Auto-Injector Servicing Tool for Non-Destructive Refill and Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Auto-injectors are constructed to be tamper proof and resistant to damage, leading to disposal after use or expiry, resulting in significant waste and lack of cost efficacy, necessitating a method and apparatus for opening, disassembling, and reassembling to enable refilling and reliable reuse.
Innovation Solution
A tool comprising a base, receiver, clamp, and extractor is used to disassemble the auto-injector, allowing the actuation assembly to be removed, inspected, refilled with medicament, and reinserted, thereby enabling the auto-injector to be serviced and reused.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If auto-injectors are constructed to be tamper proof and resistant to damage, then reliability and safety are improved, but ease of repair and reusability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The auto-injector is divided into distinct serviceable components including the actuation assembly, needle assembly, and body. The actuation assembly can be independently removed and replaced through the needle cover opening, allowing servicing without destroying the tamper-proof housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation assembly is extracted as a removable component through the needle cover opening. This allows the core functional部件 to be accessed, removed, serviced, or replaced while maintaining the integrity of the outer housing that provides tamper-proof protection.
2Reliability
If auto-injectors are designed for disposal after use or expiry, then safety and reliability are improved, but loss of substance and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables recovery and reuse of the auto-injector components, particularly the actuation assembly and body housing. By allowing servicing and refilling, the system recovers valuable components that would otherwise be discarded, reducing waste while maintaining safety through controlled service procedures.
3Reliability
If auto-injectors are made resistant to damage, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation for servicing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation assembly is extracted through the existing needle cover opening without requiring damage to the resistant housing. This extraction mechanism provides an easy servicing path that preserves the damage-resistant properties of the outer structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The auto-injector design allows for self-service through its own needle cover opening, which can be used to access and service the actuation assembly without requiring external tools or damage to the housing.
4Reliability
If the needle cover is made non-removable to prevent contact with the needle, then safety is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation assembly is extracted through the needle cover opening without removing the needle cover itself. This maintains the non-removable needle cover that protects the needle, while still enabling access to the actuation assembly for servicing purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method are provided for opening auto-injectors for subsequent servicing and refilling with medicament. The apparatus opens and disassembles an auto-injector to gain access to its drug reservoir so that a replacement medicament may be applied. The apparatus provides for reassembling the auto-injector as a medical device for subsequent service.