Helical Plunger Training Device for Auto-Injector Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auto-injector training devices fail to accurately simulate the resistance and operation of real auto-injectors due to inadequate damping mechanisms, leading to inaccurate simulation times that worsen with wear over time.
Innovation Solution
A training device with a helical path for the plunger movement, combined with a biasing mechanism and damping system, including a rotary damper, to control and replicate the resistance and duration of the injection process, mimicking the real auto-injector's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a damping mechanism is used to resist plunger movement in training devices, then the simulation of liquid medicament resistance is improved, but the plunger travel time becomes inaccurate and varies with wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a helical path (curved geometry) for the plunger instead of a straight linear path. The helical groove guides the plunger along a curved trajectory, increasing the travel distance and allowing the damping mechanism to act over a longer period, thereby maintaining accurate travel time simulation despite wear
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a rotational dimension to the plunger movement by constraining it to follow a helical path rather than a simple linear path. This dimensional change allows the damping force to be applied over an extended trajectory, improving time accuracy in the simulation
2Device complexity
If the plunger moves in a straight line, then the device structure is simple, but the travel time is too short and does not accurately simulate real auto-injector operation
Solution Approach 1:
The helical groove introduces curvature to the plunger path, extending the travel distance from a straight line to a螺旋 path. This increases the travel time to match real auto-injector operation while adding minimal structural complexity through the groove geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines linear plunger movement with rotational motion around the guide member. The plunger simultaneously moves linearly along its axis and rotates around the guide member, merging two motion types into one constrained helical path that extends travel time
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
The device provides a more realistic simulation of the auto-injector's operation by controlling the plunger's movement time through the selection of helical pitch and damping, enhancing user training and familiarity with the device's proper use.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary damper to control the movement of the plunger from the start position to the finish position
Data Source
AI summary
A training device (10) for training a user in the operation of an auto-injector that dispenses a medicament is described. The training device (10) comprises a housing (13), an actuation assembly (22) located within the housing (13), the actuation assembly (22) comprising a plunger (24) and a guide member (26), the plunger and the guide member defining, and connected by, a complementary first male profile and a first female profile. The plunger (24) is movable with respect to the guide member (26) along a first path defined by at least a portion of the first male or the first female profiles, the plunger (24) moving linearly between a start position and a finish position. The first path extends in a direction non-parallel to the linear movement of the plunger (24).