Multichamber Autoinjector Bypass for Mixing or Sequential Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autoinjectors fail to effectively mix or sequentially administer multiple medications before use, leading to potential degradation of mixed formulations and suboptimal therapy delivery.
Innovation Solution
A multichamber syringe with separate chambers for each medication, connected by a bypass, allows for either simultaneous mixing or sequential administration by controlling the axial position of the bypass and using plungers to discharge the medications through a shared injection needle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If medications are stored separately in multichamber syringes, then shelf life is prolonged, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The product container is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber, second chamber) that are separated by a plunger. Each chamber can store different medications independently, preventing premature mixing and extending shelf life. The bypass connects the chambers but remains closed during storage, maintaining separation while enabling controlled mixing or sequential administration when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass is integrated within the syringe body structure, nested between the chambers and the outer housing. This allows the bypass to be part of the overall device without significantly increasing external dimensions or apparent complexity, while still providing the functional capability for controlled medication mixing or sequential delivery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bypass is added to enable mixing, then medication versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass serves multiple functions: it enables mixing of medications from different chambers when both chambers are filled, allows sequential administration when only one chamber is filled, and can be configured in different axial positions to provide different administration modes. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single structural element integrated into the syringe body.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass configuration (axial position, length) can be designed to dynamically adapt to different usage scenarios. By adjusting the bypass position relative to the chambers, the device can be configured for either simultaneous mixing or sequential administration, providing versatility without requiring multiple different device designs.
3Measurement precision
If sequential administration is enabled, then therapy precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass is pre-configured in a specific axial position within the syringe body during manufacturing. This preliminary configuration determines whether the device will enable mixing or sequential administration, eliminating the need for user adjustment or complex control mechanisms. The plunger position and bypass geometry are designed to automatically achieve the desired administration mode.
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
Ensures prolonged shelf life of medications by separate storage and enables precise administration of mixed or sequential drug delivery, enhancing therapy efficacy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring (9) which acts on the drive element (5) such as, for example, bracing in particular with its distal end against the drive element (5)
Data Source
AI summary
An autoinjector for discharging one or more liquid products includes: a housing containing a multichamber product container, which includes a syringe body and an injection needle rigidly arranged at the distal end of the syringe body. The syringe body includes a first chamber for a first liquid product, a second chamber for a second liquid product, and a bypass for fluidically connecting the first chamber and second chamber. The bypass is formed in or on the syringe body in the form of a curved section protruding radially outwards, and two plungers are arranged in the syringe body in an axially movable manner.