Auto-Injector Needle Mechanism for Automatic Deployment and Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto-injectors require multiple user interactions for deploying and retracting a needle, increasing complexity, potential for user error, and causing discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An auto-injector with a motor-driven needle mechanism that automatically deploys and retracts without additional user intervention, using a controller to manage needle positions and provide feedback through audio, visual, and haptic modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate springs or motors are used for injection and needle removal steps, then the device can perform both functions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the needle deployment and retraction functions into a single spring mechanism. The spring is configured to automatically drive the needle forward for injection and then automatically retract it after delivery, eliminating the need for separate motors or springs for each function. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining full adaptability for both needle deployment and removal.
2Reliability
If separate user actions are required for inserting and removing the needle, then the user has control over the process, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the single spring automatically performs both needle deployment and retraction without requiring additional user actions. The user simply activates the device, and the spring-driven mechanism autonomously completes the entire needle cycle - insertion, injection, and retraction - improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability through automatic safety features.
3Loss of information
If additional user actions are required after needle deployment, then the user can monitor the process, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide the user with information about the injection process status without requiring additional manual interventions. The system automatically monitors and communicates process progression, allowing users to track the injection while the spring mechanism continues its autonomous operation, thus maintaining productivity while reducing information loss.
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
Simplifies drug self-administration by eliminating the need for additional user actions, reducing the risk of misuse and discomfort, and enhancing user safety.
Implementation Method 1
a motor configured to apply force against the piston, and a controller coupled to the motor, wherein the controller is configured to receive an indication that the injection device is positioned in contact a user, after receiving the indication, sending a signal to motor to apply force against the piston in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
the top including a portion including a rubber material that is permeable to a sterilant, wherein the needle includes a proximalmost portion configured to be coupled with the vial, and, before the needle and vial are in fluid communication with one another, the proximalmost portion of the needle is disposed within the portion formed of the rubber material
Data Source
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AI summary
An injection device includes a carrier, a needle, a driver coupled to the needle, the driver being slidable relative to the carrier between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration, a shuttle configured to move the driver between the retracted configuration and the deployed configuration, and a stop configured to move from a first configuration to a second configuration, wherein the stop is configured to maintain the driver in the deployed configuration, and movement of the stop from the first configuration to the second configuration allows the shuttle to move the driver from the deployed configuration to the retracted configuration.