Elastic Band Identification for Multi-Dose Injection Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-dose injection devices lack effective and easily recognizable identification systems for users, particularly for visually impaired individuals, as current methods such as color-coded labels and small plastic chips are not sufficiently distinct or replaceable.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an elastic band with color and texture for visual and tactile identification, and a unique pocket clip with interchangeable designs to clearly distinguish between different medicaments, allowing users to associate specific designs with specific medications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If small plastic chips or color-coded adaptor tops are used for identification, then the device can distinguish different medicaments, but the identification is not easily recognizable by visually impaired users and the components are difficult to replace
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system is segmented into modular components: colored elastic bands that can be independently selected and attached to the cartridge holder, and separately replaceable pocket clips with distinct designs. This allows users to easily replace only the identification component without replacing the entire device, and to mix and match different identification elements for different medicaments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs colored elastic bands (e.g., green for short-acting insulin, yellow for long-acting insulin) as the primary identification mechanism. The vibrant colors provide immediate visual distinction between different medicament types, making recognition intuitive and error-proof for users.
2Reliability
If subtle color variations are used on device housing and cap, then manufacturers can distinguish different medicaments, but the variations are not easily recognized by particular users
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on subtle color variations in device housing, the patent uses vibrant, high-contrast colored elastic bands that wrap around the cartridge holder. These bands provide bold, immediate visual cues that are easily detectable by all users including those with visual impairments.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic band acts as an intermediary identification element between the medicament cartridge and the user. Rather than relying on subtle features of the device itself, the band provides a dedicated, high-visibility identification layer that mediates the recognition process.
3Ease of operation
If conventional rubber bands are used for identification, then the device provides a gripping surface, but the bands are not easily removable or exchangeable
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic band is designed as a separate, removable component that can be independently exchanged without affecting the injection device or cartridge. Users can easily remove one colored band and attach another to match different medicaments, providing both gripping functionality and high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification system is made dynamic and adaptable through the use of removable elastic bands and interchangeable pocket clips. Users can dynamically reconfigure the identification elements to match different medicaments as needed, rather than being fixed to a single identification scheme.
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
Enhances user recognition and recall of medication types through customizable and easily distinguishable visual and tactile cues, improving safety and usability for diverse user groups.
Implementation Method 1
An elastic identification band, removably positioned and frictionally held on the cartridge holder or on the proximal end of the device
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
An identification system for a multi-dose pen-type injection device includes an elastic band that is associated with a specific medicament can be placed around the outside of the device to allow a user to readily identify the medicament contained within the device. Alternatively, a pocket clip with a unique structural design is used as the medicament identifier.