Bi-directional Lorentz Force Actuator for Needle-Free Injector Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current needle-free injectors lack control over pressure applied during drug delivery, affecting the depth and dispersion of the drug in the tissue, which is crucial for absorption and efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional needle-free injector using a moving coil Lorentz force actuator to control pressure and deliver a time-varying pressure profile, allowing for precise injection and mixing of powdered formulations with a diluent, enabling optimal drug delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a conventional needle-free injector is used, then drug delivery is achieved, but control over pressure applied during delivery is insufficient, affecting drug depth and dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a bi-directional Lorentz force actuator that can dynamically adjust the pressure profile during drug delivery. The actuator moves the plunger forward and backward in a controlled manner, creating a time-varying pressure waveform that optimizes both penetration depth and tissue dispersion, thereby resolving the contradiction between pressure control and delivery precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure parameter from a static or simple pulsing profile to a complex time-varying waveform generated by bi-directional actuation. This parameter change allows precise control over the pressure applied at different stages of injection, improving both the depth and dispersion control of drug delivery
2Stress or pressure
If a moving coil Lorentz force actuator is used for bi-directional actuation, then pressure control is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuators (such as motors or pistons with complex linkages) with a Lorentz force actuator that uses electromagnetic fields to generate motion. This substitution simplifies the mechanical structure while enabling bi-directional actuation and precise pressure control through electrical signal modulation, thereby resolving the contradiction between enhanced pressure control and device complexity
3Speed
If high pressure is applied for rapid drug delivery, then delivery speed is improved, but control over drug dispersion in tissue is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic bi-directional actuation of the plunger, creating a time-varying pressure waveform with multiple phases. The rapid forward stroke delivers the drug at high speed for rapid injection, while the subsequent backward and oscillating strokes create pressure variations that enhance tissue dispersion. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by providing both high delivery speed and controlled dispersion through temporal separation of functions
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 approach provides enhanced control over drug delivery, improving the absorption and efficacy of medications by ensuring precise pressure application and mixing of formulations, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
store energy in electrical form and impose a time varying pressure profile (waveform) on the drug volume through the use of a monitored and servo-controlled electromechanical actuator such as a linear Lorentz force actuator
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and corresponding apparatus for just in time mixing of a solid or powdered formulation and its subsequent delivery to a biological body. In some embodiments, a powdered formulation is maintained in a first chamber of a plurality of chambers. A plurality of electromagnetic actuators are in communication with the plurality of chambers. The actuators, when activated, generate a pressure within at least the first chamber. The pressure results in mixing of the powdered formulation and a diluent in time for delivering into the biological body.