Auto-Injector Rotating Collar for Skin Pressure Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection devices, both manual and auto-injectors, face challenges such as user discomfort, potential underdosing, and risk of needle stick injuries due to improper use, especially for self-administered therapies.
Innovation Solution
An auto-injector design featuring a rotating collar to dampen the pressure exerted on the skin during injection, a lateral release element to prevent accidental activation, and safety mechanisms to ensure proper placement and needle safety, utilizing a single drive means for multiple functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single drive means is used to power multiple functions, then device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of each individual function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single drive means that performs multiple functions: it powers the needle insertion mechanism, the medicament injection pump, and the needle retraction system. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of drive components while ensuring reliable execution of each function through proper mechanical coupling and timing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple drive functions into a single integrated drive means. The drive mechanism is mechanically coupled to simultaneously control the plunger advancement, needle insertion, and needle retraction operations, merging what would traditionally require separate motors or actuators into one unified system.
2Measurement precision
If the needle shroud is pushed against the skin with high force, then injection accuracy is improved, but user discomfort and bruising risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a rotating collar that acts as a damping mechanism between the drive means and the needle shroud. This collar rotates during the injection process to absorb and dampen pressure fluctuations, providing cushioning that reduces skin trauma and discomfort while maintaining sufficient injection force for accurate needle placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating collar introduces dynamic motion to the previously static connection between the drive means and needle shroud. By allowing rotation during the injection sequence, the system dynamically adjusts the force transmission, reducing peak pressures on the skin while maintaining injection accuracy.
3Device complexity
If manual injection devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but dosing accuracy and user safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an auto-injector system that performs the injection process automatically once activated. The device self-manages needle insertion, plunger advancement for precise dosing, and needle retraction without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby improving dosing accuracy and safety while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-loaded with the medicament and configured for automatic operation. The drive means is pre-positioned to automatically execute the injection sequence upon activation, eliminating the need for manual dosing calculations and administration steps that compromise accuracy and safety.
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
Reduces user discomfort, minimizes the risk of bruising and needle stick injuries, and ensures accurate dosing by providing a user-friendly and safe injection process.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating collar rotatably arranged within the housing. The needle shroud in the safe position surrounds the injection needle after the injection has been carried out. The rotating collar engages the needle shroud in a manner that forces the rotating collar to rotate within the housing when the needle shroud is translated in the proximal direction
Data Source
AI summary
According to the invention, an auto-injector for administering a dose of a liquid medicament (M) comprises of a substantially cylindrical housing arranged to contain a pre-filled syringe filled with the medicament (M), a needle shroud arranged with respect to the housing and adapted to rest on the skin of a patient receiving an injection, a releasable drive means arranged within the housing that is capable of, upon release, translating the needle shroud in a proximal direction (P) towards a safe position (PS) and a rotating collar rotatably arranged within the housing. The needle shroud in the safe position (PS) surrounds the injection needle after the injection has been carried out. The rotating collar engages the needle shroud in a manner that forces the rotating collar to rotate within the housing when the needle shroud is translated in the proximal direction (P).