Mechanical Auto-Injector with Escapement and Dual Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-use auto-injectors face challenges such as environmental disposal issues due to battery operation, risk of needle breakage or contamination, and user discomfort leading to incorrect handling.
Innovation Solution
A single-use auto-injector design featuring a housing with a dosing unit that includes a needle, drug container, plunger, and mechanical power supplies for controlled drug delivery. The auto-injector transitions through states for needle protection and safe disposal, utilizing a second mechanical power supply to shield the needle after use and allow disposal in a conventional trash bin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an electrical motor powered by batteries is used to drive the auto-injector, then the drug delivery can be automated and controlled, but the device cannot be disposed of in a conventional trash bin due to environmental concerns with batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery and electrical motor from the auto-injector design, extracting the harmful component that prevents proper disposal. The device is redesigned to use purely mechanical operation, allowing it to be disposed of in conventional trash bins while maintaining automated drug delivery functionality through mechanical actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical motor system with a mechanical actuation system. A spring-loaded plunger mechanism provides the necessary force for automated drug delivery, substituting electrical components with mechanical ones that are environmentally compatible and can be disposed of conventionally.
2Ease of operation
If the needle is exposed for easy access and administration, then drug delivery is simplified, but the needle is at risk of damage or contamination before use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested protection system where the needle is housed within a protective sheath or cap that is integrated into the device structure. The needle can be accessed when needed while remaining protected within the nested structure during storage and handling, preventing damage and contamination while maintaining ease of access for administration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary protective action by providing a pre-attached needle cover or shield that protects the needle before use. The protective mechanism is pre-positioned and can be easily removed or retracted when the needle needs to be accessed, ensuring the needle remains intact and uncontaminated until the moment of administration.
3Ease of operation
If the needle remains exposed after use for easy handling, then the device is simple to manage, but unintended needle sticks can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic needle protection system where the needle shield automatically transitions between retracted and extended positions. After drug delivery, the shield dynamically extends to cover the needle, providing automatic protection without requiring manual intervention. This dynamic mechanism maintains ease of handling while preventing unintended needle sticks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a self-activating needle protection mechanism that automatically engages after use. The shield is designed to self-close or self-extend following drug delivery, utilizing the device's own mechanical energy or spring-loaded mechanisms to provide protection without requiring user action, thereby preventing unintended needle sticks while maintaining simple operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If mechanical force is applied to move the plunger for drug delivery, then the device can operate without batteries, but the movement must be precisely controlled to avoid breaking the container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a cushioning or damping mechanism in the plunger drive system that is pre-configured to control the mechanical force applied to the container. This cushioning element absorbs excess energy and prevents sudden impacts that could break the container, allowing safe mechanical operation without batteries while maintaining container integrity through built-in force management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the mechanical parameters of the plunger drive system, such as spring constant, force distribution, or movement speed, to ensure controlled and gradual application of force. By adjusting these parameters, the device achieves safe mechanical operation that prevents container breakage while maintaining environmental compatibility through battery-free operation.
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 provides safe and efficient drug delivery with reduced risk of needle exposure, minimizes noise and tactile movements during use, and allows for environmentally friendly disposal without batteries, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a first mechanical power supply for supplying a first mechanical force for moving the plunger via a shaft to deliver a drug to the human body
Implementation Method 2
a second mechanical power supply for supplying a second mechanical force, the auto-injector having: a first state in which the needle is protected from needle damage or contamination, a second state in which the needle is ready to penetrate the human body for dosing the drug, a third state in which the needle has penetrated the human body and is ready to dose, and a fourth state in which the needle is shielded to avoid unintended needle sticks, wherein the second mechanical power supply is configured to shift state of the auto-injector from the third state to the fourth state by releasing the second mechanical power
Implementation Method 3
a mechanical escapement mechanism for controlling the movement of the plunger via the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A single-use auto-injector includes a housing and a dosing unit in at least part of the housing. The dosing unit includes a needle, a drug container with drug, a piston movable in the container, a first mechanical power supply for moving the piston to deliver the drug, an activation mechanism, and a mechanical escapement mechanism for controlling the movement of the piston. The auto-injector has a first state in which the needle is protected from needle damage or contamination, a second state in which the needle is ready to penetrate a human body, a third state in which the needle has penetrated the human body and is ready to dose, and a fourth state in which the needle is shielded to avoid unintended needle sticks. A second mechanical power supply is configured to shift state of the auto-injector from the third state to the fourth state.