Pharmaceutical Injection Device Controller for Fault-Tolerant Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pharmaceutical injection devices are inconvenient due to the need to remove and replace the distal end cap during attachment and removal of the needle unit, and they fail to function if the distal end cap is lost or the first driver malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
The device includes a controller that enables a normal pharmaceutical injection mode with both drivers when the distal end cap is attached and a simple mode with only the second driver when it is not, allowing for injection even if the distal end cap is lost or the first driver malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the distal end cap is removed during attachment and removal of the needle unit, then the needle unit can be properly attached and removed, but the distal end cap must be replaced frequently which reduces convenience of use
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the needle unit attachment/removal function from the distal end cap, allowing the needle unit to be attached and removed independently without requiring removal of the distal end cap. This segmentation eliminates the need to replace the distal end cap during needle unit changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end cap is designed to remain in place and serve multiple functions: protecting the needle when not in use, maintaining the device structure, and allowing needle unit attachment/removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need to replace the distal end cap.
2Reliability
If the distal end cap is required to be attached for normal operation, then safety and proper function are ensured, but the device cannot function if the distal end cap is lost or the first driver malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically switches between normal injection mode (requiring distal end cap and first driver) and simple injection mode (using only second driver). This dynamic adaptation allows the device to continue functioning under faulty conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by disabling the first driver and distal end cap dependency when faults are detected, transitioning to a simplified operational mode that uses only the second driver for injection.
3Extent of automation
If the first driver is used to move the pharmaceutical syringe unit, then automated injection is achieved, but the device cannot operate if the first driver malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary that can bypass the first driver by directly controlling the second driver to move the gasket and perform injection manually, eliminating the need for the first driver in simple injection mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system accepts reduced functionality (disposable-like operation) in simple injection mode, where the second driver performs injection without the automated syringe positioning of the first driver, allowing continued use even with first driver failure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical injection device, comprising: a main body case having a pharmaceutical syringe attachment component on its distal end side; a distal end cap that can be removably attached to the distal end side of the main body case; a first driver that moves a pharmaceutical syringe unit attached to the pharmaceutical syringe attachment component to the distal end side or the rear side along with the pharmaceutical syringe attachment component; a second driver that moves a gasket of a pharmaceutical syringe constituting the pharmaceutical syringe unit to the distal end side; an operating state detector that detects the operating state of the first driver; and a controller that, during pharmaceutical injection, can execute a simple pharmaceutical injection mode in which only the second driver is actuated when the operating state detector has detected that the first driver is not operating properly.