Portable Auto-Injector with Segmented Dry-Liquid Drug Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto-injectors face challenges with size, consistency in mixing during emergencies, and shelf-life issues, which can lead to ineffective drug delivery due to improper storage and mixing processes.
Innovation Solution
A portable auto-injector design that stores drugs in separate dry and wet states, using a sliding valve and actuation devices to ensure consistent mixing and delivery, with a compact form factor and improved shelf-life through dry storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drugs are stored in mixed state in traditional auto-injectors, then mixing consistency is maintained, but shelf-life is reduced due to drug decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The auto-injector is divided into separate chambers: a first chamber for storing liquid medication and a second chamber for storing dry medication. This segmentation allows each component to be stored in its optimal state (liquid for immediate use, dry for long-term stability) without premature mixing, thereby extending shelf-life while ensuring mixing consistency when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of medication storage by maintaining one component in dry state and another in liquid state separately. This parameter change (from always liquid to separated dry/liquid states) prevents drug decomposition during storage while enabling consistent mixing through controlled reconstitution at the time of use.
2Reliability
If auto-injectors are made larger to include mixing mechanisms, then mixing consistency is improved, but portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: storage of both dry and liquid medications, automated mixing mechanism, and delivery system are combined in one compact auto-injector. This consolidation achieves consistent mixing through integrated mechanisms while maintaining portability by eliminating the need for separate storage containers and manual mixing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The dry medication chamber is nested within or alongside the liquid medication chamber in a compact arrangement. The mixing mechanism is integrated within the chamber structure, and the delivery needle assembly is nested within the housing. This nested configuration minimizes overall device volume while incorporating all necessary components for consistent automated mixing.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If drugs are stored in dry state separately, then shelf-life is extended, but mixing consistency may be compromised during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary preparation by pre-storing both dry and liquid medication components in separate chambers with all mixing mechanisms pre-positioned and pre-charged. When activated, the mixing process begins immediately with controlled transfer of liquid to dry medication, ensuring consistent reconstitution without manual intervention delays that could compromise reliability during emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The auto-injector performs self-mixing through automated mechanisms that control the transfer of liquid medication to the dry medication chamber and initiate dissolution. This self-service mixing eliminates human error in the mixing process, ensuring consistent results even when users are under stress during emergency situations, while maintaining the shelf-life benefits of separate dry storage.
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 solution provides a compact, reliable, and efficient drug delivery system that ensures consistent mixing and extended shelf-life, making it easier for users to carry and use in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding valve located within the housing between the first and second chambers, the sliding valve configured to selectively open or close by aligning or misaligning an outlet of the first chamber with an inlet of the second chamber so as to cause or prevent fluid communication between the outlet of the first chamber and the inlet of the second chamber
Implementation Method 2
an actuation device within the housing that includes a pre-loaded energy source, the actuation device mechanically coupled to the sliding valve and configured to allow the sliding valve to alternate between a closed state and an open state
Implementation Method 3
a first displacement mechanism within the housing configured so as to reduce an effective volume of the first chamber upon actuation, as well as a second displacement mechanism configured to reduce an effective volume of the second chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A portable dual chamber auto-injector configured to store a dry opioid antagonist medicament separately from a liquid component, wherein a user actuated mixing system comprising a movable component to create a fluidic pathway between the first and second chambers and release a portion of energy from a pre-stored energy to drive a displacement mechanism into the first chamber and displace the liquid component into the second chamber and solubilize the opioid antagonist. A needle assembly in fluid communication with the second chamber can be used to transfer the solubilized opioid antagonist.