Telescopic Needle Shield Actuation for Clear Injection Steps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medicament delivery devices are difficult to use for patients with reduced dexterity due to age, disability, or illness, and lack clarity in actuation mechanisms, leading to confusion and potential misuse.
Innovation Solution
A medicament delivery device with a telescopic actuation mechanism featuring an outer and inner sleeve, each biased by different spring elements, providing distinct tactile feedback and clear stepwise operation for easy and safe medicament delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional delivery device uses a single actuation button pressed against the injection site, then the device structure is simple, but it requires two separate acts (pressing against site and pressing button) which is difficult for patients with reduced dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the needle shield retraction function and the medicament delivery actuation function into a single integrated actuation mechanism. When the patient presses the delivery device against the injection site, both the needle shield is retracted and the medicament is delivered through the same pressing action, eliminating the need for two separate acts and making it easier for patients with reduced dexterity to use.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation button serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the trigger for needle shield retraction and the trigger for medicament delivery. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate operations required while maintaining device safety and efficacy.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional delivery device uses automatic actuation upon contact with injection site, then the operation is simplified, but patients may be confused due to lack of actuation button
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates tactile feedback mechanisms including spring elements that provide resistance and audible/visible indicators that give the patient clear feedback when the device is properly actuated. This feedback ensures the patient understands what is happening during the injection process while maintaining simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-coded components and visual indicators on the actuation button and needle shield to provide clear visual feedback about the device state and proper usage, helping patients understand the actuation process without complexity.
3Device complexity
If a needle shield is moved manually to cover the needle, then the device structure is simple, but the risk of accidental needlestick injuries increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle shield is designed to automatically retract and cover the needle after use through the same actuation mechanism that delivers the medicament. The spring-loaded shield automatically returns to its protective position without requiring manual intervention, eliminating the risk of accidental needlesticks during shield retraction while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle shield is pre-positioned in a locked protective state before use. The actuation mechanism is designed to automatically transition the shield from locked to retracted position during the normal delivery sequence, ensuring protection is maintained until the precise moment of intended use.
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
Facilitates easy and secure medicament administration by ensuring clear differentiation between needle protection and delivery steps, reducing the risk of accidental needlestick injuries and enhancing usability for patients with limited dexterity.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring element biasing the inner sleeve in a distal direction relative to the outer sleeve
Implementation Method 2
a second spring element biasing the outer sleeve in a distal direction relative to the delivery device
Data Source
AI summary
Described is an actuation mechanism for a medicament delivery device having a needle with a distal tip. The actuation mechanism comprises an outer sleeve telescopically relative to the delivery device and an inner sleeve telescopically arranged relative to the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is axially translatable relative to the delivery device, and the inner sleeve is axially translatable relative to the outer sleeve. In a first state, the inner sleeve protrudes distally from the outer sleeve and the outer sleeve protrudes distally from the delivery device. In a second state, the inner sleeve is contained within the outer sleeve. Movement of the outer sleeve proximally relative to the delivery device in the second state initiates delivery of a medicament in the delivery device.