Audible Dose-Completion Indicator Using a Monostable Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current injection devices, both manual and autoinjectors, face challenges such as the need for continuous manual force application, difficulty in aligning and keeping still during injection, and inadequate auditory feedback for ensuring full dose delivery, particularly affecting elderly and children.
Innovation Solution
An audible indicator using a monostable resilient force member that transitions from a biased state to a relaxed state, generating an audible signal to indicate the completion of medicament delivery, supported by a retaining element to prevent premature transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional autoinjector uses a spring mechanism to provide injection force, then the injection process is automated and easier for patients, but there is inadequate auditory feedback to confirm full dose delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an audible feedback mechanism using a resilient force member that generates a distinct sound when transitioning from biased to relaxed state. This acoustic signal provides confirmation to the patient that the full medicament dose has been delivered, addressing the information loss in automated injection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs physical state changes of the resilient force member (from biased to relaxed conformation) that produce audible signals, analogous to using observable changes to indicate system state. The sound wave generation serves as the observable indicator of dose completion.
2Reliability
If an audible indicator is added to indicate full dose delivery, then feedback reliability is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient force member serves dual functions: it provides the mechanical force necessary for medicament delivery through the needle and simultaneously generates the audible indication signal. This multi-functionality avoids adding separate complexity to the device while achieving reliable feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the force generation function and the indication function into a single integrated mechanism. The resilient force member's mechanical action of returning to its relaxed state performs both the propulsion function and the acoustic signaling function, eliminating the need for separate indicator components.
3Ease of manufacture
If the resilient force member transitions freely from biased to relaxed state, then audible signal generation is simple, but premature transition may occur before full dose delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a retaining element as an intermediary component that controls the transition timing of the resilient force member. This element acts as a gatekeeper, preventing premature transition until the medicament is fully delivered, thereby ensuring reliable timing control while maintaining the simplicity of the audible indication mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures reliable indication of full dose delivery with a loud and clear audible signal, improving user experience and ensuring effective medicament administration.
Implementation Method 1
a monostable resilient force member configured to reside in either of two states having two different conformations. In a relaxed state, the resilient force member is relaxed in a first conformation. In a biased state, the resilient force member is biased to store energy in a second conformation different to the first conformation. The resilient force member releases stored energy to generate an audible signal when changing from the biased state into the relaxed state
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an audible indicator in combination with a drug delivery device having a resilient force member capable of resting in either of two states. In a biased state, the resilient force member is biased and stores energy and in a relaxed state, the resilient force member is relaxed. The resilient force member releases the stored energy when changing from the biased state into the relaxed state, thereby generating an audible signal, wherein the resilient force member is supported by a retaining element in the biased state in order to prevent transition into the relaxed state.