Auto-Injector Integrated in Portable Device Case
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auto-injection devices for emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions are often forgotten or left behind due to their separate nature, lacking integration with essential personal electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A hypodermic auto-injection device is integrated within a case for a portable electronic device, featuring a durable sheath for sterility, tamper-proof deployment, and a spring-loaded plunger system, allowing for secure and accessible emergency treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the auto-injector is carried separately from the portable electronic device, then the auto-injector can be easily accessed, but it is more likely to be forgotten or left behind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the auto-injector device within the case for a portable electronic device, merging two previously separate items (auto-injector and electronic device case) into a single unified unit. This ensures the auto-injector is carried with the electronic device, eliminating the risk of forgetting it while maintaining easy accessibility through the integrated design
2Reliability
If the auto-injector is integrated within the case for the portable electronic device, then it is less likely to be forgotten, but the case structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the auto-injector is housed within the case structure for the portable electronic device. The auto-injector cartridge is positioned inside the case, utilizing the existing case volume, thereby integrating the auto-injector without requiring a completely separate carrier system and minimizing additional structural complexity
3Reliability
If a durable barrier sheath is used to maintain sterility of the cannula, then sterility is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a resilient sheath that can be advanced over the cannula to maintain sterility. This flexible barrier component covers the cannula when not in use, providing a simple and effective sterility maintenance mechanism without requiring complex sterile containment systems
4Reliability
If tamper-proof features are implemented requiring two mechanical manipulations for deployment, then accidental discharge is prevented, but the ease of operation during emergency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a two-step deployment mechanism where the first manipulation positions the cartridge for injection and the second manipulation activates the spring-loaded plunger. This preliminary action sequence ensures accidental discharge is prevented while maintaining clear, intuitive operation during emergency situations
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
The integrated device ensures the auto-injector is readily available and less likely to be forgotten, providing reliable emergency therapeutic treatment while maintaining sterility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded plunger is released to force an ampoule of epinephrine through the needle
Implementation Method 2
The resilient sheath can cover the first end of the cannula so as to maintain the cannula in a sterile condition
Data Source
AI summary
A hypodermic injection device configured to be attached to a portable electronic device is disclosed herein. The hypodermic injection device can be an auto-injector for delivering a dose of an injectable medicament. The injection device can include a durable barrier providing a sheath over an injectable cannula to maintain sterility of an injectable cannula that delivers the medicament. The injection device can also include tamper proof features such as by requiring that deployment of the device only be possible after completing two mechanical manipulations so as to prevent accidental discharge of the injection device. By incorporating the injection device within a case for a portable electronic device, the injection device is readily available to those that rely on auto-injectors to provide emergency therapeutic treatment, and is much less likely to be forgotten or left behind by a user than a typical auto-injector.