Semi-Reusable Autoinjector Reservoir with Wireless Temperature Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autoinjectors are often single-use disposable devices that include both the syringe and drive mechanism, leading to waste and increased costs due to the disposal of batteries, motors, and electronics after a single use.
Innovation Solution
A semi-reusable administration device comprising a reusable drive unit and a disposable reservoir unit, where the reservoir unit includes a holder for a prefilled reservoir, a cover member for needle protection, and a sensor member with a wireless tag and temperature sensor for monitoring the medicament.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-use disposable autoinjectors are used to ensure hygiene and safety, then reliability is improved, but loss of substance increases due to disposal of batteries, motors, and electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The autoinjector is divided into two separate units: a reusable drive unit containing the motor, battery, and electronics, and a disposable reservoir unit containing the syringe and needle. This segmentation allows the expensive electronic components to be reused while only the contaminated reservoir unit is disposed of, resolving the contradiction between hygiene and waste reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable reservoir unit is discarded after single use to ensure hygiene, while the reusable drive unit is recovered and can be refilled with new reservoir units for subsequent injections. This approach maintains safety through proper disposal of contaminated parts while preserving valuable electronic components for repeated use
2Reliability
If single-use disposable autoinjectors are used to ensure hygiene, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to inclusion of both syringe and drive mechanism in one unit
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a simple disposable reservoir unit (syringe + needle + cap) and a reusable drive unit. This segmentation reduces the complexity of the disposable unit while maintaining hygiene through proper disposal, and allows the complex electronic components to be reused rather than disposed of
3Measurement precision
If temperature monitoring is added to ensure medicament quality, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is extracted as a separate functional element within the reservoir unit, thermally coupled to the medicament but electrically connected to the reusable drive unit for power and data processing. This extraction allows temperature monitoring capability while minimizing complexity within the disposable reservoir unit
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir unit acts as an intermediary carrier that provides thermal coupling to the medicament for temperature sensing, while the reusable drive unit provides the electronic infrastructure for the sensor. This intermediary approach enables temperature monitoring without requiring full integration of complex electronics in the disposable unit
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
This design enhances safety by ensuring the needle is protected when not in use, reduces waste and costs by allowing the drive unit to be reused, and provides precise temperature monitoring of the medicament.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor which is thermally couplable to the inserted reservoir
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 3~4a
AI summary
A disposable reservoir unit (1) for an administration device (50), detachably connectable to a drive unit (51) (disposable or reusable) of the administration device (50), the reservoir unit (1) comprising - a holder (2) for an insertable prefilled reservoir (3) - a cover member (4) axially displaceable relative to the holder (2) or relative to the prefilled reservoir (3) - a sensor member (5) wirelessly activatable for read and write operations, wherein the sensor member (5) comprises a wireless tag (21) and a temperature sensor (6) which is thermally couplable to the prefilled reservoir (3) and wherein the sensor member (5) is integrable in one or both of the holder (2) or the cover member (4) by a dedicated receiving cavity (8) adapted to positively fit at least a part of the external shape (7) of the sensor member (5).