Auto-Injector Needle Deployment and Retraction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto-injectors require multiple user interactions for deploying and retracting the needle, leading to increased complexity, user errors, and discomfort, while also having a high profile that can cause anxiety in patients.
Innovation Solution
The development of an auto-injector that simplifies the self-administration of drugs by automatically deploying and retracting the needle with a single user actuation, and is designed to be compact and user-friendly, reducing perceived needle length and improving user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing auto-injectors use separate user actions for inserting and removing the needle, then the device can complete the injection process, but the device complexity increases and user errors occur more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the needle insertion and removal operations into a single automated sequence triggered by one user action. The housing moves from a first position to a second position, automatically deploying the needle for injection and then retracting it after fluid delivery, eliminating the need for separate user actions for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service by automatically controlling the needle deployment and retraction through internal mechanisms. The housing and needle mechanism work together to autonomously complete the injection process without requiring user intervention for each step, reducing user errors and operational complexity.
2Volume of stationary object
If existing auto-injectors have a high profile design, then the device can accommodate all necessary components, but patient anxiety increases due to perceived long needle length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the medicament container from a longitudinal alignment along the injection axis to a transverse alignment perpendicular to the injection axis. This dimensional change allows the device to maintain a lower profile along the injection direction while still accommodating all necessary components, thereby reducing patient anxiety about needle length.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle is nested within the housing in a retracted state, and the medicament container is positioned to minimize the overall device profile. The compact arrangement of components reduces the visible length of the device, making it appear less intimidating to patients while preserving full functionality.
3Reliability
If existing auto-injectors require securing to the user for extended periods, then the injection can be completed, but user convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous automated operation once initiated. The single user action triggers a continuous sequence that automatically completes needle deployment, fluid delivery, and needle retraction without requiring the user to hold or secure the device for extended periods, thereby maintaining reliability while improving convenience.
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 auto-injector simplifies the drug administration process, reduces user errors, and enhances patient comfort by eliminating the need for separate needle deployment and retraction actions, while its compact design helps alleviate patient anxiety.
Implementation Method 1
Auto-injector and related methods of use... which automatically control injection of the needle and fluid
Implementation Method 2
Auto-injector and related methods of use... which automatically control injection of the needle and fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An auto-injector may include a container capable of comprising a medicament; a shuttle coupled to the container and on a horizontal path with a first state and a second state; an energy source configured to release energy to translate the container and to translate the shuttle, preferably the energy source is pressurized fluid from a can; an impediment preventing horizontal movement of the shuttle before activation of the auto-injector; and a needle having a first end configured to extend out of the auto-injector, and a second end configured to extend into the container, wherein the second end of the needle and the container are not in fluid communication with one another before activation of the auto-injector.