Self-IV Injection Device with Optical Vein Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IV medication administration requires trained healthcare professionals, leading to increased costs and inconvenience for patients and the healthcare system, and existing automated systems face issues with vein detection reliability, expense, and user intimidation.
Innovation Solution
A self-IV injection device equipped with optical sensors, a drive mechanism, and a processor that detects marks on the user's arm to determine a suitable IV injection spot and penetrate the vein, allowing for automated and user-friendly intravenous medication administration without the need for a trained professional.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a trained nurse or healthcare professional performs IV administration, then the reliability and safety of vein detection and injection are improved, but the cost and inconvenience for patients increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-IV injection device that enables patients to perform intravenous injections independently without requiring trained healthcare professionals. The device includes automated components such as a drive mechanism for needle insertion, an optical sensor for vein detection, and a processor for controlling the injection process, allowing patients to administer medications themselves at home
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical skill of healthcare professionals with an automated mechanical system. The drive mechanism automatically positions and inserts the needle, the optical sensor automatically detects veins, and the processor automatically controls the injection parameters, substituting human expertise with automated technological systems
2Extent of automation
If fully automated IV injection systems are used, then the need for trained professionals is eliminated, but the reliability of vein detection and user acceptance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary between the automated system and the vein detection task. The sensor detects vein locations by measuring optical properties of the skin, providing reliable automated detection without requiring direct human visual inspection or manual palpation
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms where the optical sensor continuously monitors vein location and the processor adjusts injection parameters based on detected conditions. The system provides real-time feedback on injection progress and can alert users to potential issues, ensuring reliable operation throughout the injection process
3Extent of automation
If fully automated IV injection systems are used, then the need for trained professionals is eliminated, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the IV injection system into separate functional modules: a drive mechanism for needle insertion, an optical sensor for vein detection, a processor for control, and a medicament reservoir. This segmentation allows for targeted manufacturing of individual components and potential reuse of standard parts across different device iterations, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost
4Extent of automation
If fully automated IV injection systems are used, then the need for trained professionals is eliminated, but user compliance deteriorates due to intimidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an optical sensor to create an optical copy or image of the vein structure beneath the skin. This allows the processor to analyze vein characteristics and determine the optimal injection point without requiring the user to manually locate or assess the vein, simplifying the user interface and reducing intimidation
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
Enables patients to administer IV medications safely and efficiently at home, reducing healthcare costs and improving accessibility while minimizing the risk of user intimidation and vein detection errors.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, using the optical sensor, positions of marks placed on the user's arm
Data Source
AI summary
A self-IV injection device is provided. The self-IV device comprises fixing means to fix the device with respect to an arm of a user, an optical sensor, an IV needle, a drive, and a processor. The self-IV injection device is configured to detect, using the optical sensor, positions of marks placed on the arm of the user, and based on the detected positions of marks placed on the arm of the user, determine, using the processor, a suitable IV injection spot. The self-IV injection device also moves the IV needle, using the drive, to the determined suitable IV injection spot such that the IV needle penetrates a vein of the user.