Autoinjector Drive Mechanism for Reliable End-of-Dose Click
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autoinjectors fail to provide a loud and reliable audible indication of drug delivery completion, and they often require precise dimensional tolerances to ensure timely notification.
Innovation Solution
A drug delivery device with a multi-part drive mechanism using a stored energy source to drive two parts against each other at high speed, generating a loud audible signal when the mechanism reaches a predetermined position, and incorporating a third drive element to engage the drug container or housing for precise timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single drive element is used to indicate drug delivery completion, then the device structure is simple, but the audible indication is not loud or reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is divided into multiple drive elements (first drive element, second drive element, third drive element) that operate independently but coordinate to provide a reliable audible indication. The first drive element engages the second drive element at a specific position to generate the audible signal, while the third drive element ensures precise timing by engaging the drug container or housing. This segmentation allows each element to have a specific function, improving reliability without excessive complexity.
2Measurement precision
If precise dimensional tolerances are required for timely notification, then the audible indication timing is accurate, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The third drive element acts as an intermediary that engages the drug container or housing to control the timing of the audible indication. By using this intermediate element to trigger the engagement between the first and second drive elements, the system achieves precise timing without requiring tight dimensional tolerances on all components. The third drive element serves as a reference point that synchronizes the audible indication with the drug delivery completion, reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 solution provides a clear and loud audible indication of drug delivery completion, reducing the need for fine dimensional tolerances and ensuring consistent timing across devices.
Implementation Method 1
a stored energy source, the stored energy source configured to release energy by expanding from a compressed state
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided drug delivery devices comprising a drug container assembly with a needle and automatic needle insertion and drug delivery mechanisms. Aspects of the devices described include a noise-generation mechanism to indicate the completion of drug delivery, a mechanism for triggering drug delivery following needle insertion, front-end activation of the device and a safety mechanism for covering the needle after use and methods of assembly of the devices.