Auto-Injector Anti-Roll Geometry With Tactile End Cues
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection devices are prone to rolling and lack effective indicators for the injection end, especially for visually impaired users, complicating manufacturing and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic agent delivery device with a tubular body featuring anti-roll geometric configurations and a cap with protrusions and recesses that indicate the injection end, preventing rolling and facilitating user orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration is provided to prohibit rolling, then rolling prevention is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing anti-roll features with asymmetric cross-sectional configurations (e.g., rectangular or polygonal cross-sections) on specific portions of the housing and cap. This asymmetric geometry naturally prevents rolling by creating unstable equilibrium positions, achieving the anti-roll function without requiring complex active mechanisms or multiple components.
2Loss of information
If a printed arrow is provided to indicate the injection end, then visual indication is achieved, but it is difficult or impossible to perceive by visually-impaired users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing tactile anti-roll features (asymmetric cross-sectional configurations) at specific locations on the housing and cap. These localized geometric features serve dual purposes: preventing rolling and providing tactile cues that indicate the injection end orientation. The tactile information is localized at the anti-roll feature positions, allowing visually-impaired users to orient the device through touch without requiring additional indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the anti-roll features to simultaneously perform two functions: (1) prevent rolling of the device, and (2) indicate the injection end orientation through their asymmetric geometry. This eliminates the need for separate indication features, making the solution universally accessible to both sighted and visually-impaired users while simplifying the overall device design.
3Loss of information
If separate features are provided for prohibiting rolling and indicating the injection end, then both functions are achieved, but manufacturing is complicated and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the anti-roll function and the indication function into a single integrated feature. The asymmetric cross-sectional configurations (rectangular or polygonal anti-roll features) on the housing and cap simultaneously prevent rolling and indicate the injection end orientation through their geometry. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate indication features such as printed arrows or additional markers, thereby simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing costs.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a therapeutic agent delivery device with anti-roll features. In one embodiment, a therapeutic agent delivery device may include a tubular body including a first end portion, a second end portion, and a lumen extending between the first end portion and the second portion. An outer surface of the tubular body includes a first opening in communication with the lumen. The outer surface of the tubular body further may include a ledge extending around a periphery of the first opening, and a portion of the ledge closest to the second end portion of the tubular body may be shaped as an arrowhead. The therapeutic agent delivery device also may include a cap configured to engage the second end portion of the tubular body, wherein the cap may include a central longitudinal axis, a first end having a first cross-sectional dimension, and a second end having a second cross- sectional dimension larger than the first cross-sectional dimension. The cap may further include a curved sidewall extending radially outward from the first end to the second end, and the curved sidewall may include a protrusion.