Autoinjector Needle Cap Removal for Faster Automated Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic autoinjectors require multiple manual steps for operation, including slower needle insertion, which can increase pain perception and user burden.
Innovation Solution
A motor-driven autoinjector device with a linear actuator and a hollow drive shaft, which automates the process of needle cap removal, rapid needle insertion, medicament delivery, needle retraction, and dose cassette ejection, reducing manual steps and improving user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If motor-driven automated needle insertion is used, then needle insertion speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the hollow drive shaft is positioned inside the motor assembly, and the needle assembly is nested within the dose cassette. This nesting arrangement allows multiple components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, reducing overall device footprint while maintaining the motor-driven automated needle insertion function.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor assembly serves multiple functions: it provides rotational motion for needle insertion, drives the plunger for medicament delivery, and enables dose cassette ejection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate actuators needed, thereby managing device complexity while achieving rapid automated needle insertion.
2Ease of operation
If multiple manual steps are required for operation, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The autoinjector device performs self-service through automated functions: the motor assembly automatically executes needle insertion, the plunger automatically delivers the medicament, and the dose cassette is automatically ejected after use. This eliminates the need for users to perform multiple manual steps, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with the needle attached to the dose cassette and the plunger positioned for automatic activation. The motor assembly is pre-programmed to execute the injection sequence automatically upon activation, reducing the number of manual steps required during operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If slower needle insertion is used, then device complexity is reduced, but object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven needle insertion mechanism rapidly pushes the needle through the skin in a single swift motion, skipping the slower gradual penetration approach. This rapid insertion minimizes the time the needle tip is in contact with skin tissue, thereby reducing pain perception and other harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of insertion speed from slow to fast by employing motor-driven actuation. The motor assembly provides controlled high-speed linear motion that enables rapid needle penetration, transforming the insertion process from a slow manual operation to a fast automated one, thus reducing pain perception.
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
The automated system reduces the number of manual steps required, facilitates rapid and less painful needle insertion, and simplifies the overall operation of the autoinjector, enhancing user convenience and reducing the risk of user error.
Implementation Method 1
A motor is provided having a hollow drive shaft. The motor is configured to rotate the hollow drive shaft.
Implementation Method 2
A lead screw nut is operably connected to the hollow drive shaft. The lead screw nut is configured to rotate upon rotation of the hollow drive shaft. A lead screw is operably connected to the lead screw nut. The lead screw is configured to move within the lead screw nut
Data Source
AI summary
An autoinjector device includes a dose cassette having an outer container and a needle cap having a base with a diameter larger than the outer container of the dose cassette. The autoinjector device further includes a housing for receiving the dose cassette, a clasp mechanism configured to hold the dose cassette within the housing, and an actuator configured to move the dose cassette proximally within the housing after the dose cassette is secured within the housing. The movement of the dose cassette causes the base of the needle cap to mechanically engage with a distal end of the housing, and the mechanical engagement between the base of the needle cap and the distal end of the housing causes the needle cap to separate from the dose cassette.