At Kickr Design, we’re passionate about using design and engineering to solve real-world problems. In this project, we partnered with Dr. Rick Gadh of Drip Hydration to develop a smart syringe that simplifies allergy treatment for both patients and providers.

The Challenge

Traditionally, allergy sufferers require frequent visits to a doctor’s office for allergy shots. This can be inconvenient and time-consuming for both patients and healthcare providers. Dr. Gadh envisioned a solution: an electronic syringe that patients could use at home to deliver allergy shots with a dosage remotely programmed by their physician.

Our Approach

The key to this project was creating a device that was both functional and user-friendly. We opted for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology due to its low power consumption, security features, and widespread compatibility with smartphones. This allowed us to design a pen-sized syringe that could connect securely to a smartphone app for dosage control.

Overcoming Design Constraints

One of the biggest challenges involved fitting all the necessary components – a motor, mechanism, batteries, and a BLE microcontroller – into a compact, pen-sized device. Our team developed a novel linear actuator-style syringe and designed a custom set of PCBs and batteries to optimize space utilization.

The Solution

The final product is a fully functional prototype syringe that can communicate with a smartphone app to deliver precise medication dosages. This innovative design has the potential to revolutionize allergy treatment by:

• Increasing patient convenience: Patients can receive allergy shots from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for frequent doctor visits.
• Improving accuracy: Remote programming by physicians ensures precise dosing, minimizing the risk of errors.
• Enhancing patient satisfaction: A more convenient treatment plan can lead to higher patient satisfaction and improved adherence to therapy.

Kickr Design’s Role

Our team provided a comprehensive range of services for this project, including:

• Concept sketching
• CAD design
• PCB design
• Firmware development
• Prototyping
• Rendering

A Glimpse into the Design Process

Before creating the final prototype, we meticulously detailed the design in Solidworks and generated realistic renderings to ensure the form and functionality met Dr. Gadh’s vision. Throughout the prototyping process, we documented key steps, such as integrating the custom PCBs with the mechanical components and refining the firmware code for liquid dispensing.

This smart syringe is a prime example of how innovative design and engineering can improve healthcare delivery. It empowers doctors to provide more accurate dosing while offering patients a more convenient and potentially less stressful treatment experience.