Capacitive Skin-Sensing Injection Device for Safe Needle Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Injection devices lack adequate safety features to prevent accidental medication expulsion and user injury, particularly when incorrectly placed on hard surfaces or when handling the device.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a capacitive proximity sensor that detects human skin proximity and prevents needle deployment unless the device is properly placed on a large, naked body area, combined with a mechanism to retract the needle for safe handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a needle is provided in an injection device for medication delivery, then medication injection function is achieved, but risk of accidental needle deployment and user injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary detection of skin contact before enabling needle deployment. The capacitive sensor detects skin proximity in advance, and the control unit prevents needle movement until proper skin contact is confirmed, eliminating the hazard before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor provides continuous feedback about skin contact status to the control unit. The system monitors the capacitive signal and dynamically controls needle deployment based on real-time detection, ensuring the needle only moves when proper skin contact is detected.
2Ease of operation
If the needle can be moved to an operating position for injection, then medication delivery is enabled, but risk of accidental medication expulsion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary verification of skin contact through the capacitive sensor before allowing the needle to move to the operating position. This preliminary check ensures the device is properly placed on skin, preventing accidental medication expulsion later.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor provides feedback about skin contact status that the control unit uses to control needle movement. The system only permits needle deployment when the feedback indicates proper skin contact, preventing accidental medication expulsion.
3Ease of operation
If the device allows free handling and needle movement, then ease of use is improved, but safety risks from incorrect placement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor provides feedback about contact status that helps ensure correct placement. The sensor detects skin proximity and provides signals to the control unit, which can indicate proper placement to the user, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining ease of handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-verification of correct placement through the capacitive sensor. The sensor automatically detects whether the device is on skin or a hard surface and the control unit adjusts operation accordingly, eliminating the need for manual verification by the user.
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 user safety by ensuring accurate placement on skin before injection and preventing needle deployment on hard surfaces, reducing risks of accidental medication expulsion and user injury.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive proximity sensor for detecting proximity or contact of human skin to/with said surface
Data Source
AI summary
An injection device for injecting medication to a patient, comprising a surface (5) having a through hole (3) for passage of a needle, is characterised by further comprising a capacitive proximity sensor (12, 13, 30) for detecting proximity or contact of human skin to/with said surface (5).