Single-Needle Injection Unit for Sequential Multi-Medicament Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injector devices for livestock animals face issues such as operator fatigue, malfunctions, multiple needle requirements, and difficulty in monitoring injection status, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs in administering multiple medicaments.
Innovation Solution
An injection apparatus with a single needle and multiple containers, capable of administering different medicaments sequentially at discrete injection sites, featuring a flexible connecting tube, automatic medicament delivery upon needle insertion, and a control panel for real-time monitoring and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple needles are used to administer multiple medicaments simultaneously, then the administration efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and physical limitations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the administration process into sequential steps rather than simultaneous delivery. The single needle is used in sequence for different medicaments, dividing the complex multi-medicament task into manageable sequential actions that simplify the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs periodic action by administering medicaments in alternating sequences through the same needle. The controller systematically switches between different medicament containers in a periodic manner, achieving efficient multi-medicament delivery without requiring multiple needles simultaneously present.
2Device complexity
If a single needle is used for multiple medicaments, then the device complexity is reduced, but the time required for administration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple medicament containers and pre-programming the administration sequence in the controller. This preparation is done before the actual injection process, allowing the sequential delivery through a single needle to proceed efficiently without delays for setup or decision-making during administration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring seamless transitions between different medicaments. The controller continuously manages the switching between containers and maintains the injection flow without interruption, making the sequential process through a single needle as efficient as possible.
3Device complexity
If manual actuation is used for injection, then the device simplicity is improved, but operator fatigue and malfunctions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-service by automatically controlling the administration process through its integrated controller. The system autonomously manages medicament selection, dosing, and needle control without requiring manual actuation, thereby eliminating operator fatigue and reducing human error while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors and controllers that monitor the injection process in real-time. This feedback system tracks needle position, medicament delivery status, and injection parameters, automatically adjusting operations to ensure accurate dosing and prevent malfunctions, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex manual intervention.
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 apparatus reduces operator fatigue and malfunctions, ensures accurate dosing, and allows for efficient administration of multiple medicaments without mixing, thereby improving livestock treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The base unit includes a pump configured to deliver a predetermined amount of each medicament to the needle
Implementation Method 2
The at least one connecting tube can be flexible enough to enable easy maneuvering of the hand-held unit and rigid enough to prevent widening of the tube due to inner pressure when medicaments pass from the containers to the hand-held unit
Data Source
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AI summary
An injection apparatus for sequentially injecting a patient with at least two medicaments may include a hand-held unit comprising a grip for being held by an operator, a single needle, a base unit coupled to the hand-held unit via at least one connecting tube, at least two containers for holding medicaments removably coupled to the base unit, and at least one pump. The at least one connecting tube can be flexible enough to enable easy maneuvering of the hand-held unit and rigid enough to prevent widening of the tube due to inner pressure when medicaments pass from the containers to the hand-held unit. The injection apparatus can be used to administer the at least two medicaments sequentially at different injection points.