Single-Use Autoinjector Cassette for Force Control and Needle Concealment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autoinjectors struggle with automating the precise control of sequential forces required for needle insertion, medicament injection, and needle withdrawal, while also concealing the needle from user view and addressing user aversions and health safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A single-use cassette for an autoinjector featuring a housing, inner sleeve, lock cap, and shield remover, which includes an elastomeric bumper and spring-biased tab for securing and concealing the syringe needle, and a shield remover mechanism for automated needle protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If springs are used to generate forces on the syringe for automated injection, then automation is achieved, but the magnitude and direction of spring force cannot be variable, making it difficult to control different tasks (needle insertion, medicament injection, needle withdrawal)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a motorized drive system instead of springs, enabling dynamic and programmable control of forces throughout the injection cycle. The motor can be programmed to apply different magnitudes and directions of force at different stages (needle insertion, medicament injection, needle withdrawal), making the system adaptable to various medications and injection requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional spring-based mechanical system with an electric motorized drive system. This substitution allows for precise control of forces through electronic programming rather than mechanical spring characteristics, enabling variable force application for different injection tasks and medications.
2Ease of operation
If the needle is exposed for automated injection, then injection function is achieved, but user aversion and health safety issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the syringe containing the needle is housed within a protective outer casing. The needle remains concealed within the syringe barrel, which itself is contained within the autoinjector device. This nested arrangement allows the needle to be accessible for injection while remaining hidden from the user's view, eliminating user aversion while maintaining injection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary protective casing that acts as a mediator between the exposed needle and the user. This outer shell conceals the needle while still allowing the injection process to occur through controlled mechanisms, thereby protecting the user from direct exposure to the needle while maintaining the necessary injection function.
3Ease of operation
If pre-filled syringes are used, then ease of operation and economic manufacturing are achieved, but needle exposure and user fear remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pre-filled syringe with a protective outer casing and automated injection mechanism. This combination maintains the simplicity of using pre-filled syringes while adding a protective shell that conceals the needle. The integrated design allows the syringe to be easily operated while the needle remains hidden, eliminating the harmful effect of needle exposure while preserving ease of operation.
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 cassette enables automated and user-friendly injection processes, concealing the needle before, during, and after use, and ensures precise control of forces for different medications with varying viscosities, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the lock cap comprises an elastomeric bumper that is capable of contact with the distal end of the syringe
Implementation Method 2
a shield remover mechanism for automated needle protection
Data Source
AI summary
An autoinjector apparatus is disclosed which comprises a single-use cassette and an autoinjector. The cassette comprises a housing and a sleeve movably disposed in the housing. A syringe may be disposed in the sleeve and secured therein with a lock cap. The lock cap is affixed to a distal end of the sleeve and contacts the distal end of the syringe. A shield remover extends through an opening in a proximal end of the housing for removing a needle shield which covers a needle of the syringe. A cassette identification arrangement is provided on a surface of the housing to enable the autoinjector to identify the cassette. The autoinjector is provided with a detector for reading the cassette identification arrangement.