One-Handed Auto-Injector Side-Button Lock for Pediatric Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current epinephrine injection devices for pediatric patients are intimidating, difficult to use, and pose risks of needle bending or breaking, require two hands, and lack proper education and training, leading to barriers in administering medication during anaphylaxis.
Innovation Solution
A one-handed auto-injector with a compact ergonomic design, intuitive side buttons for activation, and integrated safety features that allow for easy operation, reducing the force required for needle insertion and preventing accidental discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current epinephrine injectors are used, then medication can be delivered to the patient, but two hands are required for operation which increases complexity and confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-alignment and self-activation through its mechanical design. The needle cover automatically aligns with the injection site and the plunger is automatically propelled when the device is pressed against the patient's muscle, eliminating the need for manual alignment and complex hand coordination required by traditional injectors
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the needle cover, plunger, and activation mechanism into a single integrated unit that operates with one hand. The safety cap removal and device activation are merged into a single pressing motion, simplifying the operation to one-handed use while maintaining safety features
2Ease of operation
If manual force is applied to deliver epinephrine dose, then medication can be injected, but the user must wind up their arm which is intimidating and difficult for children
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the manual arm-winding mechanical system with an automated spring-loaded plunger mechanism. When the device is pressed against the patient's muscle, a spring propels the plunger and needle automatically, eliminating the need for the user to generate significant manual force and reducing the intimidating effect on children
3Reliability
If needle is left in muscle for 3-10 seconds to deliver full dose, then complete medication delivery is achieved, but needle bending or breaking may occur with moving or squirming children
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a flexible needle design that can dynamically adapt to minor movements while maintaining proper insertion angle. The needle is engineered with sufficient flexibility to accommodate child movement during the 3-10 second retention period without bending or breaking, while still delivering the complete dose reliably
4Loss of information
If confusing instructions with too many steps are provided, then comprehensive guidance is given, but user confusion and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate steps from the traditional two-handed operation sequence. By designing a one-handed device where the needle cover automatically aligns and the plunger is automatically propelled, the instruction set is simplified to a single pressing motion, removing sources of confusion while maintaining complete functional guidance
5Reliability
If traditional injectors are used, then medication can be administered, but fear of adverse reactions and lack of confidence bar proper use
Solution Approach 1:
The device's automated mechanisms perform the complex tasks of needle alignment, insertion angle maintenance, and dose delivery without requiring user skill or confidence. The mechanical self-service features handle the technical aspects, allowing users to simply press the device against the patient's muscle while maintaining confidence in the automated dose delivery
Data Source
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AI summary
An auto-injector is used by a user with one hand to deliver a dose of a medication to a patient. The auto-injector includes side buttons that act as a safety lock. Depression of the side buttons applies a load to make the auto-injector ready for use to dispense the medication into the patient.