Medicament Dispensing Device Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medicament dispensing devices lack control over subdermal depth of medicament insertion and the ability to deliver partial doses, which is crucial for effective wound treatment in both emergency and non-emergency conditions.
Innovation Solution
A medicament dispensing device with a rigid carpule body and plunger system, featuring a depth scale for precise insertion, a dosage scale for partial dose delivery, and a plunger extension for manual actuation, allowing for controlled dispensing of medicaments with a protective cover for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a medicament dispensing device is designed for manual use or dispensing gun use, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple actuation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The carpule body is designed with a universal interface that accepts both manual plunger actuation and dispensing gun actuation. The enlarged head at the actuation end provides a receptacle that can receive either a manual plunger extension or a dispensing gun plunger, allowing the same carpule body to function in both manual and automated dispensing systems without requiring separate designs.
2Measurement precision
If depth control features are added to the dispensing device, then medicament delivery precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carpule body includes pre-marked depth indicators (such as colored bands or numerical markings) that are visible before insertion. These indicators show the user the correct insertion depth for different wound types, allowing precise depth control without requiring complex mechanical depth control mechanisms. The depth information is prepared in advance and simply needs to be visually referenced during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth indicators on the carpule body utilize color coding (such as colored bands at different positions along the carpule) to provide quick visual feedback on insertion depth. Different colors correspond to different recommended insertion depths for various wound types, enabling rapid and accurate depth selection without complex measurement devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If partial dose delivery capability is implemented, then treatment versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional dosing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The carpule body includes a plunger stop mechanism that can be positioned at different depths within the carpule bore. By adjusting the plunger stop position, the user can limit the plunger's travel distance, thereby controlling the amount of medicament dispensed. This allows delivery of partial doses (less than the full carpule capacity) without requiring separate dosing devices or complex metering mechanisms.
4Reliability
If the plunger actuator is recessed or configured to avoid accidental actuation, then safety is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger actuator features a specific geometric configuration (such as a flattened surface or groove) that requires a deliberate manual action (like pressing with a finger or inserting a tool) to activate. This localized design feature at the actuator interface provides safety by preventing accidental activation during normal handling, while still allowing intentional actuation when needed. The safety feature is concentrated at the specific interaction point rather than requiring complex locking mechanisms throughout the device.
Data Source
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AI summary
A medicament dispensing device including a substantially rigid carpule body which has a dispensing end and an actuation end opposite the dispensing end. The carpule body is substantially tubular and thus defines a carpule bore. The device further includes a plunger operatively disposed within the carpule bore having a plunger actuator near the actuation end of the carpule body and a plunger tip opposite the plunger actuator. The plunger tip and an orifice at the dispensing end of the carpule bore define a medicament volume which may be loaded with a medicament selected to achieve specific therapeutic goals. The carpule body may also include a wound depth scale. The depth scale is typically associated with the dispensing end of the carpule body. Similarly, the medicament dispensing device may include a dosage scale. Also disclosed are methods of dispensing medicaments.