Autoinjector Cap Assembly with Barbed Engagement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autoinjector systems are difficult for patients with compromised joint strength and mobility to use, particularly for administering viscous drugs, as they lack ergonomic design and safety features, making it hard to remove the needle cap and visualize medication levels.
Innovation Solution
An improved autoinjector system with a cap assembly featuring a longer, ergonomic design that includes a clear window for viewing medication, a secure needle cap removal mechanism with barbs, and a spring-loaded actuating mechanism for easy drug administration, addressing the challenges of handling and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional small syringes are used for injection, then the device size is compact, but it becomes difficult for patients with compromised joint strength to hold and manipulate the syringe
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional components: a removable cap assembly that houses the needle shield, a syringe assembly, and a housing. The cap assembly can be separately removed and manipulated, allowing patients to grip the larger cap portion for easier cap removal while the syringe remains compact for injection.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional small needle caps are used, then the device remains compact, but patients with joint swelling and pain find it difficult to de-cap and re-cap the device
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly is designed with a length that extends along the longitudinal axis of the syringe, providing a larger surface area for gripping. The cap removal mechanism includes barbs that engage with the needle shield, transforming the cap removal action from a simple pull to a multi-dimensional engagement that provides mechanical advantage and reduces required finger force.
Solution Approach 2:
The barbs on the cap assembly act as an intermediary mechanical element between the patient's gripping force and the needle shield. These barbs engage with the needle shield to provide a mechanical advantage system, allowing patients with compromised hand strength to effectively remove and replace the cap assembly.
3Volume of moving object
If standard autoinjectors with small pen-cap like caps are used, then the device is compact, but patients lack satisfactory handling and gripping structures
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly is designed as a separate, removable component with distinct gripping surfaces and ergonomic features. This segmentation allows the cap to be optimized for handling with a larger, more comfortable grip area while the main syringe body remains compact for injection purposes.
4Device complexity
If conventional syringes without specialized cap removal mechanisms are used, then the device structure is simple, but patients must force their fingers to close around a small needle cap
Solution Approach 1:
The barbed engagement mechanism serves as an intermediary that translates the patient's gripping force into effective cap removal action. The barbs engage with the needle shield to provide mechanical advantage, reducing the finger force required compared to directly pulling on a smooth small cap.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly incorporates curved and contoured surfaces that ergonomically match the shape of fingers and palms, distributing gripping forces more effectively and reducing the required closing force for patients with joint pain.
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
Enhances patient safety and control by simplifying the administration of viscous drugs, allowing easier cap removal and visualization of medication levels, thereby reducing the risk of accidental needle exposure and improving usability for patients with joint pain or compromised dexterity.
Implementation Method 1
the autoinjector device includes a spring
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
The autoinjector systems disclosed herein provide in part devices for allowing patients with reduced joint strength to more easily administer medicine. Certain exemplary syringe embodiments include a housing, a syringe assembly slidably mounted on the housing, and a needle cap releasably engaged to the housing, where the cap includes a protruding pocket for receiving a needle cap remover.