Automatic Reconstitution Injector with Multi-Chamber Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-injection drug delivery devices require manual reconstitution of dry drugs, limiting their usability for repeated dosing and varying volumes, and are often limited to single-use disposable designs with fixed dosage options.
Innovation Solution
An automatic reconstitution drug delivery device that allows for the simple and automatic mixing of a diluent and dry drug within a multi-chambered cartridge, enabling adjustable dosing and repeated use through a dose-setting mechanism and biasing means, facilitating the administration of varying volumes of reconstituted drugs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual reconstitution is used in prior art devices, then the device structure can be simpler, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring physical movement of components by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically performs the reconstitution process by itself. When the cartridge is inserted, the diluent automatically mixes with the lyophilized drug without requiring the user to manually move components. The system self-activates through the insertion action, eliminating the need for separate manual reconstitution steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The diluent is pre-positioned in the cartridge alongside the lyophilized drug in separate compartments. The mixing mechanism is pre-configured so that upon insertion, the components are automatically brought into contact and mixed, performing the reconstitution action before the user needs to administer the medication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed arrangement of parts is used in single dose devices, then the device can be simpler and disposable, but the adaptability deteriorates due to limited variation in deliverable dosage amounts
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a movable plunger that can be positioned at different depths, allowing dynamic adjustment of the dosage volume. The cartridge engagement surface can move relative to the housing, enabling the user to select different dosages from the reconstituted medication while maintaining a reusable device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to accommodate multiple dosing scenarios from a single cartridge. The reusable housing and dose-setting mechanism can work with different cartridges, and the adjustable plunger allows various dosage volumes to be delivered from the same reconstituted medication, making the device versatile for different treatment needs.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If reusable device with adjustable dosing is implemented, then the adaptability improves for repeated dosing, but the device complexity increases compared to disposable single dose devices
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into reusable and disposable components. The housing, dose-setting mechanism, and mixing mechanism form a reusable assembly, while the cartridge containing the drug and diluent is disposable. This segmentation allows the complex reusable portion to be used multiple times with different cartridges, extending the device's operational duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable cartridge is inserted into and nested within the reusable housing. The cartridge contains the drug and diluent in separate compartments, and when inserted, it becomes part of the larger reusable device assembly. This nesting allows the simple disposable cartridge to benefit from the complex reusable mechanism for automatic mixing and adjustable dosing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an automatic reconstitution drug delivery device. The inventive device effects simple and automatic reconstitution of a dry drug. To effect reconstitution, a user displaces a release button which causes first and second chambers of a drug cartridge to communicate, resulting in automatic mixing of a diluent and dry drug to effect reconstitution of the dry drug. The user then simply sets the dose volume using a dose-setting mechanism, and administers the injection in a manner typical of self-injection drug delivery devices. Whole or partial automatic priming can be also achieved by the device.