Plunger Limiting Mechanism for Injection Training Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices for self-administration of medications, such as injections, can be intimidating and lead to anxiety in users, especially those with little experience, as they lack training and confidence in proper usage and dosage delivery.
Innovation Solution
A training device with a housing and plunger mechanism that simulates the injection process, featuring a plunger limiting mechanism to prevent removal and reset the plunger to a predefined position, mimicking the medicament delivery device's refill line, thereby guiding users on proper operation and reducing anxiety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a training device is provided to help users practice injection techniques, then user confidence and accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for a plunger limiting mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The training device creates a simplified copy of the injection device with a plunger limiting mechanism that replicates the essential function of preventing plunger removal and resetting to the refill line position. This copy allows users to practice without the complexity of actual medication delivery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger limiting mechanism extracts and isolates the critical safety function from the overall injection device system. By separating this specific function into a dedicated mechanism with a limiting member and engagement feature, the design achieves reliability without requiring the entire complex injection system.
2Ease of operation
If a plunger limiting mechanism is added to prevent plunger removal and reset to predefined position, then proper usage guidance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger limiting mechanism performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the plunger at the refill line position through the engagement feature. This preliminary positioning guides users on proper usage without requiring complex controls or instructions, as the mechanism automatically resets to the correct position.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting member acts as an intermediary element between the plunger and the housing. It mediates the plunger's movement by physically preventing removal and providing a mechanical reset point, simplifying the user interface while ensuring proper operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the plunger is designed to be movable proximally and distally within the chamber, then functionality is improved, but reliability decreases due to risk of improper use or removal
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger limiting mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a limiting member that proactively prevents plunger removal before improper use can occur. The engagement feature between the limiting member and plunger creates a mechanical barrier that counteracts any attempt to remove or misuse the plunger.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments including an injection device having a housing with an outer surface, an inner surface, a proximal end and a distal end, and a defining a chamber extending between the proximal end and the distal end are provided herein. The device may include a plunger having a first end and a second end, the plunger being movable proximally and distally within the chamber of the housing, the plunger comprising a plunger rod extending from the first end to the second end of the plunger; and a plunger limiting mechanism configured to interface with the plunger rod, to limit the proximal movement of the plunger and prevent removal of the plunger from the housing.