Assisted Manual Injector Power Assembly and Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current injection devices are complex and difficult to use, especially for patients with physical or cognitive impairments, and require significant manual dexterity and strength, with challenges in managing injection rate and force, particularly for high viscosity medications and pain mitigation.
Innovation Solution
A power-assisted injection device with a stored energy source and rate control assembly, allowing users to control the injection rate and force, featuring a syringe with a plunger and needle, and a user-actuated brake assembly for reversible resistance, enabling increased or decreased injection rates and pause functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If manual injection is performed, then user control over injection rate is maintained, but insufficient force is available for high viscosity medications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines manual injection mechanisms with power assistance components into a hybrid system. The power assembly includes a drive mechanism that can be activated to provide additional force during injection, while the user retains control through a control assembly that can engage or disengage the power assistance as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection device incorporates dynamic control capabilities where the power assistance level can be adjusted during the injection process. The control assembly allows users to modify the injection rate and power delivery in real-time based on patient response and medication requirements, transitioning between manual and power-assisted modes.
2Productivity
If high injection rate is used, then injection time is reduced, but patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control assembly enables dynamic adjustment of the injection rate during the procedure. Users can start with a lower rate to minimize discomfort, then increase the rate as the injection progresses and tissue adapts, or pause if discomfort arises. This dynamic control allows optimization of both injection efficiency and patient comfort throughout the procedure.
3Force
If power assistance is added, then injection force is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power assembly is designed to be self-contained with integrated power sources (such as batteries or energy storage components) and control circuits that automatically manage power delivery. The control assembly detects user inputs and automatically adjusts power assistance levels, reducing the need for complex external control systems and simplifying the overall device architecture.
4Ease of operation
If manual dexterity is required, then precise control is achieved, but usability is reduced for impaired patients
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces purely mechanical manual control with an integrated system that combines electronic sensors, motorized drive mechanisms, and control circuits. These components work together to provide precise control of injection parameters through electronic feedback and motor control, reducing the physical dexterity requirements while maintaining or improving control precision through electronic regulation.
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
Enables users to perform injections with greater force and control, accommodating varying medication viscosities and pain management, improving user experience and compliance by allowing adjustable injection rates and forces.
Implementation Method 1
The brake assembly may be biased by a brake spring to resist movement of the plunger element
Implementation Method 2
The power assembly may comprise a mechanical spring
Implementation Method 3
The brake cord may comprise a releasable friction fit to reversibly resist movement of the plunger element
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to needle-based injectors that incorporate a power assembly comprising a stored energy source and a rate control assembly. The power assembly may be further configured to allow the injection to be performed with more force than a user may be capable of delivering, while also allowing the user to maintain control of the injection process after the stored energy source has been released and the injection has begun, such the user may increase or decrease the rate of injection, or stop the injection, during the injection process. In various embodiments, the power assembly may comprise spring- or gas-based stored energy sources, and/or may comprise friction- or tension-based rate control assemblies. Described herein are also methods for injecting an agent using embodiments of the devices described here.