Auto-injector with Collapsible Cartridge Holder for Compact Reconstitution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized auto-injector devices with multiple-chamber cartridges are cumbersome and difficult to use due to their length, making it hard for users to operate them with one hand, which reduces patient compliance with treatment regimens.
Innovation Solution
A reduced-length, handheld motor-driven auto-injector device with automatic reconstitution functionality for dual-chamber cartridges, where the drug cartridge holder assembly moves from an extended to a collapsed configuration along a central longitudinal axis, allowing reconstitution of injectable products within one chamber, and is designed for easy attachment to the drive system, reducing overall device length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing motorized auto-injector devices with multiple-chamber cartridges are used, then reconstitution functionality is provided, but the device length becomes excessive making it difficult to operate with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a drive system with motor and a cartridge holder assembly that can be attached to the drive system. This segmentation allows the cartridge holder to be positioned optimally, reducing the overall device length while maintaining reconstitution functionality through the piston rod mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge holder assembly is configured to move along the longitudinal axis of the device, utilizing axial dimension for reconstitution operations. This dimensional approach allows the mechanism to achieve reconstitution without increasing radial or lateral dimensions, keeping the device compact and handheld-friendly.
2Length of moving object
If the drug cartridge holder assembly is integrated into the drive system, then device length is reduced, but attachment and integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge holder assembly is designed with universal attachment features that can interface with the drive system in multiple configurations. The holder can accommodate different cartridge types and can be attached to various positions on the drive system, providing multi-functionality that simplifies the overall integration despite the reduced length requirement.
3Length of moving object
If the cartridge holder assembly moves from extended to collapsed configuration, then device length is minimized, but mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge holder assembly incorporates dynamic movement capability, transitioning between extended and collapsed configurations along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic feature is achieved through the piston rod mechanism that can be actuated by the drive system, allowing the holder to change position as needed for reconstitution while maintaining a compact form when collapsed.
Data Source
AI summary
Handheld motor-driven drug reconstitution and auto-injector device (1) having a proximal drive system (2) comprising an elongated body (3) housing a controllable drive motor (6), and an axially drivable piston rod (7), and a distal drug cartridge holder assembly (11) housing a multiple chamber (30, 31) drug cartridge (25), the cartridge holder assembly (11) being releasably attached to a distal zone (23) of the drive system (2), the drive system (2) and cartridge holder assembly (11) being configured to impart a movement to the drug cartridge holder assembly (11) in which said drug cartridge holder assembly (11) is moved from a first substantially extended distal configuration along the central longitudinal axis, to a second substantially collapsed proximal configuration along the central longitudinal axis, the relative movement of the drug cartridge holder assembly (11) effecting reconstitution of an injectable product from substances contained in each of the chambers (30, 31).