Auto-Injector Storage Device with Removal-Triggered Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current auto-injector storage devices do not ensure correct activation of auto-injectors with minimal user effort, particularly for users with little or no medical experience, and may lead to accidental or intentional activation of multiple devices, compromising sterility and battery life.
Innovation Solution
A storage device that automatically activates auto-injectors upon removal by breaking or completing an electrical circuit, modifying the device's geometry, or detaching parts, while preventing simultaneous removal and re-storage of activated devices to ensure each auto-injector is used before being activated again.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the auto-injector is kept in storage without activation, then sterility and battery life are preserved, but the user must manually activate it which requires medical knowledge and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device automatically activates the auto-injector when removed from storage, eliminating the need for manual user activation. The system serves itself by detecting removal and autonomously performing the activation function, making the process as simple as removing the device from its holder.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation process is prepared in advance by positioning the auto-injector in a ready-to-activate state within the storage device. When removed, the activation sequence is already configured to execute automatically, eliminating the need for user-initiated activation steps.
2Reliability
If the user manually activates the auto-injector, then activation can be performed, but accidental or intentional activation of multiple devices may occur compromising sterility and battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device incorporates sensors that detect when an auto-injector is removed and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback triggers the activation sequence automatically, ensuring that activation occurs only once per removal event and preventing accidental or intentional activation of multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical activation process is replaced with an automated detection and activation system. Sensors and control circuits substitute for manual user actions, detecting removal events and automatically initiating the activation sequence, thereby eliminating human error in activation control.
3Productivity
If the auto-injector is activated early, then it is ready for use, but sterility is compromised and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares the auto-injector for use by positioning it in the storage device and configuring the activation sequence in advance, but actual activation occurs only at the moment of removal. This preliminary preparation ensures readiness without premature activation, preserving battery life and sterility until the exact moment of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation state of the auto-injector changes from inactive to active based on the parameter of removal from storage. The system monitors the position parameter and triggers activation only when the transition from stored to removed state occurs, ensuring activation timing matches actual use requirements.
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 correct and easy activation of auto-injectors with minimal user input, maintaining sterility and conserving battery life by preventing accidental or intentional activation of multiple devices and ensuring each auto-injector is used before being re-activated.
Implementation Method 1
The device may be configured to activate the auto-injector by breaking or completing an electrical circuit of the auto-injector
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device for storing a plurality of auto-injectors, the device configured to activate an auto-injector upon removal of the auto-injector from the device.