Automated Drug Delivery Device with Temperature-Controlled Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Patients face challenges with administering temperature-sensitive medications due to inconsistent refrigeration, leading to discomfort, prolonged administration times, and potential spoilage, which can reduce adherence to therapy.

Innovation Solution

An automated drug delivery system with a storage container equipped with temperature control and retention mechanisms, allowing for precise temperature adjustment and secure release of the drug delivery device when the medication reaches a comfortable administration temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If medicaments are stored in household refrigerators, then cold storage is provided, but temperature instability and potential damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage temperatureVSAvoidtemperature stability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the temperature parameter dynamically - storing medicaments at refrigeration temperatures (2-8°C) and then actively heating to administration temperature (20-25°C) using a heating element controlled by a temperature sensor and controller, ensuring both cold storage stability and controlled warming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If medicaments are warmed prior to administration, then patient comfort improves, but extended delivery times and spoilage risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient comfortVSAvoidadministration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary warming action by maintaining medicaments at administration temperature (20-25°C) in the storage compartment before needed, using a heating element activated by the controller based on temperature sensor feedback, so that when the patient needs administration, the medicament is already at the correct temperature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature sensor continuously monitors the medicament temperature and provides feedback to the controller, which adjusts the heating element activation to maintain the medicament at the optimal administration temperature range (20-25°C), preventing both overheating and under-warming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Volume of stationary object

If medicaments are removed from packaging to reduce refrigerator space, then storage efficiency improves, but safety and privacy concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigerator spaceVSAvoidsafety and privacy risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses nested storage by placing the drug delivery device inside a dedicated storage compartment within the refrigerator, which provides both space-efficient organization and protective enclosure, maintaining safety and privacy while optimizing refrigerator space utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If temperature control features are added to storage containers, then medication stability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedication stabilityVSAvoidcontainer complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage compartment serves multiple functions: it provides refrigeration storage, active heating capability, temperature monitoring, and controlled release mechanisms all in one integrated unit, reducing the need for separate devices and simplifying the overall system while maintaining medication stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures patient comfort, prolongs medication stability, and improves adherence by maintaining consistent temperatures and securely managing medication administration.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one temperature control device may include at least one of a cooling element or a heating element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

the at least one temperature control device may include at least one of a cooling element or a heating element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 3

at least one temperature sensor associated with the at least one storage compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11464706B2Automated drug delivery device and container

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 AMGEN INC

AI summary

A drug delivery system includes a drug delivery device that delivers medicament to a user and a storage container having a container body that defines at least one storage compartment. The storage container includes a controller, at least one temperature sensor associated with the at least one storage compartment, at least one temperature control device associated with the at least one storage compartment, and at least one retention mechanism coupled to the storage container. In response to a user input, the controller is adapted to activate the at least one temperature control device to adjust the temperature in the at least one storage compartment to an administration temperature and transmit a signal to the at least one retention mechanism to release the drug delivery device from the at least one storage compartment after the temperature in the at least one storage compartment reaches the administration temperature.