Autoinjector Needle Depth Adapter for Precision Subcutaneous Injection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autoinjectors lack precision and consistency in administering subcutaneous injections, often penetrating too deeply or variably, which is problematic for medications requiring exact delivery depths, especially in emergency trauma situations.

Innovation Solution

An autoinjector with a needle depth adapter made of deformable materials like thermoplastics, polymers, or metals, which limits the needle's penetration depth to a precise range (0.15-0.30 inches) by using a deformable needle depth adapter that aligns closely with the needle hub and dissipates excess force, ensuring consistent and accurate injections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a traditional autoinjector is used for subcutaneous injection, then the injection can be administered automatically, but the needle penetration depth is imprecise and varies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle penetration depthVSAvoidinjection depth consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A needle depth adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the needle and the autoinjector housing. This adapter includes a depth-limiting feature that physically constrains the needle extension, ensuring consistent and precise penetration depth. The adapter acts as a mediator that translates the automatic injection mechanism into a controlled-depth delivery system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameter of needle extension by introducing a depth-limiting feature on the needle depth adapter. This feature modifies the effective length of the needle that can extend from the autoinjector, thereby controlling the penetration depth to a precise range suitable for subcutaneous injection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the needle is made longer to ensure deep penetration, then the injection depth range is increased, but the precision for subcutaneous delivery is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinjection depth rangeVSAvoidneedle penetration depth

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The needle depth adapter is designed with a deformable material that can dynamically adjust to the injection depth required. The adapter deforms elastically during needle extension, allowing precise control over the needle's penetration depth while maintaining adaptability for different injection scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameter of needle extension by introducing a depth-limiting feature on the needle depth adapter. This feature modifies the effective length of the needle that can extend from the autoinjector, thereby controlling the penetration depth to a precise range suitable for subcutaneous injection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If a rigid needle depth adapter is used to ensure precise depth control, then the manufacturing tolerance is reduced, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle depth controlVSAvoidadapter assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The needle depth adapter is constructed from a deformable material that can flex and deform elastically during operation. This flexible construction allows the adapter to accommodate minor variations in needle length and positioning without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, thereby simplifying assembly while maintaining precise depth control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameter of needle extension by introducing a depth-limiting feature on the needle depth adapter. This feature modifies the effective length of the needle that can extend from the autoinjector, thereby controlling the penetration depth to a precise range suitable for subcutaneous injection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 autoinjector provides precise subcutaneous injections within a narrow depth range, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of medicament delivery, making it suitable for self-administration and emergency use without the need for precise assembly or removal of the needle sheath.

Implementation Method 1

a deformable needle depth adapter that aligns closely with the needle hub and dissipates excess force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7811254B2Autoinjector with needle depth adapter

Publication Date: 2010.10.12 MERIDIAN MEDICAL TECH INC

AI summary

An autoinjector useful for, inter alia, providing an injection of liquid medicament is disclosed, which includes a needle depth adapter for achieving a desired injection depth.