Gas-Generating Chemical Reaction for High-Viscosity Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering high-viscosity protein therapeutics, such as monoclonal antibodies, face challenges in administering high concentrations through small needle diameters and require high forces, leading to device damage and patient discomfort, with conventional spring-driven auto-injectors being inefficient and painful.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a gas-generating chemical reaction to push a piston within a syringe, allowing for the delivery of high-viscosity fluids with a controlled pressure profile, reducing the need for large springs and minimizing device damage and patient discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If high-concentration protein formulations are delivered through small needle diameters, then injection volume is reduced and patient comfort is improved, but the force required to push the fluid increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional spring-driven mechanical propulsion system with a chemical reaction system. Gas generated from the reaction between citric acid and sodium bicarbonate creates pressure to push the piston, eliminating the need for large mechanical springs and reducing the force requirements on the needle and patient tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and pressure parameters by generating gas in situ. The chemical reaction transforms solid reagents into gaseous carbon dioxide, which expands and creates the necessary pressure to deliver high-viscosity fluids through small needles without requiring excessive force.
2Force
If large springs are used to deliver high-viscosity fluids, then sufficient pressure is generated, but the device footprint increases and plastic parts may be damaged due to stored energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the large mechanical spring system with a chemical reaction system. The gas-generating reaction between citric acid and sodium bicarbonate provides the necessary pressure without requiring large mechanical components, thereby reducing the device footprint while maintaining sufficient delivery pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition from solid reagents to gaseous product. The solid citric acid and sodium bicarbonate react to produce carbon dioxide gas, which expands and generates the pressure needed to deliver high-viscosity fluids without requiring large mechanical springs.
3Productivity
If high forces are applied to deliver high-viscosity fluids, then delivery is achieved, but patient discomfort and pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the high-force mechanical spring system with a chemical reaction system that generates pressure more gradually and efficiently. The gas expansion from the citric acid-sodium bicarbonate reaction delivers the fluid at appropriate speeds without the excessive forces that cause patient pain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces gas as an intermediary between the propulsion mechanism and the fluid. The generated carbon dioxide gas acts as a cushion and pressure mediator, smoothly pushing the high-viscosity fluid through the needle without creating the sudden high-force impacts that cause patient discomfort.
4Device complexity
If conventional spring-driven auto-injectors are used, then device structure is simple, but the pressure versus time profile cannot be modified and delivery is painful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental mechanism from mechanical spring compression to chemical reaction. This allows modification of the pressure versus time profile by adjusting the amount and formulation of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate reagents, enabling tailored delivery profiles that reduce patient pain while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
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
Enables self-administration of high-viscosity fluids with reduced injection time and minimal discomfort, accommodating various fluid viscosities and needle sizes, while maintaining a compact device design.
Implementation Method 1
one or more reagents are reacted to generate a gas. The gas is used to push a piston inside a syringe
Data Source
AI summary
Processes and devices for delivering a fluid by chemical reaction are disclosed. A chemical reaction is initiated in a reaction chamber to produce a gas, and the gas acts upon a piston to deliver the fluid. An exemplary device may include an upper chamber, a lower chamber, a fluid chamber, a piston between the lower chamber and the fluid chamber, and a one-way valve between the upper chamber and the lower chamber.