Needleless Injector Dual-Energy Segmentation Combustion Residue

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing needleless injectors face challenges in achieving repeatable and accurate delivery of substances to target regions due to residue generation from powder propellants used for energy, which can contaminate the injection substance and affect its quality.

Innovation Solution

A dual-energy injection system where one energy source uses combustion to apply primary ejection energy and another, non-combustion based energy source applies secondary ejection energy, minimizing residue exposure by using combustion products to break energy accumulation mechanisms, ensuring the substance reaches the target region effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a powder propellant is used to apply ejection pressure to the injection solution, then the injection solution can be ejected with sufficient force to penetrate the skin, but combustion residue is generated that may contaminate the injection solution and affect its quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveejection pressureVSAvoidcombustion residue contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the ejection process into two distinct stages with different energy sources: first, combustion of a propellant provides initial ejection force to penetrate the skin; second, decomposition of an azo compound provides continued ejection force without generating harmful residues that would contaminate the injection solution. This segmentation allows each stage to use the most appropriate energy source for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The azo compound acts as an intermediary energy source between the combustion phase and the final delivery of the injection solution. It decomposes to provide gas pressure that continues the ejection process after combustion stops, serving as a bridge that transfers the injection solution from the ejection chamber to the target region without direct contact with combustion residues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If combustion of explosive is used to apply primary ejection energy, then high pressure can be generated for effective ejection, but residue from combustion may affect the substance intended for injection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprimary ejection energyVSAvoidquality of substance intended for injection
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ejection energy is segmented into primary energy from combustion and secondary energy from azo compound decomposition. The combustion provides the powerful initial impulse needed for effective ejection, while the azo compound decomposition provides a cleaner secondary energy source that maintains substance quality during the continuation of the ejection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The azo compound serves as an intermediary that protects the substance intended for injection from direct exposure to combustion residues. It decomposes in a controlled manner to provide continued pressure, acting as a buffer between the combustion process and the injection solution, thereby maintaining the reliability and quality of the medicinal substance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single combustion-based energy source is used, then the device structure can be simplified, but it is difficult to prevent contact between combustion products and the substance intended for injection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy source configurationVSAvoidcontact between combustion product and substance intended for injection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The energy source is segmented into two distinct components: a combustion-based propellant for initial ejection and an azo compound for secondary ejection. This segmentation, while increasing device complexity, successfully prevents harmful contact between combustion products and the injection solution by using the azo compound decomposition as a barrier and continuation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This configuration ensures the substance is delivered accurately and safely to the target region without exposure to combustion residues, maintaining its quality and achieving consistent ejection pressures for effective delivery.

Implementation Method 1

an ignition portion that combusts ignition charge and discharges combustion products, thereby applying primary ejection energy to the substance intended for injection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

an energy accumulation portion that accumulates energy to be further applied to the substance intended for injection... wherein the energy accumulation portion is configured to release the energy accumulated in the energy accumulation portion by using the combustion product that is discharged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic energy storage and release: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3646909B1injector
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 DAICEL CORP
  • EP3646909B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3646909B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3646909B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An injector according to the present invention includes an encapsulating portion configured to encapsulate a substance intended for injection, a first application portion configured to combust ignition charge and discharge a combustion product thereby applying a primary ejection energy to the substance intended for injection that is encapsulated in the encapsulating portion, an energy accumulation portion configured to accumulate an energy to be further applied to the substance intended for injection, the energy being different from the primary ejection energy applied by the first application portion, and a second application portion configured to release the energy accumulated in the energy accumulation portion by using the discharged combustion product thereby applying, as a secondary ejection energy, the released energy to the substance intended for injection. With this configuration, the substance intended for injection can be caused to suitably reach the target region without affecting the substance intended for injection to be ejected.