Auto-Injector Dynamic Needle Depth Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto-injector devices have fixed or manually adjustable needle depths, which may not accurately penetrate through varying fat layers in different individuals, potentially leading to improper drug delivery, especially in emergency situations where user-specific settings are unknown.
Innovation Solution
An auto-injector device with a dynamic needle depth adjustment mechanism that estimates the softness of the target area using a compression mechanism and depth estimator, automatically setting the needle penetration depth to ensure delivery into muscle tissue without striking bone, allowing for use by non-medically trained individuals without prior knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fixed needle depth is used in auto-injector devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but accurate drug delivery into muscle tissue cannot be ensured for individuals with varying fat layer thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic needle depth adjustment mechanism where the needle depth limiter is movable rather than fixed. The compression mechanism allows the needle depth limiter to be pushed distally when force is applied, automatically adjusting the needle penetration depth based on the user's body composition without requiring complex electronic sensors or actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-adjustment of needle depth through the compression mechanism. When the user or administrator applies force to the compression mechanism, it automatically moves the needle depth limiter to the appropriate position, eliminating the need for manual adjustment by medical professionals or complex external calibration systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual needle depth adjustment is provided, then some adaptability to different users is achieved, but proper setting requires medical training and prior knowledge of user-specific parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically determines the appropriate needle depth by measuring the force required to compress the user's tissue. This self-determining mechanism eliminates the need for users to have medical training or knowledge of their own body composition, making the device easy to operate for anyone while maintaining adaptability to individual differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression mechanism provides real-time feedback about tissue characteristics through the force required to compress the tissue. This feedback is automatically translated into the appropriate needle depth setting, allowing non-medical users to achieve proper injection depth without needing to interpret or adjust settings manually.
3Reliability
If needle depth is not adjusted for individual users, then device operation is simple, but improper drug delivery may occur when fat layer thickness varies significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic compression mechanism that adjusts needle depth in real-time based on the user's tissue characteristics. This dynamic adjustment ensures reliable drug delivery into muscle tissue regardless of fat layer thickness, while the mechanical design keeps the complexity manageable through the use of spring-loaded and friction-based components.
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
Ensures accurate and safe drug delivery by automatically adjusting needle depth based on the user's body composition, enhancing usability in emergency situations and reducing the risk of improper administration.
Implementation Method 1
a compression mechanism disposed around the first tube and adjacent to a top end of the second tube, the compression mechanism being designed to transmit the force applied to the second tube to the first
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments of an auto-injector device that automatically and dynamically adjusts the depth that a needle will penetrate into a target area of the body. In one embodiment, the auto-injector device includes the needle being moveably disposed within a needle housing. The auto-injector device further includes a needle depth estimator having a needle depth limiter that extends into an inner portion of the needle housing and is designed to engage with a needle stop of the needle and restrict downward movement of the needle. The needle depth estimator can automatically adjust a position of the needle depth limiter within the needle housing according to movement of a compression mechanism surrounding a lower portion of the needle housing.