Automatic Injection Device with Retractable Needle and Spring Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic injection devices are difficult for patients, especially those with needle phobia, to use safely and accurately, as they require manual dexterity and expose the needle, leading to anxiety and contamination risks, and are not suitable for chronic autoimmune disease management.
Innovation Solution
An automatic injection device with a retractable needle and a mechanism that allows for subcutaneous injection of TNFα inhibitors, featuring a window for viewing the medication level, an indicator for injection completion, and a training device for user education, designed to reduce anxiety and improve usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the needle is exposed before injection, then the liquid medication can be injected without dripping, but the patient experiences anxiety and apprehension
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary actions in a specific sequence: first the needle is automatically inserted into the skin, then the plunger is actuated to deliver the medication. This preliminary positioning of the needle before medication delivery ensures accurate injection while the automated process reduces patient anxiety by eliminating manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed for self-administration by patients without requiring manual dexterity or training. The automated mechanism performs the injection task itself, allowing patients to self-service their medication delivery while minimizing the harmful effect of needle exposure through the automated, controlled process.
2Device complexity
If manual dexterity is required for injection, then the device can be simple, but patients with chronic autoimmune diseases and physical disabilities cannot use it
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be self-operating with minimal patient intervention. Patients simply attach the cartridge and activate the device, which then automatically performs needle insertion and medication delivery. This self-service design enables patients with chronic autoimmune diseases and physical disabilities to use the device without requiring manual dexterity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces complex manual mechanical manipulation with an automated mechanical system. The spring-loaded plunger and automated needle mechanism substitute for the manual dexterity that would be required in simpler devices, making the system easier to operate for patients with physical limitations.
3Ease of operation
If the needle is exposed, then injection can be performed, but the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary sterilization of the needle through autoclaving before use. The needle is sterilized in advance and maintained in a sterile state until injection, reducing contamination risk while still enabling injection capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device extracts the needle from the sterile field only at the moment of injection. The needle remains enclosed in the sealed cartridge during storage and handling, and is only exposed when automatically inserted into the patient, minimizing the time the needle is exposed to contamination while maintaining injection capability.
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
Enhances patient safety and adherence to biologic therapy regimens by simplifying the injection process, reducing anxiety, and ensuring accurate dosing and safety from needle exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a spring for propelling the plunger forward
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating a disorder using an automatic injection device is disclosed. The device includes a syringe movably disposed in a housing and including a barrel portion, a needle and a bung for sealing the barrel portion. The device includes a syringe actuation component for moving the syringe towards a first open end of the housing such that the needle projects from the first end, and for subsequently applying pressure to the bung. The syringe actuation component includes a pressurizer, a rod comprising a compressible portion projecting therefrom, and a flange between a second end of the rod and the compressible portion. The device also includes a biasing mechanism for biasing the syringe actuation component towards the first open end of the housing, the biasing mechanism disposed about the second end of the rod between the flange and a second end of the housing.