Self-Injection Device Activator Button Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current insulin infusion devices face challenges such as high cost, complexity, discomfort due to needle gauge and length, compatibility issues with delivery materials, and potential malfunction if not properly activated, along with the risk of needle-stick injuries.
Innovation Solution
A patch-like infusion device with a pressurizing system and a safety mechanism that uses microneedles for minimal discomfort, includes an activator button with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental activation, and a safety mechanism to shield needles after use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional infusion pumps are used to provide continuous insulin infusion, then glucose control and patient wellness are improved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable single-use cartridge containing all infusion components (reservoir, needle, tubing), eliminating the need for expensive reusable pumps. The cartridge is pre-filled and pre-assembled, providing continuous infusion at low cost while maintaining reliability through factory-controlled assembly and sterile manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex pump mechanism from the disposable unit, leaving only a simple cartridge that attaches to a reusable external pump. This separation allows the disposable portion to be simple and cheap while the reusable portion handles the complex pressurization and flow control functions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fine-gauge microneedles are used to reduce patient discomfort, then injection comfort is improved, but manufacturing precision and needle penetration control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-assembles the microneedle array in a fixed configuration within the cartridge during manufacturing, with precise positioning relative to the reservoir and sealing surfaces. This preliminary positioning ensures consistent penetration depth and angle during use, eliminating the need for complex real-time control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise microneedle parameters (gauge size, length, angle, spacing) optimized for minimal discomfort while maintaining reliable skin penetration. The needle array geometry and pressing force parameters are carefully controlled during manufacturing to ensure consistent performance without requiring complex active control systems.
3Ease of operation
If the device is designed for simple activation to improve ease of use, then patient convenience is improved, but accidental activation or improper use may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pre-activation safety seal or cover that must be removed or broken before the device can be activated. This preliminary protective action prevents accidental activation during storage or handling while maintaining simple activation procedure for the intended use. The seal may include a breakable barrier or interlock mechanism that releases only when properly removed.
4Device complexity
If the device uses integrated pressurization to reduce component count, then device complexity is reduced, but compatibility issues between pressurization system and delivered substance may arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects pressurization parameters (pressure range, pressure application rate, material composition) that are compatible with insulin and similar pharmaceutical substances. The pressurization membrane or spring material is chosen to be chemically inert and non-reactive with the delivered substance, preventing contamination or degradation while maintaining simple integrated design.
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 device provides a convenient, low-cost, and safe method for insulin delivery with minimal discomfort and reduced risk of needle-stick injuries, while ensuring proper activation and safe needle disposal.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurizing system for pressurizing the reservoir when the device is activated
Data Source
AI summary
A device (100) for delivering a medicament into a patient's body by injection into or through the patient's skin, including: a main body having a bottom enclosure (104) that has a top surface including a button guide latch (268); a reservoir (160) disposed within the main body for containing the medicament; an injection needle (152) for penetrating the skin of the patient, the needle (152) having a lumen and communicating with the reservoir (160) when the device (100) is activated; a pressurizing system (140, 144) for pressurizing the reservoir (160) when the device (100) is activated; and an activator button (128) movably disposed on the main body and movable from a pre-activated position to an activated position. The activator button (128) includes an activation arm (228). When the activator button (128) moves from the pre-activated position to the activated position, an end of the activation arm (228) engages with the button guide latch (268) and prevents return movement of the activator button (128).