Non-linear Force Profile Injection Device Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional injection devices lack intuitive feedback mechanisms, leading users to struggle with determining the correct position of the release mechanism, resulting in frustrated attempts and potential device damage from excessive force.
Innovation Solution
The injection device incorporates a release mechanism with a non-linear force profile and optional audible signals to indicate the transition from a locked to an unlocked state, providing tactile and auditory cues for the user to confirm the device is ready for use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a release mechanism with a linear force profile is used, then the device structure is simple, but the user cannot intuitively discern when the impediment has been sufficiently moved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by varying the force profile of the release mechanism to provide tactile information to the user. The non-linear force-displacement curve creates distinct tactile milestones that indicate the impediment's position, allowing the user to sense when the release mechanism has been sufficiently moved without requiring visual confirmation or complex indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the force profile from linear to non-linear. By designing the release mechanism with a specific non-linear force-displacement relationship, the system transforms the uniform force application into a variable force profile that encodes positional information, enabling intuitive user feedback through tactile sensation.
2Ease of operation
If the impediment is designed to be easily movable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental injection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring the user to perform a specific preparatory action of moving the release mechanism a predetermined distance before the injection can occur. The non-linear force profile creates tactile milestones that guide the user through this preliminary action, ensuring the impediment is fully retracted and the device is in the correct state before activation, thereby preventing accidental injections.
3Ease of operation
If users are allowed to attempt injection multiple times without feedback, then the ease of operation is maintained, but device damage from excessive force may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback through the non-linear force profile that provides tactile information to the user during each attempt. The distinct tactile milestones indicate whether the release mechanism has been sufficiently moved, allowing users to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with injection activation. This feedback prevents repeated unsuccessful attempts with excessive force that could damage the device.
Data Source
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AI summary
An injection device for delivering an injection comprises a housing having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the housing being arranged such that the injection is delivered from its distal end; and a release mechanism comprising an impediment, the release mechanism being moveable between a first position, in which the impediment is in an impeding position so as to impede the delivery of the injection, and a second position, in which the impediment is in a non-impeding position so as to not impede the delivery of the injection, wherein the force required to move the release mechanism from the first position to the second position varies with the distance moved by the release mechanism, the variation in the force required with distance being represented by a force profile, which is non-linear.