Spring-Loaded Auto-Injector in Phone Case for Anaphylaxis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable injectors used for treating anaphylaxis can be difficult to use due to the need for high force and dexterity, and they are often forgotten or not readily available when needed, leading to potential complications from delayed follow-up treatment.
Innovation Solution
A portable injector device integrated with a mobile phone case that includes a spring-loaded needle and a reservoir for medications like epinephrine or insulin, which can be easily carried and used, with features such as a heat shield for thermal insulation and data communication with the phone to facilitate emergency alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stiff, resistive cover is used to ensure the needle is exposed only with high impact force, then the injection happens extremely fast and reaches full depth instantly, but the user needs high dexterity and strength to operate it, which is difficult when suffering from anaphylaxis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional high-force mechanical impact system with a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically deploys the needle when a button is pressed. The spring stores potential energy and converts it to kinetic energy to propel the needle, eliminating the need for the user to apply high impact force manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded system performs the forceful needle deployment automatically after the user initiates the process by pressing a button. The mechanism serves itself by using the stored spring energy to complete the injection action without requiring the user to continue applying force or demonstrate dexterity during the critical deployment phase.
2Reliability
If a fixed dosage is provided in the injector, then the device is simple and reliable, but the patient may need more medication than available, leading to delayed follow-up treatment and health complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the medication supply into multiple separate cartridges, each containing a fixed dosage. This allows the patient to carry multiple cartridges and receive multiple injections if needed, while each individual cartridge maintains the reliability of fixed dosage delivery. The segmentation enables both the reliability of single-dose precision and the flexibility of carrying multiple doses.
3Ease of operation
If portable injectors are carried infrequently, then they are less obtrusive and more comfortable, but they are easily forgotten and may not be available when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the medical injector with a commonly carried personal item such as a mobile phone case or wallet. This merging allows the injector to be carried continuously without being noticed or felt by the user, maintaining comfort while ensuring constant availability. The injector becomes an integrated part of an item the user already carries daily.
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 easy and reliable self-administration of medication with reduced dexterity requirements and improved accessibility, while also allowing for timely follow-up treatment and emergency notifications.
Implementation Method 1
The needle 2 can be spring-loaded in the case
Implementation Method 2
The phone case can have a heat shield between the mobile phone 4 and the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
An injector device for the percutaneous injection of fluids, such as medications, is disclosed. The device can have a mobile phone case. The mobile phone case can hold an auto-injector cartridge having a trigger, spring-loaded needle and reservoir holding a medication such as epinephrine or insulin. The device mobile phone case can communicate injection data to the phone. The phone can communicate the injection data to an emergency service provider.