Wearable Multi-Shot Injection Patch With Timed Pyrotechnic Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle-free injection devices are typically single-shot and bulky, making them unsuitable for wearable applications, necessitating frequent medical professional visits or hospitalizations for multiple injections.
Innovation Solution
A wearable multi-shot injection patch with pyrotechnic charges actuated by electric current, controlled by electronics, allowing for multiple, timed, and independent injections, suitable for self-administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-shot injection devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but multiple medical professional visits are required
Solution Approach 1:
The injection system is divided into multiple independent injection devices, each capable of delivering a single shot. These segmented devices are arranged in an array on the patch, allowing multiple injections to be administered sequentially without requiring removal or replacement of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple injection devices are pre-loaded with medication and activated in advance. The electronic control system is pre-programmed to trigger injections at predetermined time intervals, enabling the patient to receive continuous treatment without requiring repeated medical professional interventions.
2Ease of operation
If wearable patch design is implemented, then patient mobility is improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pyrotechnic charges and propulsion mechanisms are extracted from the wearable patch structure. These components are positioned in a retracted state during normal wear, allowing the patch to maintain a thin profile. Upon electronic triggering, the charges are activated to propel medications through the skin, after which the propulsive components are no longer needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection mechanism utilizes a temporal dimension for actuation - the pyrotechnic charges remain dormant during the wear period and are activated only at the precise moment of injection. This time-based activation allows the device to be thin during non-active periods while still providing full injection capability when needed.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple injection devices are placed on the same patch, then continuous treatment is enabled, but device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple injection devices are arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration on the patch. The devices are positioned to utilize available space optimally, with each device containing its own receptacle and pyrotechnic charge in a nested or closely integrated manner that minimizes the overall patch footprint while maintaining the capability for multiple sequential injections.
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 automatic, needle-free medication delivery through the skin, facilitating continuous treatment without frequent medical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
Each injection device is actuated by an electric current igniting a pyrotechnic charge within the injection device
Implementation Method 2
Each injection device is actuated by an electric current igniting a pyrotechnic charge within the injection device
Data Source
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AI summary
This wearable multi-shot injection patch comprises: a base that has a bottom surface and a top surface and is configured so that the bottom surface is disposed against a patient's skin; a first container that is supported by the base and accommodates a first drug; a second container that is supported by the base and accommodates a second drug; a first pyrotechnic charge disposed between the top surface and the first container inside the base; a second pyrotechnic charge disposed between the top surface and the second container inside the base; and one or more electronic components configured to detonate the first pyrotechnic charge and the second pyrotechnic charge.