Auto-Injector Base Station for Automatic Actuator Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto-injectors are either disposable and costly or complex and dangerous to reuse, as they often require manual reassembly and resetting, which can lead to misuse and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A reusable injection system with a base station that automatically resets the actuator mechanism and trigger, allowing the injection device to be manufactured as two separate sub-assemblies: a reusable subassembly and a replaceable subassembly, featuring a biasing element and engaging mechanism for automatic resetting, and an optional rechargeable motor for actuation and recharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If auto-injectors are made disposable, then reliability and safety are improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The injection device is divided into two separate sub-assemblies: a reusable subassembly (housing, actuator mechanism, trigger mechanism) and a replaceable subassembly (syringe cartridge, needle, plunger). This segmentation allows the critical safety components to be reused while the patient-contact components are replaced, resolving the contradiction between cost and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a system where the replaceable subassembly (containing the syringe and needle) is discarded after a single use to ensure safety, while the reusable subassembly is recovered and automatically reset by the base station for subsequent uses, thereby reducing overall cost while maintaining safety standards.
2Loss of substance
If auto-injectors are made reusable, then cost is reduced, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to manual reassembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The base station provides automatic resetting of the actuator mechanism and trigger mechanism when the reusable subassembly is placed in it after use. This self-service functionality eliminates the need for manual reassembly by the patient, reducing device complexity from the user's perspective while maintaining cost-effectiveness through reusability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station acts as an intermediary between the reusable subassembly and the resetting process. It receives the used subassembly, automatically resets the actuator and trigger mechanisms, and prepares it for the next injection, thereby simplifying the user interaction and reducing operational complexity.
3Loss of substance
If manual resetting mechanisms are used in reusable auto-injectors, then cost is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to potential misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism and trigger mechanism are designed to automatically reset themselves when the reusable subassembly is placed in the base station after use. This self-service resetting eliminates manual intervention, thereby preventing misuse while maintaining cost-effectiveness through reusability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station provides feedback signals to the actuator and trigger mechanisms to confirm proper resetting. The system monitors the reset process and ensures that the mechanisms are correctly positioned before allowing the device to be removed for the next injection, thereby preventing misuse while maintaining affordability.
4Loss of substance
If complex release mechanisms are used to enable reusability, then cost is reduced, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into reusable and replaceable components with clearly defined interfaces. The reusable subassembly contains the actuator and trigger mechanisms that are designed for simple attachment and detachment from the replaceable syringe cartridge, maintaining ease of operation while enabling cost-effective reusability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station automatically manages the complex resetting of the actuator and trigger mechanisms, freeing the user from complex operations. The user simply needs to attach the reusable subassembly to the base station, and the system handles the complex resetting processes automatically, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while reducing costs through reusability.
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
Enables reliable reusability of the injection device, reducing costs by allowing the replaceable components to be easily swapped out after each use, while ensuring safety through automatic resetting and decoupling mechanisms, thus minimizing the risk of misuse and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator mechanism comprises a biasing element which in the unactuated state of the actuator mechanism is in a first unextended position and which in the actuated state of the actuator mechanism is in a second extended position
Implementation Method 2
The base station may comprise an engaging mechanism for applying force to the biasing element to reset it from its extended position to its unextended position
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3e
AI summary
An injection- system is provided which comprises an injection device (210) and a base station (240) which connects to the injection device. The base station resets the actuator mechanism in the injection device from its actuated state to its unactuated state so that further actuation of the actuator mechanism can take place.