Auto-Injector Mixing and Venting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto-injectors for emergency medicament delivery often require manual mixing and injection, which can lead to incomplete mixing, delayed delivery, and complexity, making them difficult to operate during emergencies, especially for users without medical training.
Innovation Solution
A medicament delivery device with a medicament container, elastomeric members, and a stopper system that allows for separate venting, mixing, and injection operations, featuring a movable assembly that automates the process to ensure proper mixing and delivery without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual mixing mechanism is used in wet/dry injectors, then medicament can be stored in separate liquid and dry forms, but mixing may be incomplete or injection may occur without proper mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing mechanism is designed to automatically mix the liquid and dry medicament when the device is actuated, eliminating the need for manual mixing operations. The internal mechanism ensures complete mixing before injection without requiring user intervention in the mixing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs the mixing action automatically as part of the activation sequence, ensuring that mixing is completed before the injection phase begins. This preliminary automatic mixing action eliminates the risk of incomplete mixing that occurs with manual mechanisms.
2Productivity
If manual needle insertion and separate attachment steps are required, then device can be prepared with separate components, but delivery time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The needle assembly and medicament container are pre-assembled as a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate attachment steps. The device transitions directly from storage to injection-ready state upon activation, significantly reducing preparation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle and container are pre-assembled during manufacturing, so that when the device is activated, it is ready for immediate injection. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for on-site assembly steps that would delay medicament delivery.
3Reliability
If single mechanism is used for both mixing and injection, then device structure is simplified, but medicament may be injected before mixing is complete or positioning is proper
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanism is divided into distinct phases: a first phase that performs the mixing action by moving the plunger, and a second phase that performs the injection action. This segmentation ensures that mixing is complete and positioning is proper before injection begins, improving reliability without requiring overly complex separate mechanisms.
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 device ensures complete mixing and timely delivery of medicaments, simplifying the operation and reducing the risk of errors, making it more user-friendly for emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
The first elastomeric member is disposed within a proximal end portion of the medicament container. The second elastomeric member is disposed within the medicament container. The first elastomeric member, a first portion of the medicament container and the second elastomeric member collectively define, at least in part, a medicament volume.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a medicament container, a first elastomeric member, a second elastomeric member and a stopper. The first and second elastomeric members are disposed within the medicament container. The first elastomeric member, a first portion of the medicament container and the second elastomeric member collectively define a medicament volume. The stopper is coupled to a distal end portion of the medicament container. The second elastomeric member, a second portion of the medicament container and the stopper collectively define a vent volume. A first retainer of the stopper is configured to engage a first portion of a carrier to limit movement of the medicament container when in a first position. A second retainer of the stopper is configured to engage a second portion of the carrier to limit movement of the medicament container when in a second position.