Autoinjector Pump with Flexible Reservoir for Precise Fluid Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drug delivery devices are limited by their design, which is often adapted to syringes and cartridges, restricting the shape and functionality, particularly in achieving precise control over fluid delivery and dose adjustment.
Innovation Solution
An autoinjector with a pump arrangement and a flexible, elastically deformable reservoir that allows for controlled fluid dispensing, featuring a movable element driven by a motor spring and a reserve reservoir for continuous fluid supply, enabling adjustable dosing and improved drug integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a syringe and cartridge design is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the control over fluid delivery precision and dose adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a reservoir for fluid storage, a pump mechanism for controlled delivery, and a dosing chamber. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system simplicity, enabling precise fluid control without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A pump mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the reservoir and the outlet, enabling precise control over fluid delivery timing and dosage. This intermediary element provides the necessary control precision while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid syringe shape is used, then the manufacturing is straightforward, but the adaptability of device shape and size is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is designed with a flexible, collapsible structure that can be compressed as fluid is delivered. This flexible design allows the device to accommodate various shapes and sizes while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard molding techniques for the flexible material
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure that changes shape during operation. This dynamic design enables adaptability in device configuration while remaining manufacturable through appropriate material selection and molding processes
3Quantity of substance
If a single reservoir is used, then the device structure is simple, but the continuous fluid supply and larger dosage capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is designed as a collapsible structure that nests within itself as fluid is delivered, maximizing the use of available space. This nested configuration allows for larger fluid capacity while maintaining a compact device form factor and simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir is pre-filled with the required fluid dosage before use, eliminating the need for complex fluid delivery systems that would be required to achieve continuous supply from multiple sources. This preliminary action simplifies the device structure while ensuring adequate dosage capacity
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 control over fluid delivery, adjustable dosing, and enhanced drug integrity with a compact design, reducing variability and contamination risks, while allowing for a variety of shapes and improved usability.
Implementation Method 1
The motor spring may be biased when it is assembled along with the movable element. The motor spring may be activated with a trigger so its stored potential energy translates into kinetic energy, thereby driving the movable element.
Implementation Method 2
The operating reservoir comprises a flexible material, such as a flexible plastic, preferably an elastomer. The operating reservoir may be elastically deformable. That is to say, when deformed, the operating reservoir tends to resume its undeformed shape.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an autoinjector comprising —a housing (105) which is configured to receive an operating reservoir (120, 220) with a fluid, —a pump arrangement (100, 200), which is configured to drive the fluid from the operating reservoir (120, 220) towards and through an outlet (180) of the autoinjector in a dispensing operation.