Medicament Delivery Device Using Propellant Phase Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medicament delivery devices are often cumbersome, require electrical power, or inhibit patient mobility due to their size and design, making it difficult for patients to engage in normal activities during infusion.
Innovation Solution
A medicament delivery device comprising a first and second container with axially movable stoppers connected by a tensile member, where the forward movement of the first stopper tensions the tensile member to drive the second stopper, utilizing a viscous fluid and propellant to control the delivery rate without the need for electrical power, allowing for a compact and wearable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional infusion devices are used to deliver medicament over long periods, then controlled medicament delivery is achieved, but the devices are large and cumbersome, inhibiting patient mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate containers: a first container for holding medicament and a second container for holding propellant. This segmentation allows each container to be optimized for its specific function and reduces the overall device volume compared to a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the power source function by using a separate propellant container that provides mechanical force through phase change, eliminating the need for electrical power sources and associated bulky components.
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional infusion devices are used for prolonged delivery, then medicament is delivered over time, but electrical power sources are required, increasing device complexity and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces electrical power systems with a mechanical system using propellant phase change (liquid to gas) to generate the force needed for stopper movement and medicament delivery over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The propellant undergoes phase transition from liquid to gas, generating mechanical force that drives the second stopper and, through the tensile member, the first stopper, enabling prolonged medicament delivery without electrical power.
3Weight of moving object
If a tensile member is used to connect the first stopper to the second stopper, then the device can be made lightweight, but the tensile member must withstand tension forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the connection by using a tensile member that is optimized for tension-only loading, allowing the use of lighter materials compared to members that must withstand compression and tension. The design accepts that the tensile member will be tensioned during 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 device provides a controllable and reliable medicament delivery over time without electrical power, maintaining patient mobility and minimizing disruption, with the use of a propellant ensuring consistent force and reducing the device's size and weight.
Implementation Method 1
The second chamber is configured to receive a propellant for providing a vapour pressure to the second chamber and driving the first stopper axially forwards
Implementation Method 2
the third chamber contains a viscous fluid that enters the venting chamber via the vent outlet as the second stopper moves axially forwards
Implementation Method 3
the first stopper is connected to the second stopper by a tensile member such that axially forwardly movement of the first stopper causes axially forwardly movement of the second stopper due to tensioning of the tensile member
Data Source
AI summary
A medicament delivery device including a first container having a delivery outlet at a front end thereof and a first stopper axially moveable in the first container, the first stopper defining and separating a first chamber and a second chamber in the first container, where the first chamber is axially forwards of the first stopper and the second chamber is axially rearwards of the first stopper. The medicament delivery device further includes a second container having a second stopper axially moveable in the second container, the second stopper defining and separating a third chamber and a fourth chamber in the second container, where the third chamber is axially forwards of the second stopper and the fourth chamber is axially rearwards of the second stopper, and where the third chamber has a vent outlet in fluid communication with a venting chamber.