Auto-injector Demonstration Device with Electronic Reset and Cycle Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto-injector demonstration devices fail to accurately simulate the precise and consistent experience of commercial auto-injectors due to degradation of spring-loaded mechanisms, inability to reproduce authentic sound cues, and lack of features like electronic reset and cycle counting.
Innovation Solution
An electronically controlled auto-injector demonstration device that uses a piezoelectric speaker to replicate the sounds of a commercial auto-injector, provides haptic feedback, and includes features like electronic reset, cycle counting, and simulation of varying medication delivery durations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring-loaded mechanisms are used in demonstration devices, then the device can simulate medication delivery, but the mechanism degrades after repeated use producing inaccurate training experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring-loaded mechanical system with an electronic motor-driven plunger mechanism. The motor-controlled plunger advances through the window member at precisely controlled rates, eliminating the degradation issues inherent in spring mechanisms while maintaining the simulation of medication delivery. This substitution allows the demonstration device to be reset and reused hundreds of times without loss of accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional demonstration devices are used, then they allow practice of injection steps, but they fail to accurately reproduce the sounds that occur during successful use of the commercial device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a piezoelectric speaker that reproduces the authentic click sounds generated by the commercial auto-injector device. These sound effects are copied from the actual device operation, providing auditory feedback that matches the real medication delivery experience. This allows users to receive both visual and auditory cues that accurately reflect the commercial device behavior.
3Ease of operation
If a cylindrical rod is required to reset the spring mechanism, then the mechanism can be reset, but the rod mechanism is not present in the commercial device and may confuse patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cylindrical rod reset mechanism entirely from the demonstration device. Instead, an electronic reset button is provided that triggers the motor to return the plunger to its initial position. This extraction of the unnecessary mechanical reset component simplifies the device and eliminates confusion, as the reset interface now matches the commercial device design.
4Duration of action of moving object
If spring-loaded mechanisms are used, then the device can deliver medication simulation, but the internal parts wear with repeated demonstration use and thus continue to deviate from the sounds of the commercial device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wear-prone spring-loaded internal mechanism with an electronic motor system that drives the plunger. The motor-controlled advancement eliminates mechanical wear issues, ensuring that the device maintains consistent operation and sound reproduction across hundreds of demonstration cycles. The piezoelectric speaker continues to accurately reproduce click sounds without degradation.
5Productivity
If traditional demonstration auto-injectors are used, then they can be reset and reused, but they cannot count the number of demonstration cycles that the unit has completed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a microcontroller that tracks and counts the number of demonstration cycles completed by the device. This feedback mechanism provides users with information about device usage through visual displays or other indicators. The cycle counting capability allows trainers to monitor device utilization and determine when replacement is appropriate, enhancing the reusability and management of the demonstration device.
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 device offers a more accurate and consistent training experience, reduces user anxiety by simulating the commercial device's sounds and feel, and provides valuable feedback and cycle tracking, enhancing the effectiveness of training sessions.
Implementation Method 1
provides precise and consistent electronic representation of the sounds of the commercial auto-injector, reproduced via a piezoelectric speaker
Data Source
AI summary
An auto-injector demonstration device for simulating the delivery of medication has an elongated body encompassing a needle guard member with locking slots circumscribing a transparent window member having stop elements. A plunger, electronically controlled by a transmission motor, has bump-out elements. In use, the needle guard member is pressed against the injection site to actuate the transmission motor. This moves the plunger through the window member to simulate the medication delivery. When the plunger reaches its terminal position, the bump-out elements compel the stop elements on the window member outward. When the user allows the needle guard member to ease back into the original extended position, the stop elements will engage with the locking slots through the needle guard member to lock and prevent the needle guard from retracting into the window member.