Medication Delivery Operation Aid Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medication delivery devices, particularly pen-type auto injectors, are difficult to operate, especially for impaired users, as they require a specific force and are not ergonomically designed for physiological handling when administering medication to others.
Innovation Solution
A medication delivery system with an operation aid that provides a mechanical advantage, allowing users to operate the device with less force and in a more ergonomic manner, featuring an actuation element that can be operated by the index finger, thumb, or multiple fingers, and is attachable to the device to facilitate medication delivery from a different direction than the original actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a button actuator is used at the end of the device, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates for impaired users and when administering to others
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an operation aid as an intermediary device between the user and the medication delivery device. This aid includes a lever mechanism with a fulcrum that mediates the user's input force, transforming it into sufficient actuation force on the device button, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The operation aid extends the interaction from a one-dimensional button press to a two-dimensional lever motion. By introducing a lever arm that rotates around a fulcrum, the system transforms linear finger motion into amplified linear actuator motion, improving ease of operation without significantly increasing device complexity
2Ease of operation
If a button requires a certain force to be pressed, then the actuator can be compact, but the ease of operation deteriorates for users with impaired strength
Solution Approach 1:
The operation aid segments the force application into two stages: the user applies a small force to the lever arm, and the lever mechanism segments this force through its mechanical advantage to produce a larger force at the button actuator, making operation feasible for users with impaired strength
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing the lever arm dimension, the system allows users to apply force at a greater distance from the fulcrum, effectively reducing the required input force while maintaining the necessary output force at the actuator, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and force requirements
3Ease of operation
If the actuator is operated along the longitudinal axis, then the device structure is straightforward, but the ease of operation deteriorates when administering medication to another person
Solution Approach 1:
The operation aid allows actuation from a lateral direction perpendicular to the device's longitudinal axis. The lever mechanism transforms this lateral motion into axial button press motion, enabling ergonomic operation when administering medication to others without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to approach the device from the conventional end-on position, the operation aid inverts the interaction geometry by allowing lateral approach and actuation. This inversion makes the device easier to operate when administering medication to another person
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 operation aid simplifies the handling of medication delivery devices, reduces the force required for operation, and allows for one-handed use, enhancing usability for both able-bodied and impaired users by providing a mechanical advantage and improving haptic properties.
Implementation Method 1
the operation aid is configured to alleviate the operation of an actuator of the medication delivery device... The operation aid comprises an actuation element... configured to be operated by a user. The operation of the actuation element may cause a delivery of a medication
Implementation Method 2
The auto injector may be spring-loaded. In particular, the force required for delivering a medication may be provided by a spring
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an operation aid (1) for a medication delivery device (2), which is configured to alleviate the operation of an actuator (4) of the medication delivery device (2). Furthermore, a system comprising a medication delivery device (2) and an operation aid (1) is disclosed.