Injector training device
An auto-injection training device is presented that allows a user to simulate an injection procedure that occurs with a real-life commercial auto-injector containing a prefilled container of medicament. The training device is resettable, thus allowing the user to perform multiple simulations. Each simulation provides both audible and visual signals to the user that the injection procedure is in progress.
1. A training device for simulating an injection procedure experience when using a real-life fully functional auto-injection device containing a pre-filled container of medicament, the training device comprising,
an elongate outer housing having an inner surface, a proximal end and a distal end, the outer housing containing,
a demo container axially and rotationally fixed relative to the outer housing;
a plunger assembly having a non-rotating plunger, where a distal portion of the plunger is slidable within the demo container;
a coiled spring having a distal end fixed axially relative to the outer housing and a proximal end attached to the plunger assembly such that the coiled spring is in an extended partially uncoiled tensed configuration when the plunger assembly is in a cocked position;
a rotary damper gear assembly attached to a proximal end of the plunger assembly and having a gear rotatably engaged with a rack axially fixed to the inner surface of the outer housing; and
a rotatable lock having a first position where the lock is engaged directly with the plunger to prevent the plunger from moving axially and a second position where the lock is disengaged from the plunger to allow the plunger to move axially relative to the lock and outer housing.
2. The training device of claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the outer housing comprises a window that allows a user to visually observe a scrolling tape that moves during the simulation of an injection.
3. The training device of claim 1 , wherein the spring is in a coiled less tensed configuration when the plunger assembly is in a fired position where the simulated injection is complete.
4. The training device of claim 1 , wherein the outer housing further comprises a shield axially slidable relative to the outer housing, where the shield has at least one finger at a proximal end to engage the rotatable lock.
5. The training device of claim 4 , wherein the at least one finger and the rotatable lock are configured with bearing surfaces such that axial movement of the at least one finger in contact with the lock causes the lock to rotate to the second position to initiate the simulated injection procedure.
6. The training device of claim 4 , where the shield is connected to a biasing element that urges the shield to move distally such that a portion of the shield protrudes from the distal end of the outer housing when the plunger assembly is in the cocked position.
7. The training device of claim 1 , wherein the rotatable lock has a key that engages a notch in the plunger when the lock is in the first position and where the key is positioned in a longitudinal slot in the plunger when the key is in the second position.
8. The training device of claim 1 , wherein the rotatable lock is positioned in a lock carrier axially fixed relative to the outer housing such that when the lock is in the second position it is rotationally biased such that it will move to the first position when the plunger assembly is moved proximally during resetting.
9. The training device of claim 1 , wherein the outer housing further comprises a clicker mechanism that generates an audible sound during the simulated injection procedure.
10. The training device of claim 9 , wherein the clicker mechanism comprises a clicker arm on the plunger assembly that engages teeth on a clicker track that is axially fixed relative the outer housing.