Prefilled Wearable Injector Layout for Compact Multi-Dose Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drug delivery systems, both handheld auto-injectors and wearable devices, face challenges in delivering drugs over extended periods and are often bulky, cumbersome, and require complex handling, making them inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A wearable drug delivery device with a prefilled cartridge that includes a drive system for controlled drug delivery, allowing single or multiple doses over time, and a compact design for user comfort, featuring mechanical and electromechanical components for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a prefilled cartridge is used to eliminate drug transfer, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and size increase due to the included cartridge
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is integrated within the wearable device housing, with the cartridge body nested inside the device casing. The plunger rod passes through the cartridge assembly, and the drive mechanism is housed within the same structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall device size while maintaining prefilled cartridge functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the cartridge, plunger mechanism, and drive system into a single integrated wearable device. The cartridge stop engages with the drive mechanism, and the needle assembly is coupled to the plunger rod, merging multiple functional components into one unified structure that eliminates separate drug transfer steps
2Ease of operation
If a prefilled cartridge is used to eliminate drug transfer, then ease of operation is improved, but the device becomes bulky and cumbersome affecting patient comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is positioned within the device housing such that it occupies internal space efficiently. The plunger rod passes through the cartridge, and the drive mechanism is arranged around the cartridge assembly, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes the device footprint and weight while maintaining prefilled cartridge functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes vertical stacking of components along the length of the cartridge, with the needle assembly extending from one end and the drive mechanism positioned at the other end. This dimensional arrangement allows the cartridge to be the central structural element, reducing the need for lateral expansion and minimizing overall device bulk
3Volume of moving object
If conventional wearable systems require drug transfer from vial to container, then device size can be reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is pre-filled with the drug solution before being inserted into the wearable device. The plunger rod is pre-positioned to engage with the cartridge stop, and the needle assembly is pre-sterilized and attached. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex drug transfer operations during patient use, maintaining compact device size while significantly improving ease of operation
Data Source
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AI summary
A wearable drug delivery device that can deliver a liquid drug stored in a container to a patient is provided. The container can be a prefilled cartridge that can be loaded into the drug delivery device by the patient or that can be preloaded within the drug delivery device when provided to the patient. A sealed end of the container is pierced to couple the stored liquid drug to a needle conduit that is coupled to a needle insertion component that provides access to the patient. A drive system of the drug delivery device can expel the liquid drug from the cartridge to the patient through the needle conduit. The drive system can be controlled to provide the liquid drug to the patient in a single dose or over multiple doses.