Compressible Syringe Sleeve for Auto-Injector Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection devices face challenges in efficiently administering high viscosity medicaments and hazardous agents, particularly in terms of failure rates and user discomfort due to high injection forces and psychological trauma.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a shock absorbing member in the injection device, such as a compressible sleeve that deforms under load and returns to its original length upon removal, reducing the overall length by up to 0.43% when subjected to forces between 18.5 lbs and 53 lbs, thereby mitigating mechanical stress and enhancing the device's reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional auto-injectors use low-pressure injection mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the injection rate is slow and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spring-loaded plunger mechanism that automatically adjusts injection pressure and flow rate. The spring force dynamically propels the plunger to achieve rapid injection of viscous medicaments without requiring complex external power sources, thus maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving injection rate and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure parameter dynamically during injection by using a compressed spring mechanism. The spring stores potential energy and releases it to generate high initial pressure for rapid injection of viscous fluids, then gradually reduces pressure as injection progresses. This parameter change enables fast injection rates without requiring continuously high pressure, maintaining operational simplicity.
2Productivity
If needle-free jet injectors use high-force mechanisms to deliver medicament as a fine high-velocity jet, then the injection rate and productivity are improved, but the force required increases and may cause user discomfort or injury
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded plunger mechanism provides dynamic force delivery, starting with high force for rapid injection initiation and then naturally decreasing as the spring decompresses. This dynamic force profile achieves high injection rates for viscous medicaments while avoiding the sustained high forces of needle-free jet injectors that cause user discomfort and injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of high injection forces into a benefit by using spring energy storage. The spring accumulates energy gradually during compression (harmless process) and releases it in a controlled manner during injection, transforming what could be a harmful high-force impact into a beneficial controlled rapid injection that maintains safety while achieving high productivity.
3Productivity
If injection devices use mechanisms to store kinetic energy for driving injection, then the injection rate is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like springs and triggers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the kinetic energy storage function with the injection drive mechanism itself. The spring-loaded plunger combines energy storage (compressed spring) and energy release (plunger propulsion) into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate trigger mechanisms, latches, and control systems found in other rapid injection devices. This merging maintains simplicity while achieving high injection rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded plunger mechanism is self-actuating and requires no external power source or complex control system. The spring automatically stores energy during device assembly or loading and self-releases it to drive the injection, making the system self-service and eliminating complex external triggering mechanisms, thereby maintaining device simplicity while achieving rapid injection.
4Productivity
If auto-injectors are designed for rapid administration of viscous medicaments, then the productivity is improved, but the force required increases and may lead to device failure or user injury
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic spring-loaded mechanism provides adaptive force delivery that automatically adjusts to the resistance of viscous medicaments. The spring compresses and expands smoothly, providing continuous variable force that overcomes high viscosity without creating sudden force spikes that could cause device failure or user injury, thus improving reliability while maintaining high injection rates for productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed spring acts as a cushioning energy storage mechanism before injection. It gradually accumulates energy during loading and then releases it in a controlled manner during injection, cushioning against the high forces required to push viscous medicaments through the needle. This beforehand energy storage and controlled release prevents force spikes that could cause device failure or user injury, improving reliability while enabling rapid injection of viscous fluids.
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 shock absorbing member reduces failure rates and minimizes user discomfort by absorbing mechanical shocks, ensuring smooth and rapid administration of medicaments, including high viscosity and hazardous agents, while maintaining device integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the sleeve includes a compressible element that is deformable such that an overall length of the sleeve is reduced by greater than 0.43% relative to its original length when placed under a load
Data Source
AI summary
An injection device, for example, an auto-injector of any type, includes a sleeve configured to hold a medicament chamber. The sleeve has a proximal end and a distal end connected by a middle portion. The sleeve may be sufficiently deformable such that it functions as a shock absorbing member to distribute the force exerted on the medicament chamber during use of the injection device. The sleeve may include a plurality of compressible posts spaced about an axis of the sleeve.