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Using design thinking methodology for developing innovative auto-injection systems

  • Burhan Sahin

    Dr. Burhan Sahin, born in 1990, is chief engineer of DMU (Digital Mock-Up) management in TAI-Turkish Aerospace Industry, Ankara, Turkey. He received BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering from Celal Bayar University, Turkey, in 2012. He received PhD degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Celal Bayar University, Turkey, in 2022. He worked as researcher for Arcelik R&D, Turkey, from 2012 to 2019. His research interests are structural design, production, CAD design, plastic polymers, systems engineering, composite materials, prototyping, project management and DMU management of aerial vehicles.

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    and Emre Doruk

    Dr. Emre Doruk, born in 1987, is a researcher in TAI-Turkish Aerospace Industry, Ankara, Turkey. He received BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering from Uludag University, Turkey, in 2010. He received PhD degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Sakarya University, Turkey, in 2019. He worked as researcher for Tofas-Fiat R&D, Turkey from 2014 to 2019. His research interests are light-weighting, AHSS, aluminum alloy, fatigue and damage tolerance, rapid prototyping, sheet metal forming and crashworthiness.

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Published/Copyright: October 1, 2025
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Materials Testing
From the journal Materials Testing

Abstract

It is crucial to create a practical and efficient solution for patients requiring regular self-injections. Currently used auto-injection systems face challenges such as high cost, complex assembly, and hygiene issues. In this field, medical device manufacturers are developing alternative designs with patient-friendly solutions. In this paper, a new auto-injection syringe system has been developed using the design thinking method. The proposed new design eliminates the need for medication transfer, creating an innovative system that enhances hygiene and user convenience. Recyclable materials were used in the design to develop a cost-effective solution. Static analyses performed using NX Nastran software has validated the design’s structural integrity and functionality. Through the ergonomic design developed with the design thinking method, the goal is to create a solution that increases patient comfort, reduces environmental impact, and meets medical standards.


Corresponding author: Emre Doruk, Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc, Ankara, Türkiye, E-mail:

About the authors

Burhan Sahin

Dr. Burhan Sahin, born in 1990, is chief engineer of DMU (Digital Mock-Up) management in TAI-Turkish Aerospace Industry, Ankara, Turkey. He received BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering from Celal Bayar University, Turkey, in 2012. He received PhD degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Celal Bayar University, Turkey, in 2022. He worked as researcher for Arcelik R&D, Turkey, from 2012 to 2019. His research interests are structural design, production, CAD design, plastic polymers, systems engineering, composite materials, prototyping, project management and DMU management of aerial vehicles.

Emre Doruk

Dr. Emre Doruk, born in 1987, is a researcher in TAI-Turkish Aerospace Industry, Ankara, Turkey. He received BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering from Uludag University, Turkey, in 2010. He received PhD degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Sakarya University, Turkey, in 2019. He worked as researcher for Tofas-Fiat R&D, Turkey from 2014 to 2019. His research interests are light-weighting, AHSS, aluminum alloy, fatigue and damage tolerance, rapid prototyping, sheet metal forming and crashworthiness.

Acknowledgments

The author gratefully acknowledge TAI-Turkish Aerospace Industry for their technical support.

  1. Research ethics: Not applicable.

  2. Informed consent: Not applicable.

  3. Author contributions: The authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.

  4. Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.

  5. Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.

  6. Research funding: None declared.

  7. Data availability: Not applicable.

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Published Online: 2025-10-01

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