Pressure-Responsive Injection Stopper for Electronics Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronically enabled injection devices suffer from idle energy drainage due to false trigger signals, leading to malfunctions, incorrect dosages, and potential unusability, especially when stored for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
The injection device incorporates a stopper that transitions between sizes in response to ambient pressure changes, activating an electromechanical switch to power the electronics assembly, eliminating the need for manual user intervention and preventing idle energy drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electronics assembly is continuously powered to provide sensing and connectivity functions, then the device functionality is improved, but the energy supply life is reduced due to idle drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The injection device is pre-configured with the electronics assembly and energy supply during manufacturing, but the power is kept dormant until activation. The stopper mechanism is pre-positioned to automatically activate power when the device is sealed, eliminating the need for manual user activation and preventing premature energy drainage while maintaining readiness for immediate use.
2Reliability
If the device is sealed under vacuum to prevent contamination, then the sterility is improved, but the ambient pressure change causes false trigger signals that activate the electromechanical switch prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper mechanism incorporates dynamic pressure-responsive properties that allow it to change state based on ambient pressure conditions. During vacuum sealing, the stopper transitions to a first configuration that prevents false activation. When exposed to ambient pressure during use, it transitions to a second configuration that enables proper activation, thus adapting to different environmental conditions without false triggering.
3Loss of energy
If manual user intervention is required to activate the device, then false trigger signals are prevented, but the ease of operation is reduced and user steps are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The injection device incorporates a self-activating mechanism where the stopper automatically triggers the electromechanical switch through its own movement during the sealing process. This self-service activation eliminates the need for separate manual user actions to power the device, reducing the number of user steps while maintaining protection against false triggering through the controlled mechanical coupling.
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
This mechanism ensures rapid activation of the device's energy source during intended use, preventing unnecessary power consumption and ensuring reliable operation without additional user steps, thus maintaining device functionality and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The stopper is configured to transition between the first size and the second size in response to a change in ambient pressure acting on the stopper
Implementation Method 2
The electromechanical switch can include a piezo switch
Data Source
AI summary
An injection device including a stopper and an electromechanical switch. The stopper includes an electronics assembly. The electromechanical switch is operable to be activated to power the electronics assembly. The stopper is configured to transition between a first size and a second size to activate the electromechanical switch.