Auto-injector Signaling Cap Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients face challenges with drug delivery devices due to uncertainties about medication identity, expiration, and administration processes, and existing systems face power management issues with limited battery life and potential overheating, which can damage medications.
Innovation Solution
A drug delivery device with a housing, drug delivery assembly, cap, electronic components, power source, and switch assembly, where the power source is controlled by the cap's position and a movable guard to restrict external contact, ensuring safe and efficient power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a battery is used to power electronic components in the drug delivery device, then the device can provide monitoring and communication functions, but the battery has limited life and may overheat, potentially damaging the medicament
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the power source into two distinct components: a rechargeable battery for powering electronics and a separate capacitor for powering the drug delivery mechanism. This segmentation allows each power source to be optimized for its specific function, with the capacitor providing short-duration, high-power pulses without the overheating risks associated with continuous battery operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A switch assembly acts as an intermediary between the power sources and the load, controlling when each power source is activated. The switch assembly ensures that the battery is only engaged when needed for electronic components, while the capacitor handles the high-power delivery events, thereby managing thermal loads and extending overall system reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the cap is removed to allow access to the drug delivery device, then the device can be used, but the power source may be accidentally activated causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The switch assembly is pre-configured to detect the cap's position and automatically prevent power activation when the cap is removed. This preliminary safety mechanism is built into the electrical circuitry, ensuring that even if the device is accidentally activated, the power source remains dormant until the cap is properly reattached, thereby preventing accidental overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch assembly provides real-time feedback based on the cap's position, creating a closed-loop safety system. When the cap is removed, the switch detects this state and automatically disconnects the power source, preventing activation. When the cap is reattached, the switch restores power capability, ensuring the device only operates in the intended configuration.
3Reliability
If the guard is in the first position to restrict external contact with the cannula, then patient safety is improved, but the device cannot be operated
Solution Approach 1:
The guard is designed as a dynamic component that can move between multiple positions: a first position that restricts external contact with the cannula for safety, a second position that allows device operation, and a third position that maintains safety after use. This dynamic positioning allows the device to switch between safe storage/transport mode and operational mode, resolving the contradiction between safety and operability.
Data Source
AI summary
A drug delivery device includes a housing defining a shell, a drug delivery assembly at least partially disposed within the housing, a cap defining an opening and being adapted to at least partially cover an end of the housing, at least one electronic component, a power source which powers the at least one electronic component, and a switch assembly. The drug delivery assembly comprises a guard which engages an inner surface of the housing and is movable between a first position, a second position, and a third position relative to the housing and is adapted to restrict external contact with a cannula. The switch assembly causes the power source to provide power to the at least one electronic component when the cap is removed from the housing, restrict the power source from providing power when the cap is coupled to the housing and the guard is in the first position, and cause the power source to provide power when the cap is coupled to the housing and the guard is in the third position.