Design and Optimization of a Miniature Shock Tube -Driven Needle Free Injector
Shaik Mohammed Abdul Sami -160122736050
N Jew Ebenezer -160122736044
Mohammed Samaruddin Ahmed -160121736042
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology (A)
(Affiliated to Osmania University)
Hyderabad
ABSTRACT
This research presents a novel, shock tube-powered, needle-free drug delivery system that solves the problems of traditional injection methods. This portable device is 100 mm long, weighs 300 g, and uses controlled shock waves to create high-speed microjets (Mach 1.2–1.5) through an optimized convergent-divergent nozzle (0.25 mm throat, 0.35 mm exit). The aluminum casing provides portability, while the tungsten carbide nozzle offers greater durability and accuracy. Theoretical and experimental studies validate that the device penetrates uniformly to depths between 200 and 470 µm, so it should work well with a variety of skin types. The device works at safe parameters (1.2 bar initial pressure, <400 K temperature), reducing the chance of damaging tissue and dramatically improving the efficiency of drug dispersion.
Performance testing indicates significant advantages relative to commercial needle-free devices (ZetaJet, PharmaJet) in several key areas: 1. **Dose Accuracy**: The Zydis delivery system achieves better dose accuracy (±3%) than needle-free competitors (±5%). 2. **Pain Perception**: The Zydis delivery system induces less perceived pain than needle-free devices (on a VAS scale, 1.5 vs. 2.3). 3. **Drug Wastage**: There is less drug wastage with the Zydis delivery system (3% vs. 12–15% for needle-free devices). Overall, these performance characteristics make the Zydis delivery system advantageous compared to current needle-free delivery devices.
This technology deals with major healthcare hazards such as needle-stick accidents and unsafe medical waste disposal. It addresses the seldom-discussed problem of patient adherence to prescribed regimens. The technology's versatility and how it fits into insulin delivery, mass vaccination, and off-grid emergency medicine are touching vital epidemiological and public health concerns.
