Autoinjector Lockout Prevention via Resistance Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autoinjectors often experience inadvertent lockout due to user hesitation, misapplication, or premature activation, rendering them useless in emergency situations where time is critical, such as during anaphylaxis treatment.
Innovation Solution
A lockout prevention device with a resistance unit that requires a critical force to be applied to overcome before the needle guard can retract, allowing a lesser injection force to administer medication and prevent lockout, thereby assisting users in proper injection technique and building confidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lockout mechanism is implemented to prevent needle reuse, then safety is improved, but user error leading to inadvertent lockout increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance unit provides preliminary resistance during the activation process, requiring the user to apply a first greater force before the needle guard can retract. This preliminary action ensures proper technique is used and prevents inadvertent lockout caused by hesitation or misapplication, while still allowing the lockout mechanism to function for safety.
2Reliability
If a resistance unit requiring greater force is added, then inadvertent lockout is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance unit is nested within the existing autoinjector structure, integrating the resistance mechanism into the needle guard assembly without requiring separate external components. This nesting approach prevents inadvertent lockout while minimizing increases in overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the needle guard retracts freely without resistance, then ease of activation is improved, but user hesitation and misapplication increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance unit requires the user to overcome a threshold of resistance by applying a first greater force, which serves as a preliminary action that builds confidence and ensures proper technique. After this threshold is overcome, the needle guard retracts smoothly, preventing hesitation and misapplication while maintaining ease of activation.
Data Source
AI summary
A device that prevents the accidental activation and lockout of an autoinjector. In illustrative embodiments, a resistance unit is configured to resist deployment of the needle until a critical force is applied by the user to the autoinjector, at which point, the resistance of the resistance unit is overcome. Continuous application of force by the user after the resistance is overcome drives the delivery device to the injection site where the medication is administered.