Autoinjector Piston Timing Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for injecting medication, such as N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), into individuals in emergency situations lack accuracy in tracking the timing of medication delivery, and often require medical professionals to administer the medication only after the individual has arrived at a medical facility.
Innovation Solution
An autoinjector apparatus that includes a housing, a piston movable within the housing, a spring biasing the piston, a catch to retain the piston, a trigger to release the catch, a sensor to detect piston movement, and a controller to initiate a timer upon piston movement, allowing for accurate tracking of medication delivery timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional injection methods are used, then medical professionals can administer medication, but accurate tracking of medication delivery timing cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual timing methods with an automated electronic timing system. A sensor detects piston movement and triggers a controller to start a timer, eliminating the need for manual time tracking and providing precise automated measurement of medication delivery timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection apparatus automatically tracks its own operation timing through integrated sensors and controllers that detect piston movement and autonomously manage the timing function, without requiring external manual intervention for time tracking.
2Loss of time
If NAC is provided only after arrival at medical facility, then medical professionals can administer it safely, but timely administration is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The autoinjector is prepared in advance with pre-loaded cartridges and pre-configured timing mechanisms, allowing immediate administration upon deployment without requiring medical facility arrival or preparation, thus reducing time loss while maintaining safety through precise timing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-administration or automated administration without requiring medical professional intervention for the actual injection act, allowing timely delivery while maintaining reliability through built-in safety mechanisms and precise timing control.
3Measurement precision
If manual timing estimation is used, then device complexity remains low, but measurement precision of medication timing is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual estimation with automated electronic detection. A sensor detects the precise moment of piston movement, and a controller automatically records the timing, providing high measurement precision while keeping the added complexity minimal through straightforward sensor-controller integration.
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 enables precise tracking of medication delivery timing, facilitating timely administration of subsequent doses or treatments based on the initial delivery time, thereby improving emergency medical response efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A spring biases the piston toward the second position
Implementation Method 2
A sensor is configured to detect movement of the piston from the first position
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus configured to dispense medication from a cartridge is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing that is configured to couple to the cartridge. A piston is movable within the housing along a path of travel from a first position to a second position. A spring biases the piston toward the second position. A catch is configured to retain the piston in the first position. A trigger is configured to release the catch to permit the spring to move the piston to the second position. A sensor is configured to detect movement of the piston from the first position. A controller is in electrical communication with the sensor. The controller is configured to initiate a timer upon receiving a signal from the sensor indicative of movement of the piston from the first position.