Ergonomic Injection Device with Oversized Grip Flanges
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional injection devices, such as syringes and auto-injectors, pose challenges for patients with finger/hand deformities, reduced strength, or dexterity due to their general design, leading to difficulties in handling and operation, particularly for individuals with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis.
Innovation Solution
The development of injection devices with integral ergonomic features, including oversized interfaces, stable platforms, and auto-retracting needles, to facilitate easier handling and operation, featuring transparent housings, graduated marks, and deformable materials for improved user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional syringe and auto-injector designs are used, then the devices are suitable for the general patient population, but they present challenges for patients with finger/hand deformities or reduced strength and dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional components: a housing containing the medication reservoir, a separate plunger assembly with enlarged gripping surfaces, and a needle assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the plunger can have oversized ergonomic features while the housing maintains standard dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary structures between the user and the injection mechanism - specifically, enlarged flanges and gripping surfaces that act as mechanical mediators. These intermediaries amplify the user's limited hand strength and provide better leverage for patients with dexterity limitations.
2Ease of operation
If traditional control surfaces are used, then the device maintains a compact form factor, but the fingerflange and thumbrest are rather small making them difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing enlarged gripping surfaces specifically at the points of user interaction (fingerflange and thumbrest areas), while the rest of the device maintains standard dimensions. The plunger assembly features oversized flanges that are larger than traditional designs, creating localized ergonomic enhancements without increasing the overall device footprint.
3Ease of operation
If the plunger is vertically oriented, then the device maintains traditional orientation, but patients with reduced dexterity find it difficult to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic positioning capabilities where the plunger assembly can be oriented at various angles relative to the housing, not strictly vertically. The plunger shaft can be positioned at angles between 0-180 degrees, allowing users to manipulate the device in orientations that accommodate their specific dexterity limitations while maintaining the core injection function.
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
These modified injection devices enhance usability and safety for patients with dexterity or strength limitations, reducing the risk of use errors and improving self-administration of medications by providing a more stable and intuitive interface.
Implementation Method 1
The lower flange may be a deformable material capable of creating suction when the plunger is pulled away from the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
Injection devices with ergonomic enhancements are disclosed. Generally, the injection devices include large oversized grips, including flanges at the base end of the device for enhanced stability. Push-type and squeeze-type devices are described, as well as manual injectors and auto-injectors. Such injection devices are useful for delivering a fluid (e.g. medication) to a patient.