Injection Syringe Feedback Indicators for Full-Dose Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Administering injections with manual devices can result in underdosing due to user error, as the user may stop pressing the actuation head before the full dose is delivered, and safety mechanisms may not activate if the user perceives the process as complete based on increased force at the end of the stroke.
Innovation Solution
A drug delivery device with a support sheath and actuation head featuring visible, audible, and tactile feedback indicators, such as colored and tactile markings, and positive locking elements, to ensure the user knows when the full dose has been delivered, allowing safe needle retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the user presses the actuation head continuously during injection, then the drug delivery process can be completed, but the user may stop pressing prematurely due to increased force at the end of stroke, resulting in underdosing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback through indicators on the actuation head that change appearance (e.g., from transparent to opaque, or color changes) when the piston rod reaches its terminal position. This feedback mechanism informs the user when the full dose has been delivered, preventing premature cessation of pressing while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive visual cues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color-changing indicators on the actuation head that transition from one color state to another when the piston rod achieves its terminal position. This color change provides clear visual feedback to the user about the completion status of drug delivery, ensuring accurate dosing without complicating the user interface.
2Reliability
If the trigger force is increased to ensure complete dose delivery, then the safety of needle coverage is improved, but the user may perceive the increased force as completion signal and stop pressing, preventing safety mechanisms from activating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides separate visual feedback indicators that independently signal when the piston rod has reached its terminal position and when the needle is covered by the inner sheath. This feedback system ensures users receive clear information about both delivery completion and safety mechanism activation, preventing confusion between the two states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the feedback system into separate indicators: one that signals piston rod terminal position and another that signals needle coverage status. This segmentation allows each indicator to perform its specific function clearly without interfering with the other, providing comprehensive feedback about different stages of the injection process.
3Loss of information
If visual indicators are added to provide feedback about piston rod position, then user awareness of delivery completion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-changing indicators that can be integrated directly into the actuation head structure, utilizing material properties (transparency, opacity, color) rather than complex mechanical or electronic components. This approach provides effective visual feedback while minimizing additional structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a drug delivery device comprising: a syringe with a body from which a needle extends and an inner sheath; a piston rod comprising a piston and an actuation head, a support sheath for holding the body. It is envisaged that the support sheath and the actuation head comprise corresponding indicators.