Injector Dose Completion Indicator Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injectors lack a mechanism to inform users when a complete dose has been administered, leading to uncertainty about when to withdraw the injector from the injection site.
Innovation Solution
A manual injector design featuring a telescopic housing with a shroud and indicating component, where the indicating component is biased to move rearward and release from the shroud upon drug delivery, providing both audible and visual cues through a spring mechanism, ensuring the cannula is shielded post-withdrawal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If no indication mechanism is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but the user cannot determine when the complete dose has been administered
Solution Approach 1:
The indicating component changes its visual appearance (color or visibility) to signal dose completion. The component is visible through the transparent portion of the housing during insertion, then becomes hidden or changes appearance when the dose is complete, providing clear visual feedback without complex electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent or translucent housing portion acts as an intermediary between the indicating component and the user. This allows the user to observe the indicating component's position and state without direct exposure, enabling information transmission while maintaining device integrity and sterility.
2Ease of operation
If the indicating component is integrated with the shroud, then the structure is compact, but the indicating component cannot move independently to provide clear signal
Solution Approach 1:
The indicating component is designed to move dynamically relative to the shroud during the injection process. It starts in a retracted position, moves forward during drug delivery, and returns to a retracted position when the dose is complete, providing clear temporal and spatial indication of dose status.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicating component and shroud are segmented as separate but coupled elements. This allows the indicating component to move independently along the shroud's length while maintaining structural connection, enabling clear signal generation without requiring a completely separate mechanism.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the shroud remains extended to cover the cannula, then protection is continuous, but the indicating component cannot be seen by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud performs periodic extension and retraction movements synchronized with the injection process. It extends to cover the cannula during the injection phase, then retracts to reveal the indicating component when the dose is complete, providing both protection and visibility at appropriate times.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing includes a transparent or translucent portion that creates a visual access dimension separate from the physical protection function. This allows the shroud to remain extended for protection while the indicating component becomes visible through the transparent housing portion when the dose is complete.
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 solution effectively indicates the completion of a dose delivery with a clear audible and visual signal, reducing the risk of stick injuries and contamination by ensuring the cannula is safely covered after use.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is configured to bias the indicating component away from the shroud
Data Source
AI summary
An injector for use with a primary package. The injector comprises lower and upper housing parts in telescopic engagement for receiving the primary package. A movable shroud is coupled to the lower housing part. An indicating component is releasably coupled to the shroud and a biasing member biases the indicating component away from the shroud. The shroud and indicating component are configured to move together in a rearward direction through the upper housing part during telescopic collapsing of the lower and upper housing parts up to a release position at which position the indicating component is released from the shroud allowing the biasing means to drive axial separation of the indicating component and the shroud, causing the indicating component to continue rearward movement up to a stop position whilst biasing the shroud towards an extended position to cover a cannula tip.