Auto-injector assembly

Abstract

The present invention discloses an autoinjector assembly (100) comprising: a housing (102); a syringe assembly (202) for storing a predetermined volume of drug to be administered; a needle protector (212) surrounding the syringe assembly (202) such that a portion of the needle protector (212) is adapted to extend out of the housing (102) in an initial state and retract into the housing (102) when the portion is pressed against an injection site; a spring retainer (218) for holding a dose delivery spring (216) in a compressed state; a locking unit (220) for holding the spring retainer (218) in a locked state; and a plunger (222) engaging the spring retainer (218) and adapted to move toward the syringe assembly (202) when the spring retainer (218) is unlocked. The engagement position of the plunger (222) with the spring retainer (218) is adapted to change so as to control the travel distance of the plunger (222) within the housing (102) based on a predetermined volume of drug in the syringe assembly (202).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an autoinjector, and more particularly to an autoinjector assembly having a plunger and adapted to operate to deliver different volumes of medicine to an injection site. Background Technology

[0002] Autoinjectors are widely used to deliver medications directly to patients. Currently, a large number of autoinjectors are available on the market. Existing autoinjectors are primarily capable of delivering predetermined doses of medication to patients. Typically, conventional autoinjectors are suitable for delivering predetermined doses of medication to patients.

[0003] It is well known that each medication needs to be delivered to the patient in a different volume. The volume may also vary depending on the patient (e.g., based on the patient's condition and age). Similarly, several other factors influence the determination of the dosage of medication to be injected into the patient. Therefore, for effective treatment, the same medication may have to be delivered to different patients in different volumes. However, manufacturers need to produce specific autoinjectors for the predetermined volumes of medication to be administered.

[0004] Therefore, delivering a specific volume of medication requires the construction of a specific autoinjector capable of delivering a predetermined dose to the patient. Due to this construction limitation, multiple autoinjectors are needed for different volume doses. Consequently, it is inconvenient for consumers to purchase, operate, and maintain multiple autoinjectors. On the other hand, drug manufacturers must also manufacture multiple autoinjectors for different medications requiring different dosage settings. For example, manufacturers may have to expend considerable effort and investment in terms of manufacturing plant infrastructure.

[0005] Some device manufacturers offer modifications to the components of autoinjectors, allowing for the setting of variable doses of medication for delivery. However, manufacturing such autoinjectors requires significant assembly line changes in the manufacturing plant. Consequently, the overall operating cost of autoinjectors is also relatively high. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified format, some concepts that will be further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or fundamental inventive concepts of the invention, nor is it intended to define the scope of the invention.

[0007] In one embodiment of the invention, an autoinjector assembly is disclosed. The autoinjector assembly includes: a housing having a proximal end and a distal end; a syringe assembly arranged adjacent to the proximal end of the housing and adapted to store a predetermined volume of medication to be administered via a needle; a needle protector arranged around the syringe assembly such that a portion of the needle protector is adapted to extend out of the housing in an initial state and retract into the housing when that portion is pressed against an injection site; a spring retainer arranged adjacent to the distal end of the housing and adapted to retain a dose delivery spring in a compressed state; a locking unit arranged within the spring retainer and adapted to retain the spring retainer in a locked state with the housing; and a plunger engaged with the spring retainer and adapted to move toward the syringe assembly when the spring retainer is unlocked. The engagement position of the plunger with the spring retainer is adapted to change so as to control the travel distance of the plunger within the housing based on the predetermined volume of medication in the syringe assembly. When retracted, the needle protector is adapted to further push the locking unit into the spring retainer, thereby unlocking the spring retainer from the housing, causing the plunger to move toward the syringe assembly to administer medication to the injection site.

[0008] To further illustrate the advantages and features of the invention, a more specific description of the invention will be presented with reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. The invention will be described and explained with additional features and details in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 A perspective view of an autoinjector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0011] Figure 2 An exploded view of an auto-injector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, depicting various constituent parts;

[0012] Figure 3 Another exploded view of an auto-injector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0013] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an auto-injector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, depicting various constituent parts;

[0014] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion of an auto-injector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, depicting the locking of a spring retainer to the housing;

[0015] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an autoinjector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, depicting the unlocking of the spring retainer due to movement of the needle protector;

[0016] Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of an autoinjector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, depicting the positions of the constituent parts in an initial state;

[0017] Figure 7B A cross-sectional view of an autoinjector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, depicting the positions of the constituent parts after drug administration;

[0018] Figure 8A An example is illustrated of the positioning of the needle protector relative to the syringe holder in its initial state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 8B An example is illustrated of the positioning of the needle protector relative to the syringe holder after drug administration according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0020] Figure 9 An example illustrating the use of an autoinjector assembly by a user is shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Furthermore, those skilled in the art should understand that the elements in the accompanying drawings are illustrative for simplicity and may not necessarily be drawn to scale. For example, flowcharts illustrate methods according to the most prominent steps involved to aid in understanding various aspects of the invention. Moreover, regarding the construction of the apparatus, one or more components of the apparatus may have already been represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, and the drawings may only show those specific details relevant to understanding embodiments of the invention, so as not to obscure the drawings with details that would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art who would benefit from the description herein. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To facilitate understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and these embodiments will be described using specific language. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and such changes and further modifications in the illustrated systems, as well as such further applications of the principles of the invention illustrated therein, are considered to be commonly conceived by those skilled in the art. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The systems, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0023] For example, the term "some" as used herein can be understood as "none," "one," "more than one," or "all." Therefore, the terms "none," "one," "more than one," "more than one but not all," or "all" will fall under the definition of "some." Those skilled in the art will understand that the terminology and structures used herein are for describing, teaching, and illustrating some embodiments and their specific features and elements, and therefore should not be construed as limiting, constraining, or reducing the spirit and scope of the invention in any way.

[0024] For example, any terms used herein, such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “constituting,” and similar grammatical variations, do not specify precise limitations or constraints, and certainly do not preclude the possibility of adding one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Furthermore, these terms do not preclude the possibility of removing one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using restrictive language including, but not limited to, “must include” or “requires inclusion.”

[0025] Whether or not a feature or element is limited to use only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element”. Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” does not preclude the absence of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by restrictive language including, but not limited to, “requires one or more…” or “requires one or more elements”.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, especially any technical and / or scientific terms, shall be considered to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0027] References are made to several “exemplary embodiments” herein. It should be understood that embodiments are examples of possible implementations of any feature and / or element of the invention. Several embodiments have been described to explain one or more potential ways in which specific features and / or elements of the proposed invention satisfy the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

[0028] The use of phrases and / or terms (including, but not limited to, "first embodiment," "another embodiment," "alternative embodiment," "one embodiment," "embodiment," "multiple embodiments," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," "additional embodiments," "further embodiments," "extra embodiments," or other variations thereof) does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Unless otherwise specified, one or more specific features and / or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or in more than one embodiment, or in all embodiments, or may not be found in any embodiment. Although one or more features and / or elements are described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, such features and / or elements may alternatively be provided individually or in any suitable combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and / or elements described in the context of a single embodiment may alternatively be implemented as being present together in the context of a single embodiment.

[0029] Any specific and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and should therefore not be considered as limiting factors of the proposed invention.

[0030] This invention relates to an auto-injector assembly having a plunger and capable of administering different volumes of medication. The plunger's position can be adjusted to vary the distance traveled within the housing based on different volumes of medication to be delivered to the patient. The position must be adjusted so that the plunger can travel the required distance to expel the medication from the syringe assembly. The plunger is adapted to engage with a spring retainer at different positions based on dosage requirements to vary the plunger's distance traveled within the housing. This adjustment of the plunger position is made only during the manufacturing stage, for example, by the manufacturer based on a predetermined volume of medication to be administered by a particular device. Therefore, the user does not need to make any adjustments to the device and can use it directly.

[0031] The autoinjector assembly may also include one or more stops on the inner surface of the housing for engaging a spring retainer to restrict movement of the plunger for drug administration unless the user manually activates the device. The plunger is adapted to move to push the drug into the injection site only when the spring retainer disengages from the stoper (which occurs when the user manually activates the device).

[0032] For clarity, the first digit of the reference numerals for the various components of the present invention indicates the drawing number in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, at least in Figure 1 The accompanying figure shows reference numerals beginning with the number "1". Similarly, at least in Figure 2 The figure shows reference numerals that begin with the number "2".

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 An illustration of an autoinjector assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 An exploded view of an autoinjector assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, depicting various constituent parts. Figure 3 Another exploded view of an autoinjector assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an autoinjector assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, depicting various constituent parts. (See reference...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The autoinjector assembly 100 may include, but is not limited to, a housing 102, a syringe assembly 202 with a needle 406, a needle cover 408, a cap 208, a syringe holder 210, a needle protector 212, a needle protector spring 214, a dose delivery spring 216, a spring holder 218, a locking unit 220, and a plunger 222.

[0035] In one embodiment, the housing 102 may include a proximal portion 108 and a distal portion 110. The proximal portion 108 may accommodate the positioning of the syringe assembly 202, needle cover 408, cap 208, syringe holder 210, needle protector 212, and needle protector spring 214. Further, the distal portion 110 may accommodate a dose delivery spring 216, spring holder 218, locking unit 220, and plunger 222.

[0036] The housing 102 may include a proximal end 104 and a distal end 106. A syringe assembly 202 may be arranged adjacent to the proximal end 104. The syringe assembly 202 may be supported within the housing 102 by a syringe holder 210. The syringe assembly 202 may be adapted to store a predetermined volume of drug to be administered. The syringe assembly 202 may include a needle 406 through which the drug is administered to the injection site.

[0037] In one embodiment, the needle cap 408 may be adapted to enclose the needle 406. Further, the needle cap 408 may be secured to a cover 208, which may be adapted to close the proximal end 104 of the housing 102 when not in use. The cover 208 and the needle cap 408 may be adapted to be removed before initiating the drug administration process.

[0038] Furthermore, the needle protector 212 can be arranged around the syringe assembly 202. The needle protector 212 can be positioned such that a portion of the needle protector 212 is adapted to extend out of the housing 102 in an initial state. The autoinjector assembly 100 is activated by the user, for example, by pressing the proximal end 104 onto the injection site. When the extended portion is pressed onto the injection site, the needle protector 212 is adapted to retract into the housing 102. During this process, the needle 406 of the syringe assembly 202 extends to be inserted into the injection site and returns to its original position after drug administration.

[0039] In one embodiment, the needle protector spring 214 may be adapted to support the movement of the needle protector 212, used for drug administration, within the housing 102. The needle protector spring 214 may be adapted to be disposed between the inner surface of the housing 102 and the outer surface of the needle protector 212. Therefore, the space between the housing 102 and the needle protector 212 accommodates the movement of the needle protector spring 214, i.e., compression and expansion. During drug administration, the needle protector spring 214 accommodates the extension and retraction of the needle protector 212 within the housing 102.

[0040] The autoinjector assembly 100 may also include a spring retainer 218 disposed adjacent to the distal end 106 of the housing 102. The spring retainer 218 may be adapted to hold the dose delivery spring 216 in a compressed state. The dose delivery spring 216 may be disposed between the inner surface of the housing 102 and the outer surface of the spring retainer 218. This positioning of the dose delivery spring 216 outside the plunger 222 allows for the containment of drugs with higher viscosity, for example, by changing the spring stiffness (e.g., by increasing the wire diameter or the total spring diameter). In another embodiment, the dose delivery spring 216 may be disposed within the spring retainer 218.

[0041] The spring retainer 218 may be adapted to be locked to the housing 102. In one embodiment, a locking unit 220 may be disposed inside the spring retainer 218 and adapted to hold the spring retainer 218 locked to the housing 102.

[0042] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion of an autoinjector assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, depicting the locking of the spring retainer 218 to the housing 102. (See reference...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 To lock the spring retainer 218, the housing 102 may include a pair of stops 402 formed on its inner surface. Further, the spring retainer 218 may include a pair of arms 404 adapted to engage with the stops 402 to lock the spring retainer 218 to the housing 102.

[0043] Furthermore, the spring retainer 218 may also engage with the locking unit 220. For example, the spring retainer 218 may snap-lock with the locking unit 220. In one embodiment, the needle protector 212, when retracted, may be adapted to push the locking unit 220 further into the spring retainer 218, thereby unlocking the spring retainer 218 from the housing 102. Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an autoinjector assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, depicting the unlocking of the spring retainer 218 due to movement of the needle protector 212.

[0044] When the spring retainer 218 is unlocked, the plunger 222 moves toward the syringe assembly 202 to administer medication to the injection site. In one embodiment, the spring retainer 218 may be adapted to unlock, thereby releasing the dose delivery spring 216 from a compressed state and pushing the plunger 222 toward the syringe assembly 202 based on the compressive force of the dose delivery spring 216. Therefore, when the spring retainer 218 is unlocked, the plunger 222 may be adapted to move toward the syringe assembly 202. In the locked state of the spring retainer 218, the movement of the plunger 222 is restricted.

[0045] The plunger 222 may engage with the spring retainer 218. In one embodiment, the plunger 222 may include a plurality of threads formed on its outer surface. Further, the spring retainer 218 may include a nut (not shown) adapted to engage with the plurality of threads of the plunger 222. The plunger 222 may be rotated into the nut to control the distance traveled by the plunger 222 within the housing 102 to administer medication to the injection site based on a predetermined volume of medication in the syringe assembly 202.

[0046] In another embodiment, plunger 222 may include a plurality of threads formed on its inner surface. Further, spring retainer 218 may include a shaft 224 adapted to engage with the plurality of threads of plunger 222. Plunger 222 may be adapted to rotate into shaft 224 to control the travel distance of plunger 222 within housing 102 for drug administration.

[0047] Therefore, the engagement position of the plunger 222 and the spring retainer 218 can be adapted to change so as to control the travel distance of the plunger 222 within the housing 102 based on a predetermined volume of drug in the syringe assembly 202.

[0048] Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of an autoinjector assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, depicting the positions of the constituent parts in their initial state (i.e., before the needle guard 212 is pressed against the injection site). Further, Figure 7BA cross-sectional view of an autoinjector assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, depicting the positions of the components after drug administration. As illustrated, the plunger 222 moves toward the syringe assembly 202 together with the spring retainer 218 to push the drug through the needle 406 into the injection site.

[0049] In one embodiment, the autoinjector assembly 100 may include a mechanism to ensure that the device is not reused. Specifically, engagement of the needle guard 212 and the syringe holder 210 during retraction and extension locks the needle guard 212 to the syringe holder 210, thereby ensuring that further movement of the needle guard 212 is restricted. Figure 8A The positioning of the needle protector 212 relative to the syringe holder 210 in its initial state according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The syringe holder 210 may include a locking portion 802 formed on its outer surface. Further, the needle protector 212 may include, but is not limited to, a longitudinal groove 804 adapted to receive the locking portion 802 of the syringe holder 210.

[0050] The locking portion 802 may be adapted to travel along the longitudinal groove 804 to accommodate relative movement of the needle protector 212 relative to the syringe holder 210 when the needle protector 212 is retracted into the housing 102. Further, the needle protector 212 may include a longitudinal slot 806 formed adjacent to the longitudinal groove 804. The longitudinal slot 806 may be adapted to accommodate the return travel of the locking portion 802 when the needle protector 212 moves back to its original position after drug administration.

[0051] Figure 8B The positioning of the needle protector 212 relative to the syringe holder 210 after medication administration is illustrated according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the longitudinal slot 806 may include a stop slot 808 adapted to retain the locking portion 802 at the end of the return travel, thereby limiting further movement of the needle protector 212 once the medication has been administered. This arrangement of the autoinjector assembly 100 serves as a safety feature to prevent needlestick injuries, for example, after the autoinjector assembly 100 has been discarded.

[0052] In one embodiment, the autoinjector assembly 100 may include an observation slot 112 formed on the housing 102 to observe the movement of the plunger 222 from the outside. Therefore, a user can externally check the proper use of the autoinjector assembly 100.

[0053] Figure 9An example illustrating user use of the autoinjector assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. As shown, the cap 208 is removed. The autoinjector assembly 100 is then positioned on the injection site on the patient and held there for a predetermined duration. The autoinjector assembly 100 is activated by pressing the needle guard 212 onto the injection site. Pressing the needle guard 212 can initiate needle insertion and dose dispensing using a single action by the patient. Specifically, after removing the cap 208, the user presses the proximal end 104 of the autoinjector assembly 100 (i.e., the protruding portion of the needle guard 212) onto the injection site. Once the medication has been delivered, the used pen can be discarded in the sharps collector.

[0054] In summary, the autoinjector assembly 100 of the present invention provides a comprehensive and efficient method for delivering medication in varying volumes into a patient. In operation, before positioning the autoinjector assembly 100 at the injection site, the user removes the cap 208 along with the needle cover 408. The needle protector 212 is then pressed against the injection site. Consequently, the needle protector 212 retracts into the housing 102, thereby actuating the locking unit 220 and unlocking the spring retainer 218. Thus, due to the expansion of the dose delivery spring 216, the spring retainer 218 moves toward the syringe assembly 202 along with the plunger 222 to push the medication through the needle 406 into the injection site. Further, due to the expansion of the needle protector spring 214, the needle protector 212 locks with the syringe retainer 210 upon reaching its original position, thereby limiting any further movement.

[0055] Once the medication delivery is complete and the autoinjector assembly 100 is removed, the needle guard 212 springs back and returns to its initial position covering the needle 406. This protects the user from needlestick injuries.

[0056] Therefore, the autoinjector assembly 100 is a drug delivery mechanism that can be used with various medications that need to be delivered to a patient via pre-filled syringes or cartridges. The autoinjector assembly 100 is constructed such that a single such autoinjector assembly 100 can be used for different injection requirements by changing the operating settings.

[0057] The plunger 222 can engage with the spring retainer 218 at different locations, for example via a nut or shaft 224, depending on the volume of medication to be administered by the autoinjector assembly 100. Furthermore, the spring retainer 218 is locked to the housing 102 via the engagement of the arm 404 and the stop 402. Therefore, the spring retainer 218 and the plunger 222 cannot move unless unlocked by the needle protector 212. Moreover, once the medication has been administered, the needle protector 212 locks with the syringe retainer 210 to ensure that the autoinjector assembly 100 is not reused.

[0058] Since the same device is used for different drug volume requirements, this significantly reduces manufacturing costs and inconvenience for manufacturers. Furthermore, the total operating cost of the autoinjector assembly 100 is also reduced. Furthermore, the handling and maintenance of multiple autoinjectors, as in the prior art, are significantly reduced. Therefore, the autoinjector assembly 100 of the present invention is easy to use, cost-effective, compact, and efficient to operate, and provides ease of manufacture, ease of maintenance, and ease of operation.

[0059] The autoinjector assembly 100 of the present invention can be used to deliver various therapeutic compounds, such as pharmaceuticals and biologics, including but not limited to antibodies, antisense substances, RNA interference substances, gene therapy substances, primitive and embryonic stem cells, vaccines, and combinations thereof. For example, the embodiments described herein can be used in combination with known monoclonal antibodies, including but not limited to: abciximab, arbiturumab, alilumab, actosulumab, adalimumab, adelimumab, adunarumab, afacurumab, afimomab, afutuzumab, pego-aracezizumab, ALD518, ALD403, alemtuzumab, amorombumab, pentiazem, amituzumab, amituzumab, and AMG. 334. Other related terms include: Maranamozab, Rastar-Anettozab, Anilurozab, Anluzumab, Apozizumab, Asimozizumab, Avasuzumab, Aserizumab, Atezolizumab, Atenuzumab, Atetolizumab, Atrolimumab, Averuzumab, Bapizumab, Baliximab, Baviximab, Betomozab, Begolozab, Belimumab, Benazizumab, Betemuzumab, Bezozab, Bevacizumab, Belottosumab, Bisimab, Bimaluzumab, Bimegizumab, Mobivaruzumab, Bleruzumab, Bonatuzumab. Anti-, brontovelumab, buxojuzumab, bercoxetine, brecurumab, verbentuximab, brenumab, berdaruzumab, buxojuzumab, brontovelumab, buxojuzumab, carbiolizumab, canatumab, mocantozumab, rapantozumab, carpatizumab, pendimethalin calcimeroxumab, castrevir, calcimeroxumab, calcimeroxumab, caputuzumab, cBR96-doxorubicin immunoconjugate, cilizumab, interleukin-2 cerutuzumab, pecelizumab, cetuximab, pocitrazumab, cetuximab Monoclonal antibodies, clazazumab, crixacillin, Titan-clazatuzumab, cotrastuzumab, Lexon-cotrastuzumab, konamumab, comycillin, CR6261, clazatuzumab, crotonumab, dacizumab, dacrotozumab, pego-dapirizumab, daratumumab, detrickulumab, densizumab, martin-dinantuzumab, denosumab, martin-dituxizumab, bidotuzumab, demutuzumab, denutoxicum, dilivomarab, domalozumab, atorvastatin, traziltozumab Monoclonal antibodies, duligotumumab, dupilumab, durvalumab, dustautumab, emexizumab, icurizumab, ebazumab, efazolinumab, effenguumab, ediluzumab, edentolumab, erlotinib, erlotinib, erlotinib, esimoumab, emetinib, emetinib, emetinib, enastatin, vetin-enfretuzumab, peemmoumab, enotozumab, enoxacumab, enoxacumab, enoxacumab, enoxacumab, enoxacumab, enoxacumab, enoxacumab, enoxacumab, enoxacumab, enoxacumab, enoxacumab, emetinib, epetuzumab, errenoumab, erlizumabIdazumab, Itrarib, Ivesuzumab, Evolomumab, Avirazumab, Fasomumab, Faramolumab, Fatozumab, Fasinumab, FBTA05, Panvezzizumab, Fizanuzumab, Fibrituzumab, Filatuzumab, Fentuximab, Fentuximab, Flavutuzumab, Flantozumab, Flantozumab, Flavutuzumab, Forlanumab, Forlanumab Vimumab, fenimumab, forlanumab, vortoxicumab, ganezumab, galilixicumab, ganitinumab, ganitinumab, gavimumab, gejuzumab, gejuzumab, gejuzumab, vesin-glentoxicumab, golimumab, golimumab, gusecuzumab, ibazumab, teimumab, erucumab, edasarizumab, egosaizumab, egosaizumab Votumumab, IMA-638, IMAB362, Imarumab, Incemarab, Imedvirumab, Imatrozumab, P-selectin antagonist, Reintoxicum, Indutoxicum, Innerolizumab, Inflixicum, Enoximumab, Osintuzumab, Intolimumab, Ipilimumab, Itolimumab, Isatuxicum, Ilizumab, Ixetizumab, Keliximumab, Labetizumab, Pembrolizumab, Lanparibizumab, Lanalizumab, Lanrozumab, Encin-Lartuximab, LBR-101 / PF0442g7429, Levozumab, Lemasomumab, Lendalizumab, Lenzruzumab, Loratadine, Lesamumab, Rivirumab, Vitin-Lifatoxicum, Rigomery Monoclonal antibodies, sartamin-lilottozumab, lintozumab, lirelurumb, lodicilzumab, logivir, mocin-lovotozumab, rukamumab, pego-rulizumab, rucizumab, rutozumab, LY2951742, mapamumab, magtoxici, masmomumab, mastozumab, mefulimumab, mesoprazole ... Talcum, Milazumab, Minermab, Socin-Mituximab, Mitomumab, Moglicilil, Monalil, Moromomumab, Movizumab, Pakramumab, Moromomumab-CD3, Tanacomab, Namerumab, Eto-Naptomumab, Encin-Nattoximab, Nanattoximab, Natralumab, Nasrazizumab, Navir Vomumab, Nebacuzumab, Nexitozumab, Nemolizumab, Neremozumab, Nevasumab, Nitozumab, Nivolumab, Nofetozumab, Otosacuzumab, Obinutuzumab, Ocalutuzumab, Olejuzumab, Odumozumab, Ofamozumab, Olazumab, Olozumab, Omaluzumab, Ontoxitozumab, Opinuzumab, Motojuzumab, Ogovomumab, Otetuzumab, Oxytozumab, Olejuzumab, Oxytozumab, Oxytozumab, Ozanezumab, Olijuzumab, Paxizumab, Palizumab, Panerizumab, Pankomab, Pabacuzumab, Pasatuzumab, Pacozumab, Pertuximab, PertuximabPertratuzumab, Pembrolizumab, Petumumab, Pekracillin, Pertuzumab, Pexacillin, Pildizumab, Vitin-Pinatuzumab, Pintomorab, Pramuprolab, Lozalizumab, Pergalil, Verbotozumab, Ponatriuretic, Prezalizumab, Priliximab, Retoxacillin, Prilimumab, PRO 140. Quinolizumab, Raltomumab, Ratratuzumab, Ravizumab, Rapamiluzumab, Ramucirumab, Ralcizumab, Raxicurumab, Refanailuzumab, Regaviruzumab, Reticuzumab, Rituximab, Linusuzumab, Rexazumab, Rituximab, Pego-Rivarobazine, Rotozumab, Roledozumab, Romozumab, Longlizumab, Terslin-Lovazumab, Lovezumab, Lulizumab, Gossazumab, Shamazine, Sapizumab, Saliruzumab, Satozumab Motumab, pendimethalin, secukinumab, seretumab, sertoxaximab, seveximab, SGN-CD19A, SGN-CD33A, siroizumab, cifamumab, secukinumab, simutuzumab, cilizumab, silukumab, vetin-sofituzumab, sulanzumab, soritolumab, Sonepcizumab, succinate, staunchumab, thioxolumab, suveximab, taberucimab, titanate. Tetraxetan, Tadalafil, Talizumab, Tantovelumab, Tadalafil, Pertamozumab, Taretovelumab, Tetulomab, Tetulomab, Tetulomab, TGN1412, Tesimemumab, Tegafil, Tetrajumab, Tetulomab, Vitin-Tesoxetine, TNX-650, Tocilizumab, Tolizumab, Tosatosulam, Tosimo, Tovitumab, Trastuzumab, Trastuzumab-Metalafil conjugate, TRBS07, Tralizumab, Trastuzumab Memoxicillin, trogolumab, interleukin-2-tocotocillin, tuovirumab, utuoxicillin, uroluru, uroluru, utuzumab, utuzumab, utsenoside, utuoxicillin, taribrine-varadutuzumab, vetin-vantocillin, vantocillin, vanucal, vararixicillin, vararixicillin, vararixicillin, vetocillin, vepamocillin, vesenoside, vexicillin, voloxicillin, martin-vosertocillin, votocillin, zentocillin, zalumumab, zatumumab, zatocillin, zatuximab, ziramumab, azomocillin, or combinations thereof.

[0060] While specific language has been used to describe the subject matter, it is not intended to impose any limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various working modifications can be made to the method to achieve the inventive concept taught herein. The accompanying drawings and the foregoing description provide examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more of the described elements can be well combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be divided into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

Claims

1. An auto-injector assembly (100), comprising: The housing (102) has a proximal end (104) and a distal end (106). A syringe assembly (202) is arranged adjacent to the proximal end (104) of the housing (102) and adapted to store a predetermined volume of drug to be administered through a needle (406); A needle protector (212) is arranged around the syringe assembly (202) such that a portion of the needle protector (212) is adapted to extend out of the housing (102) in an initial state and retract into the housing (102) when that portion is pressed against the injection site; A spring retainer (218) is arranged adjacent to the distal end (106) of the housing (102) and adapted to hold the dose delivery spring (216) in a compressed state; A locking unit (220) is arranged within the spring retainer (218) and adapted to hold the spring retainer (218) locked to the housing (102); as well as A plunger (222), which engages with the spring retainer (218) and is adapted to move toward the syringe assembly (202) when the spring retainer (218) is unlocked, wherein the engagement position of the plunger with the spring retainer (218) is adapted to change in order to control the travel distance of the plunger (222) within the housing (102) based on the predetermined volume of the drug in the syringe assembly (202). The dose delivery spring (216) is disposed between the inner surface of the housing (102) and the outer surface of the spring retainer (218). The housing (102) has a pair of stops (402) formed on its inner surface, and the spring retainer (218) includes a pair of arms (404) adapted to engage with the stops (402) to lock the spring retainer (218) to the housing (102), thereby restricting the movement of the plunger (222). When retracted, the needle protector (212) is adapted to further push the locking unit (220) into the spring retainer (218), thereby unlocking the spring retainer (218) from the housing (102) and causing the plunger (222) to move toward the syringe assembly (202) to apply the drug to the injection site.

2. The auto-injector assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The needle protector (212) is adapted to be pressed against the injection site to extend the needle (406) of the syringe assembly (202) so as to be inserted into the injection site and to return to its original position after the drug is administered.

3. The auto-injector assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: A syringe holder (210) adapted to support the syringe assembly (202) within the housing (102); as well as A needle protector spring (214) is adapted to be disposed between the inner surface of the housing (102) and the outer surface of the needle protector (212), wherein the needle protector spring (214) is adapted to support the movement of the needle protector (212) within the housing (102) for administering the drug.

4. The auto-injector assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plunger (222) has a plurality of threads formed on its inner surface, and the spring retainer (218) includes a shaft (224) adapted to engage with the plurality of threads of the plunger (222), and the plunger (222) is rotated into the shaft (224) to control the travel distance of the plunger (222) within the housing (102) to administer the drug to the injection site based on the predetermined volume of the drug in the syringe assembly (202).

5. The auto-injector assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring retainer (218) is adapted to unlock, thereby releasing the dose delivery spring (216) from the compressed state and pushing the plunger (222) toward the syringe assembly (202) based on the compressive force of the dose delivery spring (216).

6. The auto-injector assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: Needle cover (408), which is adapted to enclose the needle (406); as well as A cap (208) is fixed to the needle cover (408) and adapted to close the proximal end (104) of the housing (102) when not in use. The cap (208) and the needle cover (408) are adapted to be removed before pressing the needle protector (212) against the injection site to administer the drug.

7. The auto-injector assembly (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, include: The syringe holder (210) has a locking portion (802) formed on its outer surface. as well as The needle protector (212) includes: A longitudinal groove (804) adapted to receive the locking portion (802) of the syringe holder (210), wherein the locking portion (802) is adapted to travel along the longitudinal groove (804) to accommodate relative movement of the needle protector (212) relative to the syringe holder (210) when the needle protector (212) is retracted into the housing (102); and A longitudinal slot (806), which is formed adjacent to the longitudinal groove (804) and adapted to accommodate the return travel of the locking part (802) when the needle protector (212) moves back to its original position after the administration of the drug, wherein the longitudinal slot (806) includes a stop slot (808) adapted to retain the locking part (802) at the end of the return travel, thereby limiting further movement of the needle protector (212) once the drug has been administered.

8. The auto-injector assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, This includes an observation slot (112) formed on the housing (102) to allow observation of the movement of the plunger (222) from the outside.

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