Auto Injector Automated Reconstitution Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional auto injectors require manual reconstitution of medicaments, which can be inefficient and prone to human error, especially when dealing with multiple-component medicaments that need precise mixing, and are often disposable, leading to waste and contamination risks.

Innovation Solution

An electronic auto injector system with a processing unit and operational module that automates the mixing of medicament components using a time-varying acceleration profile, allowing for multiple uses and reducing the need for manual operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual reconstitution is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but mixing precision and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidmixing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical mixing operations with an automated mixing device that uses controlled mechanical movements (shaking, rolling, or inverting) to mix medicament components. The processing unit automatically controls the mixing process, eliminating the need for user intervention while ensuring precise and reliable mixing results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If disposable devices are used, then cross contamination risk is reduced, but waste and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross contamination preventionVSAvoidwaste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two segments: a reusable auto injector body and a disposable cartridge containing the medicament. The reusable portion can be sterilized and used multiple times, while the disposable cartridge is discarded after single use. This segmentation maintains cross-contamination prevention while reducing waste compared to completely disposable devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a strategy where the expensive, complex auto injector body is recovered and reused through sterilization, while only the consumable cartridge is discarded. This selective discarding and recovering approach optimizes the balance between infection control and resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Manufacturing precision

If automated mixing is implemented, then mixing precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing unit is designed to perform multiple functions: controlling the mixing process, monitoring mixing parameters, and coordinating with the injection mechanism. By making the processing unit multi-functional, the patent achieves precise automated mixing without adding separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If manual operation is required, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidreconstitution efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The auto injector is pre-programmed with mixing protocols and parameters before use. When a cartridge is loaded, the processing unit automatically executes the pre-planned mixing sequence without requiring real-time user decisions or adjustments. This preliminary preparation enables fast, efficient reconstitution while keeping the device structure relatively simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system ensures efficient and controlled reconstitution of medicaments, reducing the risk of contamination and human error, while allowing the auto injector to be reused multiple times, thus minimizing waste and enhancing hygiene.

Implementation Method 1

The movement of the syringe may have a time varying acceleration profile having a first maximum acceleration in a first mixing direction and a second maximum acceleration in a second mixing direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime-varying acceleration:

Data Source

PatentUS11771831B2Auto injector with automated reconstitution

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 PHILLIPS MEDISIZE LLC

AI summary

Disclosed is an auto injector and a related method, and a related system, for administering injection of a medicament comprising a first medicament component and a second medicament component. The auto injector comprising a housing, a receiving part, an operational module and a processing unit. The processing unit being configured to operate a syringe operational part to move a carrier to mix the first medicament component and the second medicament component to obtain a mixed medicament. The movement of the carrier having a time varying acceleration profile. The time varying acceleration profile having a first maximum acceleration in a first mixing direction and a second maximum acceleration in a second mixing direction. The first maximum acceleration and/or the second maximum acceleration is larger than a predetermined acceleration threshold.