Microneedle Autoinjector With Transverse Jaws for Viscous Intradermal Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subcutaneous autoinjectors face challenges in delivering biologics and vaccines due to high viscosity, requiring long injection times and causing discomfort, while intradermal delivery is difficult for self-administration, especially for individuals with reduced dexterity or physical impairments.
Innovation Solution
An automated injection system with a pair of jaws and hollow microneedles that are displaced transversely for intradermal delivery, using a spring-biased plunger to inject medicament through microneedles, allowing single-handed operation and rapid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a single needle is used for subcutaneous injection with spring propulsion, then the injection can be automated, but the injection time is prolonged and patient comfort deteriorates due to high viscosity medicaments
Solution Approach 1:
The injection head is divided into a pair of jaws that can move relative to each other, with multiple hollow microneedles on each jaw. This segmentation allows simultaneous injection through multiple needles, significantly reducing injection time while maintaining automation. The jaws can be displaced transversely to insert multiple needles into the skin at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single vertical needle approach to a multi-dimensional array of microneedles on opposing jaws. The jaws displace transversely (laterally) to insert needles, adding a horizontal dimension to the injection process. This dimensional change enables parallel injection through multiple needles, reducing overall injection time.
2Extent of automation
If spring propulsion is used to propel the needle through the skin, then injection can be achieved, but patient comfort worsens due to pain and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The injection force is distributed across multiple hollow microneedles arranged on two opposing jaws rather than concentrated in a single needle. This segmentation of the injection function reduces the force required per needle and distributes the sensory impact across multiple small points, reducing pain and discomfort while maintaining automated injection capability.
3Quantity of substance
If a single needle is used for intradermal delivery, then the procedure offers dose-sparing efficiency, but the operation becomes difficult for self-injection especially for individuals with reduced dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed as an automated injection system where the actuator assembly automatically positions and inserts the microneedles without requiring manual dexterity. The user simply activates the device, and the mechanical system handles the precise intradermal placement, making self-injection accessible to individuals with reduced dexterity while maintaining dose efficiency through controlled delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly uses spring propulsion to rapidly insert the microneedles into the skin, accelerating the injection process. This mechanical acceleration eliminates the need for slow manual insertion, enabling quick and easy self-administration while maintaining precise intradermal delivery for dose efficiency.
4Productivity
If injection pressure is increased to deliver viscous biologics, then delivery speed improves, but device complexity and patient comfort worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The total volume of viscous biologic is distributed across multiple hollow microneedles simultaneously. This segmentation allows the viscous medicament to be delivered through multiple smaller channels in parallel, maintaining delivery speed without requiring excessive pressure that would complicate the device design or compromise patient comfort.
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
Enables reliable, self-administered, and repeatable intradermal injection of viscous medicaments with reduced pressure, suitable for various patient types, including those with dexterity issues.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biased plunger in operative association with the piston
Implementation Method 2
a dispenser operable to pressurise the fluid in the reservoir in response to the relative longitudinal displacement between the housing and the actuator assembly in order to dispense the liquid from the one or more hollow microneedles
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an automated injection system for transdermal or intradermal delivery of a medicament or the like which provides a robust yet greatly simplified means of operation, the system including an elongate housing forming a handle at one end of which is located an array of 5 microneedles, the injection system further comprising an internal reservoir of the medicament to be injected through the microneedles, and an actuator assembly contained within the housing which is arranged to allow the injection system to be operated by way of a simple one handed grip and press action by the user to both insert the microneedles into the skin and automatically inject the medicament.