DESIGN NAME: Epi
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Epinephrine Auto-injector
INSPIRATION: Epi is for the people who live with severe food allergies, who self-consciously carry medical devices, and are forced to limit their activities and lives. Since people with severe food allergies may have just minutes to live after experiencing an anaphylactic allergic reaction, it is critical for users to be immediately treated with epinephrine and receive professional medical care in the minimum amount of time. Epi expedites and reduces onsite emergency response time, thus saving lives.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Epi is an auto-injection epinephrine device. It's more accessible and elegant than previous life-saving medical devices, allowing users to carry it with confidence, without social stigma. When the user senses an allergic reaction, Epi can be quickly accessed to inject epinephrine into their muscle tissue. Upon injection, Epi triggers its smartphone-integrated application to notify 911 emergency services of the user's exact location, allergy susceptibility, and personal information.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: First, the magnetic cap is removed before administration. Then, the white button of the injector is pressed against the thigh of the user, releasing a spring-loaded needle that delivers epinephrine from a prescribed cartridge. The white button also acts as a hard switch to launch the Epi mobile application via Bluetooth, which automatically dials emergency services and alerts EMTs and paramedics of the exact location and medical information of the user.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project was started in February 2015 and completed in May 2015. The work was done in San Francisco, CA.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Medical Devices and Medical Equipment Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The components making up the device can be manufactured by process of injection molding. The medicine must be stored between 59-86 degrees Fahrenheit. The Epi carrying case has a built-in lining that features Saf-T-Temp technology, which are phase changing materials that are engineered to keep valuables within a desired temperature range.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Width 23mm x Depth 179mm x Height 13mm
TAGS: Epi, Epinephrine, Auto-injector, Medical, Medical Device, Allergies, Food Allergies, Yale Shaw
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: I investigated the problems surrounding size and convenience of current devices and determined that immediate access is the fundamental user need. Working from ideation sketches through study models and prototypes, I was able to develop a lightweight, easy-to-use device, approximately the size of a pen, which is ergonomically balanced and comfortable in hand.
CHALLENGE: The most difficult logistical issue that needed to be addressed was developing a form that could house all the technology and mechanical components. Keeping manufacturability in mind was a key component of the design process so that Epi could be more than a concept, and could realistically reach fruition in the pharmaceutical market.
ADDED DATE: 2016-02-03 23:23:34
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #4: Photographer Yale Shaw, Epi, 2015
Video:
Creator Yale Shaw, 2015
Actor Elaheh Tassover, 2015
Music: Moby - The Perfect Life (with Wayne Coyne)
License approved by Mobygratis.com
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