Handheld Injection Applicator with Dual-Sensor Safety Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle-based injectors for livestock pose risks of accidental needle sticks and repetitive motion injuries due to the manual force required for multiple injections, leading to potential user safety hazards and musculoskeletal issues.
Innovation Solution
A handheld injection applicator with retractable needle and sensors that extend the needle only when both user grip and animal presence are detected, using processing circuitry and a linear actuator to automate the injection process, minimizing user effort and reducing repetitive strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual needle injector is used for livestock, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but the user is at risk of accidental needle sticks and repetitive motion injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical injection system with an automated system that uses sensors (optical, capacitive, or acoustic) to detect user grip and animal presence, triggering automatic needle extension and medication delivery via a linear actuator. This substitution eliminates manual needle handling while maintaining simplicity through integrated automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator performs self-service by automatically detecting when injection is needed through sensor inputs from the user and animal, then autonomously extending the needle and delivering medication without requiring manual operation. The system serves itself by monitoring its own state and executing the injection sequence automatically.
2Productivity
If manual force is applied to insert needles into hundreds of animals, then the device structure remains simple, but the user is prone to repetitive motion injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical insertion with an automated linear actuator that generates the necessary force to extend the needle and deliver medication. This mechanical substitution eliminates repetitive user effort while maintaining high injection throughput through automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of user grip and animal presence before extending the needle. This preliminary action ensures the needle only extends when injection is actually needed, preventing unnecessary user effort and reducing repetitive strain while maintaining efficient operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
In selected embodiments, a handheld injection safety applicator (100) includes an applicator housing with a handle (104) and a retractable needle (106) housed within the applicator. The applicator further includes a first sensor (112) that detects the presence of a user's grip on the handle and a second sensor (118) that detects the presence of an animal. The applicator also includes processing circuitry configured to receive a first signal from the first sensor indicating that the user is gripping the handle and receive a second signal from the second sensor indicating that an animal is detected. The applicator extends the needle out of the applicator into the animal once the first and second signal are received and delivers a dose of medication into the animal once the needle is fully extended into the animal.