Adjustable Injection Depth Mechanism for Versatile Drug Delivery

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing injection devices are challenging for users with reduced hand functions, such as those with rheumatoid arthritis, to operate, and they lack versatility to accommodate different user needs and injection depths, particularly for varying fat layers and precise drug delivery.

Innovation Solution

An injection device with a movable element and an injection depth modifying element that allows for adjustable injection depths, enabling precise drug delivery and accommodating different user needs, including a design that allows the same device to be used with various syringe sizes and types, and a simple manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed injection depth device is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different user needs and injection depths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjection depth adjustment capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing an injection depth modifying element that can be positioned at different locations along the movable element's path. This element dynamically changes the injection depth based on its position, allowing the device to adapt to different user needs without requiring multiple fixed-depth devices. The modifying element can be attached at various positions to achieve different injection depths, making the device versatile while maintaining relatively simple structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If an automatic injection device is designed for precision, then injection accuracy is improved, but it becomes difficult for users with reduced hand functions to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjection depth precisionVSAvoiduser operability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle by designing the injection device to automatically perform the injection function once activated. The device itself manages the injection process, including depth control and drug delivery, without requiring continuous manual intervention. This allows users with reduced hand functions to operate the device easily by simply activating it, while the device handles the precise injection execution autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a protective cover is added to the needle, then safety is improved, but it becomes more difficult to arrange the syringe in the automatic injection device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle safety protectionVSAvoidsyringe arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the segmentation principle by separating the protective cover function from the injection mechanism. The protective cover is designed as a distinct component that can be independently managed during the syringe arrangement process. This segmentation allows the device to handle the covered syringe more easily, as the cover can be removed or managed separately without interfering with the core injection mechanism, thus maintaining safety while simplifying the arrangement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3113813B1Injection device
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 UNION MEDICO APS
  • EP3113813B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2c
  • EP3113813B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4b
  • EP3113813B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6c

AI summary

Disclosed is an injection device (1280) for injecting a hypodermic syringe (1260) along an injection direction defining an injection axis. The injecting device comprises a housing (1281) for being positioned at the skin and a movable element (1282) movably arranged relative to the housing between a retracted position and an injection position. The movable element comprises a hypodermic syringe holder (1289) for holding a hypodermic syringe. Disclosed is further a protective cover (1200) for a needle, and methods for arranging a hypodermic syringe in an injection device.