Medicament Delivery Device With Automated Needle Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection devices struggle with the efficient delivery of high viscosity medicaments in large volumes, particularly in devices operated by patients, due to the complexity of needle insertion, injection, and retraction mechanisms, especially when dealing with biological medicaments that require precise control and user safety.
Innovation Solution
A medicament delivery device with a needle that moves between retracted and inserted positions, featuring an insertion mechanism, a locking arm, a retraction mechanism, and a trigger system that controls these movements, utilizing torsion springs and lever mechanisms for automated operation, ensuring safe and efficient delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex mechanism is used to enable automated needle insertion and retraction, then user safety and operational simplicity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the needle insertion mechanism, retraction mechanism, and locking arm into an integrated automated system controlled by a single trigger. The insertion mechanism and retraction mechanism work together through the locking arm to provide automated safety features, merging multiple safety functions into a unified mechanism that reduces operational complexity for the user while maintaining high safety standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs self-actuating mechanisms where the trigger automatically controls the locking arm to engage or disengage, and the retraction mechanism automatically retracts the needle after injection. This self-service automation eliminates the need for manual intervention in safety-critical operations, improving reliability while the automated control reduces the perceived complexity for the user.
2Reliability
If a locking arm mechanism is added to prevent accidental activation, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm is pre-positioned to engage with the insertion mechanism before use, preventing accidental activation. The trigger mechanism is pre-configured to automatically disengage the locking arm when activated, ensuring safety through preliminary positioning without requiring complex additional controls. This preliminary action approach maintains safety while minimizing added complexity.
3Ease of operation
If automated trigger control is implemented for needle operations, then operational simplicity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger serves multiple functions: it activates the insertion mechanism, controls the locking arm engagement, and initiates the retraction sequence. This multi-functionality consolidates multiple control operations into a single universal control element, improving ease of operation by eliminating the need for separate controls while the internal automation handles the complexity of coordinating these functions.
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 device provides a safe and efficient method for delivering high viscosity medicaments in large volumes, with automated needle insertion and retraction, enhancing user safety and operational simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing torsion springs and lever mechanisms for automated operation
Implementation Method 2
utilizing torsion springs and lever mechanisms for automated operation
Data Source
AI summary
A medicament delivery device comprises a needle configured to move between a retracted position and an inserted position; an insertion mechanism to move the needle from the retracted position to the inserted position when activated; a locking arm which, in a locked position, is engaged with the insertion mechanism to prevent activation of the insertion mechanism and, in an unlocked position, is disengaged from the insertion mechanism; a retraction mechanism to move the needle from the inserted position to the retracted position when activated; and a trigger configured to move between a disengaged position and an engaged position. On moving from the disengaged position to the engaged position, the trigger is configured to move the locking arm from the locked position to the unlocked position. On moving from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the trigger is configured to activate the retraction mechanism.