Files
Download Full Text (2.0 MB)
Abstract
Glucagon is a drug administered to people with diabetes that are experiencing a seizure due to low blood glucose levels. The current method of injecting glucagon during a hypoglycemic seizure is lengthy and complicated when time equates to minimizing the effects of an emergency situation. This project is student created and the result of the design team recognizing a serious problem and deciding to find a better solution. The goal of this project was to streamline this process. Several working prototypes were developed and evaluated before a final design was chosen. Safety, durability and usability were all considerable factors. The properties of glucagon require it to be stored in a powered form until before it is injected. Therefore, the device had to safely store the medicine and diluting solution separately. It is also important that the injection device is robust enough to be carried around by the person with diabetes to have it in case of emergency. The novel part of this design was how the two components were separated via a barrier and once that was removed and the two drugs mixed the injection device sealed itself. The approach taken with this development was an iterative version of the design process. Several concepts were brainstormed and from that a practical solution was developed. The final 3-D printed prototype meets and exceeds the goal by reducing the preparation time to one-eighth of the previous kit. This device has the potential to save lives and provide sense of safety to people with diabetes.
Publication Date
2016
Keywords
Mechanical and nuclear engineering, Glucagon, injection, emergency, diabetes
Disciplines
Engineering | Mechanical Engineering | Nuclear Engineering
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Dr. Hooman V. Tafreshi
VCU Capstone Design Expo Posters
Rights
© The Author(s)
Date of Submission
August 2016