through large changes, such as the movement of the plunger. However, more detailed observation may be required to check for subtle changes in the state of the drug before injection, such as discoloration, contamination with foreign substances, or turbidity. To this end, in one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the transparent distal portion (120), an opening (130) penetrating the side wall of the housing (100) may be further formed. The opening (130) is a through hole that directly exposes the drug storage portion (210) to the outside without distortion of the transparent material or light reflection. Therefore, the user can check the state of the drug most clearly and accurately through this opening (130), which increases the safety of administration.

[0079] Additionally, in one embodiment, a label (900) attached to the outer surface of the distal portion (120) may be further included. The label (900) basically serves to provide information to the user, such as product name, drug information, manufacturer, etc. However, the label (900) in the present invention has an additional technical purpose in addition to this primary function. That is, the label (900) can be positioned to visually shield from the outside the complex internal trigger structure (700) that can be seen through the transparent distal portion (120). The trigger structure (700) may appear complex as it consists of a number of small parts, and this appearance may cause unnecessary confusion or mechanical aversion to the user. Therefore, by using the label (900) to selectively cover the area where the trigger structure is located, the user can clearly see essential parts such as the drug storage portion (210), while minimizing the exposure of the unnecessarily complex internal structure, thereby enhancing visual and psychological stability.

[0080] The position of the extension end point of the support member (101) can be optimized in relation to the position relative to the opening (130). Specifically, the support member (101) can be extended from the proximal end of the housing (100) past the proximal end of the opening (130) in a distal direction to a point that is at least 35% of the total height of the opening (130).

[0081] For example, referring again to FIG. 4, the height (H1) of the distal end (K) where the support member (101) ends relative to the proximal end of the opening (130) is at least 35% of the total height (H2) of the opening (130). This is a structural feature that allows the user to secure a sufficient view of the drug storage unit (210) while preventing the hand from excessively covering the opening (130) when the user grips the grip member (102).

[0082] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a housing (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. In particular, in FIG. 6, (a) shows a cross-sectional view of a support portion (101), and (b) shows a cross-sectional view of a grip portion (102).

[0083] Referring to FIG. 6(b), according to the embodiment, the grip portion (102) has a non-circular quadrilateral contour including four vertices and four sides connecting the vertices. By having a non-circular quadrilateral contour, the housing (100) can maintain a stable state without easily rolling when placed on a flat surface such as a table.

[0084] In addition, to improve the grip, it is desirable that at least one, preferably all four, of the four sides of the quadrilateral contour form an outwardly convex curved shape. This structure provides a stable and comfortable grip when a user holds the automatic syringe, as the four convex curved surfaces naturally conform to the curvature of the hand without causing discomfort to the palm due to the absence of sharp edges.

[0085] Additionally, referring to FIG. 6(a), the cross-section of the support member (101) may have an elliptical contour. Since the elliptical cross-section also has a major axis and a minor axis, the rolling phenomenon is significantly reduced compared to a circular cross-section. In this way, the quadrilateral contour of the grip member (102) and the elliptical contour of the support member (101) work together in the present invention to effectively prevent the automatic syringe from rolling unnecessarily regardless of the direction in which it is placed.

[0086] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a distal cap (190) according to one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, a distal cap (190) may be attached to the distal end of a housing (100). The distal cap (190) serves the basic function of protecting components housed inside the housing (100) and closing the distal end of the housing (100) to prevent contamination from the outside.

[0087] However, in addition to these basic functions, the distal cap (190) of the present invention has an ergonomic structure that improves stability and convenience when a user holds and operates an automatic syringe. Specifically, while the user wraps their hand around the grip portion (102), they place their thumb on the upper surface of the distal cap (190) and apply pressure to the skin with the syringe, at which time the distal cap (190) serves as a stable resting place for the thumb.

[0088] To this end, a recess (191) recessed in the direction of the central axis of the housing (100) may be formed in the center of the distal cap (190). This recess (191) guides the tip of the user's thumb to naturally position itself, thereby ensuring that the force is stably transmitted along the central axis when the syringe is pressed against the skin, and preventing the user's hand from slipping proximally. Additionally, it is preferable that the outer edge (192) of the distal cap (190) be rounded. This prevents sharp edges from applying pressure to the finger, thereby maintaining comfort even when the user presses the syringe with considerable force.

[0089] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a protective cap (800) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Meanwhile, the protective cap (800) must be removed by the user immediately before administration, and it may have a structure to enhance convenience and safety during this process. First, the protective cap (800) is designed to be separated (pulled out) by pulling it downward (proximal) along the central axis of the housing (100). To facilitate this linear separation method, a plurality of grooves (810) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the housing (100) may be formed on the outer surface of the protective cap (800). These grooves (810) increase friction when the user grips and pulls the protective cap (800) with their hand, thereby preventing the hand from slipping and providing a stable grip.

[0091] Referring again to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the automatic syringe may further include a plurality of grooves (housing grooves, 140) formed on the outer surface of the housing (100). These housing grooves (140) additionally prevent slipping when the automatic syringe is applied and also prevent slipping when the user removes the protective cap (800). Depending on the embodiment, these housing grooves (140) may be formed on the support portion (101), on the grip portion (102), or on both. The housing grooves (140) extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the housing (100) and are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. These housing grooves (140) increase the friction coefficient of the surface of the housing (100) and provide a physical grip on the user's finger skin, thereby providing a more reliable anti-slip effect.

[0092] Additionally, for easier separation of the protective cap (800), a flange portion (820) protruding radially outward may be formed on the outer circumference of the proximal end of the protective cap (800). The flange portion (820) forms a structural step having an outer diameter larger than the rest of the protective cap (800). This allows the user to easily hook or grasp the flange portion (820) with their fingertips when pulling out the protective cap (800). This provides a stable grip point, especially for users with slippery hands or weak grip strength, thereby enabling the protective cap (800) to be separated more securely and easily.

[0093] Additionally, to provide more intuitive guidance on the separation process of the protective cap (800), an indicator mark (830) indicating the separation direction of the protective cap (800) may be formed on the outer surface of the protective cap (800). For example, this indicator mark (830) may be in the shape of an arrow pointing in the proximal direction in which the protective cap (800) should be pulled out. Such visual guidance plays an important role in preventing misuse, such as the user attempting to open the protective cap (800) by twisting it. In particular, for the elderly or frail individuals who are not familiar with using automatic syringes or have reduced cognitive abilities, such clear indicator marks (830) can prevent device malfunction and promote proper use, thereby increasing safety.

[0094] Also, referring again to FIG. 2, in one embodiment of the present invention, the protective cap (800) and the housing (100) may include an overlap section (V) that overlaps with each other when joined. Specifically, the inner surface of the distal end of the protective cap (800) is joined so that it wraps around the outer surface of the proximal end of the housing (100) from the outside. To this end, the protective cap (800) may have a step (840, see FIG. 8) at its distal end in which the diameter is slightly increased compared to the adjacent section. This overlap structure provides several advantages. First, when the protective cap (800) is fitted into the housing (100) during product assembly, the overlap section acts as a guide to facilitate assembly. Second, it prevents the phenomenon of looseness (shaking) of the protective cap (800) that may occur due to assembly tolerances of the drug container. This contributes to maintaining a completely sealed state that prevents the ingress of external contaminants during distribution and storage, and increases the reliability of the product by relieving the anxiety that the user may feel due to a loose feeling.

[0095] FIGS. 9 to 13 are perspective views showing protruding shapes (431, 432, 433, 434, 435) according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0096] In the manner of use of the automatic syringe as described above, the proximal end to the proximal end surface (P) of the activating member (400) comes into contact with the user's skin, i.e., the area targeted for drug injection. The proximal end surface (P) of the activating member (400) that comes into contact with the skin for drug injection may include protruding shapes (431, 432, 433, 434, 435) to increase local pressure pressing on the skin.

[0097] In the first embodiment of FIG. 9, the protruding shape (431) is an inclined surface formed on the proximal end surface (P) of the activating member (400). In the first embodiment, a plurality of inclined surfaces (431) are repeatedly arranged along the circumferential direction of the proximal end surface (P), and the rising inclined surface (431a) and the lowering inclined surface (431b) come into contact to form an tip (T).

[0098] The above-mentioned tip (T) increases the local pressure pressing on the skin when the proximal end surface (P) of the activating member (400) comes into contact with the skin, particularly during the use of an automatic syringe. Accordingly, the tip (T) applies intensive pressure to the skin, partially deforming the skin and stimulating nerve sensations in advance, thereby serving to alleviate pain that occurs during needle insertion.

[0099] In particular, as the tip (T) presses strongly on the skin locally, the skin tissue in that area is compressed and deformed in advance, so that the pressure change when the needle is inserted becomes gentle. According to the Gate Control Theory of Pain, this has the effect of inhibiting nerve transmission for stronger pain signals (needle insertion) that occur later, as the microscopic physical stimulation first activates the nerves in the skin.

[0100] In addition, as the skin is pressed in advance by the tip (T), local skin tension increases, and consequently, the phenomenon of rapid skin deformation when the needle is inserted is reduced. This reduces the stimulation of pain receptors (Nociceptors) during needle insertion, thereby providing the user with a more comfortable injection experience.

[0101] In addition, the tip (T) presses strongly on the skin locally, creating a pressure difference on the skin surface to ensure the skin adheres more closely to the proximal end surface (P). This prevents the automatic syringe from easily slipping off the skin and helps maintain the device's position stably during the injection process.

[0102] Consequently, the proximal end surface (P) of the activating member (400) including the protruding shape (431) provided in the present invention reduces pain by controlling the sensation of the skin before injection, and at the same time improves skin adhesion to help secure the automatic syringe in an accurate position.

[0103] In the second embodiment of FIG. 10, the protruding shape (432) is an inclined surface that rises along the opposite radial direction, formed on the proximal end surface (P) of the activating member (400). Accordingly, the inner edge of the proximal end surface (P) forms a tip (T) at the highest point.

[0104] In the third embodiment of FIG. 11, the protruding shape (433) is an inclined surface that rises along the radial direction, formed on the proximal end surface (P) of the activating member (400). Accordingly, the outer edge of the proximal end surface (P) forms a tip (T) at the highest point.

[0105] In the fourth embodiment of FIG. 12, the protruding shape (434) is a plurality of protrusions (434a, 434b) protruding from the proximal end surface (P) of the activating member (400). The plurality of protrusions (434a, 434b) may have the same shape or may be protrusions of different shapes. In this embodiment, a small protrusion (434a) arranged along the circumferential direction on the outer edge of the proximal end surface (P) and a large protrusion (434b) arranged along the circumferential direction on the inner side thereof are formed. These protrusions (434a, 434b) also increase local pressure pressing on the skin to reduce pain and prevent skin slippage.

[0106] In the fifth embodiment of FIG. 13, the protruding shape (435) is a plurality of protrusions (435a, 435b) protruding from the proximal end surface (P) of the activating member (400). The plurality of protrusions (435a, 435b) differ in shape and arrangement compared to the fourth embodiment, with small protrusions (435a) arranged along the circumferential direction at the inner and outer edges of the proximal end surface (P), and large protrusions (435b), which have a ring-shaped cross-section, arranged circumferentially between them.

[0107] As explained above, the present invention is not limited to the specific preferred embodiments described above, and anyone with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the invention pertains can make various modifications without departing from the essence of the invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications will be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. Housing forming the exterior; A drug container equipped with a drug storage section and an injection needle to store the drug and inject the drug by penetrating the skin; A plunger that pressurizes the drug by moving linearly within a drug container; An activation member positioned to be linearly movable along the central axis of the housing, with a proximal end protruding outside the housing from an initial position; A first elastic member that applies pressure to the active member in a proximal direction; A second elastic member that presses the plunger in a proximal direction; A trigger structure that locks the plunger when the activating member is in an initial position and unlocks the plunger by the movement of the activating member; An automatic syringe characterized in that the housing includes a support portion and a grip portion having different maximum outer widths in a cross-section perpendicular to its central axis, the grip portion is formed continuously in the axial direction on the distal side of the support portion, and the maximum outer width of the grip portion is smaller than the maximum outer width of the support portion.

2. In Paragraph 1, An automatic syringe characterized in that the grip portion includes a shoulder portion at its proximal end, wherein the maximum outer width of the cross-section is gradually reduced from the support portion.

3. In Paragraph 1, An automatic syringe characterized by the axial length of the grip portion being 87 mm to 97 mm.

4. In Paragraph 1, An automatic syringe characterized in that the housing comprises a proximal and a distal portion made of a transparent or translucent material, and the light transmittance of the distal portion is greater than the light transmittance of the proximal portion.

5. In Paragraph 4, An automatic syringe characterized by a light transmittance of 75% or more in the distal portion and a light transmittance of 50% or less in the proximal portion.

6. In Paragraph 4, An automatic syringe characterized in that the housing is integrally formed by an injection molding process.

7. In Paragraph 6, An automatic syringe characterized by having a lower light transmittance than a distal part by having a surface texture transferred from the inner surface of a molding cavity or a surface textured equivalently applied to the proximal part.

8. In Paragraph 4, An automatic syringe characterized by having at least a longitudinal section extending from the proximal end of the housing to include a first elastic member.

9. In Paragraph 4, An automatic syringe characterized by having at least an axial section in which an injection needle is positioned, extending from the proximal end of the housing.

10. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a drug container holder that secures the drug container within the housing, An automatic syringe characterized by a drug container holder formed of a transparent material.

11. In Paragraph 1, An automatic syringe characterized in that the activating member is formed of a transparent material.

12. In Paragraph 11, An automatic syringe characterized in that the activating member includes a proximal portion comprising a proximal end protruding outside the housing from an initial position and a distal portion extending in a distal direction after the proximal portion, wherein the light transmittance of the distal portion is 75% or more and the light transmittance of the proximal portion is 50% or less.

13. In Paragraph 1, The housing further includes an opening penetrating its side wall, and An automatic syringe characterized by an opening that exposes at least a portion of the drug storage compartment to the outside.

14. In Paragraph 13, An automatic syringe characterized by a support member extending from the proximal end of the housing, past the proximal end of the opening, in a distal direction to a point that is at least 35% of the total height of the opening.

15. In Paragraph 4, It further includes a label attached to the outer surface of the distal portion, and An automatic syringe characterized by a label positioned to substantially and visually shield the trigger structure from the outside.

16. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a distal cap coupled to the distal end of the housing, and An automatic syringe characterized by a distal cap having rounded outer edges and a recessed portion formed in the center along the central axis of the housing.

17. In Paragraph 1, An automatic syringe characterized in that the cross-section of the grip portion has a quadrilateral, non-circular contour including four vertices and four sides connecting the vertices, and at least one of the four sides has an outwardly convex curve shape.

18. In Paragraph 17, An automatic syringe characterized by the fact that all four sides of the cross-section of the grip portion are curved in a convex shape toward the outside.

19. In Paragraph 1, An automatic syringe characterized by the cross-section of the support having an elliptical contour.

20. In Paragraph 1, An automatic syringe characterized by having a plurality of grooves formed axially spaced apart and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the housing in at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing.

21. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a protective cap coupled to the proximal end of the housing, and An automatic syringe characterized in that the protective cap is detachable by being pulled downward along the central axis of the housing, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the protective cap has a plurality of grooves formed axially spaced apart, extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the housing.

22. In Paragraph 21, An automatic syringe characterized by having an indicator mark formed on the outer surface of the protective cap indicating the separation direction of the protective cap.

23. In Paragraph 21, An automatic syringe characterized by having a flange portion formed on the outer circumference of the proximal end of the protective cap, protruding radially outward to have an outer diameter larger than that of an adjacent section in a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis of the housing.

24. In Paragraph 21, An automatic syringe characterized by including an overlap section in which the protective cap and the housing overlap axially so that when combined, the inner surface of the distal end of the protective cap covers the outer surface of the proximal end of the housing from the outside.

25. In Paragraph 1, An automatic syringe characterized in that the proximal end surface of the activating member includes a protruding shape to increase local pressure pressing on the skin.

26. In Paragraph 25, An automatic syringe characterized in that the protruding shape is an inclined surface formed on the proximal end surface of an activating member.

27. In Paragraph 26, An automatic syringe characterized in that the protruding shape is a plurality of inclined surfaces arranged along the circumferential direction of the proximal end surface of the activating member.

28. In Paragraph 26, An automatic syringe characterized in that the protruding shape is an inclined surface inclined along the radial or opposite radial direction of the proximal end surface of the activating member.

29. In Paragraph 25, An automatic syringe characterized by protruding features that are a plurality of projections protruding from the proximal end surface of an activating member.

Images