Reusable Adrenaline Auto-Injector, RAAI

Project Description

The EpiPen or auto-adrenaline injector is due for an update. The EpiPen and other alternatives are expensive costing up to USD$669, inconvenient to carry without a bag due to the size and have a short shelf life of 18 months. Supply issues have also occurred with an international shortage of EpiPens due to manufacturing issues exacerbated by COVID-19. It is predictable that people with anaphylaxis are going without, risking poor health outcomes. A study into the ideal features of adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injectors concluded that commercially available auto-injectors all have significant flaws, stating that there is a need for a new device that improves on the features.

The focal points of this project are to create a device that is reusable, better value and more portable. The process included comparing the failures and successes of the current designs in the market. With these points in mind, an adrenaline auto-injector that can be used multiple times whilst improving practicality and not compromising safety was the goal. The improved design will increase accessibility and reduce the number of people with anaphylaxis who do not carry auto-injectors regularly.

With the improved design, the RAAI is a one-time purchase. With refills for the adrenaline cartridge and a recycling process for the gas canisters to be refilled, this device reduces the long-term cost for users and the inconvenience of purchasing a whole new device and is more eco-friendly with less medical waste.

Bio

I am a Product Design graduate keen for industry experience. Whether it be physical model creation or using CAD, the prototyping process is rewarding. I am a visual learner, always seeking new programs or techniques to develop my skills. In the future, I would like to pursue a career in a sector that improves people’s lives, potentially the medical device or assistive technology sector.

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