Medication Delivery Device with Radial Disposable Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medication delivery devices, such as injector pens, often require complex disassembly and replacement of cartridges, leading to increased waste and complexity in refilling, particularly in reusable devices.

Innovation Solution

A medication delivery device comprising a disposable portion with a syringe and a reusable portion, where the disposable portion is removably positioned within the reusable housing, allowing for easy insertion, deployment, and retraction of the needle, and automatic handling of the spent cartridge for disposal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a reusable medication delivery device uses a traditional cartridge system, then the device can be refilled and reused, but the disassembly and replacement process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereusabilityVSAvoidcartridge replacement simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into reusable and disposable portions, allowing the complex reusable mechanisms to be separated from the consumable cartridge. This segmentation enables simple radial insertion of the disposable portion without requiring complex disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The disposable portion is extracted as a separate, self-contained unit that can be independently inserted and removed. This extraction eliminates the need for complex cartridge replacement procedures while maintaining reusability of the main device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If a disposable medication delivery device is designed with all components integrated, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the entire device must be discarded after use increasing waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice integrationVSAvoidmedical waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into reusable and disposable portions, allowing only the necessary consumable components (syringe, needle, carrier) to be discarded while retaining valuable mechanisms for reuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The disposable portion is designed as a low-cost, single-use unit containing only the essential medication delivery components, enabling easy disposal after use while preserving expensive reusable mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If the disposable portion is inserted radially into the reusable housing, then the insertion process is simplified, but the internal guiding mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion simplicityVSAvoidguiding mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A carrier component serves as an intermediary between the disposable syringe and the reusable housing, facilitating radial insertion while providing the necessary guiding and positioning functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier and guide structures are designed to automatically align and engage the disposable portion during radial insertion, eliminating the need for complex manual positioning or alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If the needle is constantly exposed for easy access, then the device is easier to use, but the risk of accidental injury and contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle accessibilityVSAvoidaccidental injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The needle is nested within the syringe barrel and can be extended or retracted as needed. This nesting provides protection when not in use while maintaining easy accessibility when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The needle position is made dynamic, allowing it to transition between exposed and retracted states. This dynamic positioning enables easy access when needed while providing protection against accidental injury when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20230293818A1Medication delivery device including disposable and reusable portions

Publication Date: 2023.09.21 ELI LILLY & CO

AI summary

A medication delivery device including a disposable portion and a reusable portion. The disposable portion can include a carrier and a syringe coupled with the carrier. The reusable portion can include a housing which includes radial opening that can receive the disposable portion in a radial direction. The reusable portion also includes a shuttle that includes a guide that can receive the carrier of the disposable portion through the radial opening. The reusable portion also includes an actuator assembly coupled with the shuttle that can move the disposable portion through the passageway of the housing between a stowed state in which the needle is concealed within the housing, a deployed state in which the needle extends from the housing to deliver the medication to a patient, and a retracted state in which the needle is retracted into the housing.