Needleless Injector Wand Assembly for Confined Space Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing needleless injectors are bulky and not suitable for use in confined areas, such as the mouth during dental procedures, and their large size can be intimidating for patients receiving injections in sensitive areas like the face or neck.

Innovation Solution

A compact needleless injector wand assembly with a tubular design, featuring a removable nozzle holder, a pneumatic control system, and a magnet assembly that allows for efficient and precise liquid delivery through a small orifice, enabling operation in confined spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a traditional pistol-shaped needleless injector is used, then injection function is achieved, but the device is bulky and not suitable for confined areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjector sizeVSAvoidoperability in confined spaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a handheld wand portion and a separate fluid reservoir portion. The wand contains only the essential injection components (nozzle, valve, actuator) while the fluid reservoir is a separate component that can be attached or detached, allowing the operator to use only the compact wand portion in confined spaces like the oral cavity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid reservoir is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the wand rather than perpendicular to it, creating a linear, elongated configuration. This dimensional arrangement reduces the overall footprint and cross-sectional dimensions of the device, making it suitable for use in confined areas while maintaining adequate fluid capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a large pistol-shaped injector is used, then injection capability is provided, but it is intimidating for patients in sensitive areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient intimidationVSAvoidfluid delivery capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the fluid reservoir from the injection wand, the intimidating pistol-shaped bulk is eliminated. The wand portion that contacts the patient is small and minimally invasive, while the larger fluid reservoir remains separate, reducing the psychological impact on patients receiving injections in sensitive areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a compact wand design is used, then operability in confined spaces is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfined space operabilityVSAvoidwand assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are integrated into the wand assembly: the valve mechanism, nozzle, actuator, and fluid delivery pathway are combined in a single compact unit. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components the operator must handle, simplifying operation despite the sophisticated internal design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve actuation mechanism uses a simple push-button actuator that triggers pneumatic or electronic valve operation, replacing complex mechanical linkages. This substitution reduces the mechanical complexity of the wand while maintaining precise control over fluid delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 compact design allows for effective and intimidating-free injections in confined areas, with the ability to deliver precise doses of medication, reducing fluid loss and facilitating easy handling and disposal of nozzles.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet assembly for retaining the piston in a rest position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a trigger connected to a valve for admitting gas under pressure to drive the magnet assembly forwardly against the plunger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2694139B1Needleless injector wand assembly
Publication Date: 2016.05.18 IDEE INT R&D
  • EP2694139B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2694139B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2694139B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A needleless injector syringe includes a tubular barrel containing a first chamber for receiving a liquid, a nozzle on a front end of the barrel, a piston which drives a plunger for discharging the liquid through the nozzle, a second chamber in which the piston slides, a third chamber in fluid communication with the second chamber for receiving gas from said second chamber during forward movement of the piston, and for carrying gas to the second chamber to cause the piston to retract, and a breach plug closing a rear end of the barrel for directing gas under pressure alternately against the rear end of the piston and to the third chamber for driving the piston between the discharge position and a retracted position.