Detection device for automatic injector

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of medical instrument detection, and discloses a detection device for an automatic injector. The detection device comprises a fixing assembly and a detection assembly, the fixing assembly can fix the automatic injector and keep the needle in the excited state, and then the detection assembly can accurately measure the extending length of the needle. The fixing assembly comprises a base and two supporting arms, the two supporting arms are arranged on the base in a spaced mode in the second direction, the base can abut against the end of the protection cover, each supporting arm is connected with an abutting block, the two abutting blocks can get close to each other in the second direction to fix the shell, and the base and the two abutting blocks jointly act in a matched mode. The needle head is always arranged on the protection cover in a protruding mode and is in an excitation state, and measurement accuracy can be improved when measurement is carried out at the moment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device testing technology, and in particular to a testing device for automatic injectors. Background Technology

[0002] An autoinjector is a medical device that is easy to operate, provides precise dosage, allows patients to self-administer medication, and reduces human error. A properly sized needle is crucial for an autoinjector; the needle's extension length represents the subcutaneous injection depth. Subcutaneous injection depth is critical to the safety and efficacy of subcutaneous medications, especially for treatments with high requirements for dosage and injection depth. Therefore, medical device developers and manufacturers need to monitor and validate the needle's extension length under the skin during autoinjection to meet clinical safety requirements, improve patient treatment accuracy, and complete quality control and manufacturing process inspections to further ensure the standardization and consistency of medical devices.

[0003] Most autoinjectors on the market today use a two-step design, including a protective cover, a housing, and a needle. Specifically, after the autoinjector is activated, the protective cover retracts into the housing, allowing the needle to extend. After injection, the protective cover immediately pops out and covers the needle, while locking itself to prevent secondary injury to the user. However, this design also presents technical challenges for validation departments and developers in determining the needle extension length, i.e., the subcutaneous injection depth.

[0004] The existing methods for measuring needle extension length mainly include the following:

[0005] 1. Visual Measurement Method: This method uses a high-precision vision camera to capture real-time images of the needle, primarily showing the needle extending during the injection process of the auto-injector, in order to determine the length of the needle extension. While this method can provide detailed visual information without keeping the auto-injector in an activated state, the high-precision vision camera equipment is expensive, and it requires professional operation and maintenance, resulting in high maintenance costs.

[0006] 2. Laser Measurement Method: After the autoinjector is ignited, the needle extension length is measured using a laser rangefinder while maintaining a fixed injection state. This method generally requires a custom-designed integrated autoinjector testing device, which is costly. Such devices typically have a series of pre-programmed functional tests and cannot measure the needle extension length of the autoinjector independently.

[0007] To address the above shortcomings, there is an urgent need for a detection device for automatic injectors that can accurately measure the needle extension length while reducing costs. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a detection device for an automatic injector.

[0009] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0010] A detection device for an autoinjector, the autoinjector including a housing, a protective cover, and a needle, the needle protruding from one end of the housing, the protective cover being slidably disposed on the housing such that the needle is selectively positioned in an activated state protruding from the protective cover or in an initial state located inside the protective cover, the detection device comprising:

[0011] The fixing assembly includes a base and two support arms, the two support arms being spaced apart on the base along a second direction, the base being able to abut against the end of the protective cover, each support arm being connected to a pressing block, the two pressing blocks being able to move closer to each other along the second direction to fix the outer shell and place the needle in the activation state;

[0012] The detection assembly includes an external detection device for measuring the protrusion length of the needle.

[0013] Preferably, the base is provided with a detection groove for accommodating the needle, and at least one side of the detection groove is in communication with the outside and faces the detection component.

[0014] Preferably, the detection device further includes a connecting rod, the support arm is provided with a guide hole, the connecting rod passes through the guide hole and can be connected to the pressing block, and the connecting rod can move in the second direction within the guide hole.

[0015] Preferably, the two pressing blocks are provided with an arc-shaped portion on the side that is close to each other, and the arc-shaped portion is adapted to the side wall of the outer shell.

[0016] Preferably, the outer casing is provided with positioning holes on opposite sides, the guide hole extends along a first direction, the connecting rod can slide in the guide hole along the first direction, and the two pressing blocks are provided with protrusions on the side that is close to each other, the protrusions can pass through the positioning holes and abut against the inner wall of the positioning holes.

[0017] Preferably, a limiting member is also fitted onto the connecting rod, and the limiting member is threadedly connected to the connecting rod, so that the connecting rod can move in the second direction by rotating along its own axis.

[0018] Preferably, a receiving groove is provided on one side of the two guide holes that are close to each other to accommodate the limiting member, and the outer wall of the limiting member can be tightly attached to the inner wall of the receiving groove to restrict the rotation of the limiting member.

[0019] Preferably, the base is further recessed with a positioning groove, which communicates with the detection groove, and the end of the protective cover can be placed in the positioning groove.

[0020] Preferably, the bottom of the detection groove is provided with a through hole.

[0021] Preferably, the detection components include a microscope and / or a vernier caliper.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0023] This invention proposes a detection device for an autoinjector, used to detect the length of the needle protruding from the protective cover of the autoinjector. The autoinjector includes a shell, a protective cover, and a needle. The needle protrudes from one end of the shell, and the protective cover is slidably disposed on the shell, so that the needle protrudes from the protective cover in an activated state or is located inside the protective cover in an initial state. The detection device includes a fixing component and a detection component. The fixing component can fix the autoinjector and keep the needle in the activated state, and the detection component can measure the protrusion length of the needle. Specifically, the fixing component includes a base and two support arms, which are spaced apart on the base along a second direction. The base can abut against the end of the protective cover. Each support arm is connected to a pressing block, and the two pressing blocks can move closer to each other along the second direction to fix the shell. Therefore, the base and the two pressing blocks work together to ensure that the needle always protrudes from the protective cover in the activated state, preventing the protective cover from covering the needle and affecting the subsequent detection process of the detection component. This detection device not only reduces the complexity and cost of measurement work, but also keeps the autoinjector in the activated state for measurement, improving the accuracy of the measurement. In addition, the detection component includes an external detection device for measuring the needle extension length, which can independently measure the needle extension length of the autoinjector fixed by the fixing component, reducing production costs and facilitating maintenance, thus reducing operating costs and maintenance difficulty. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the fixed component of the detection device proposed in this utility model from one perspective;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pressing block of the detection device proposed in this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the fixed component of the detection device proposed in this utility model from another perspective.

[0027] In the picture:

[0028] 1. Pressing block; 11. Protrusion; 12. Arc-shaped part; 13. Connecting hole; 21. Base; 211. Detection groove; 212. Through hole; 213. Positioning groove; 22. Support arm; 221. Guide hole; 222. Receiving groove. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0032] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0033] Reference Figures 1 to 3This application proposes a detection device for an auto-injector, used to detect the length of the needle protruding from the protective cover of the auto-injector. The detection device includes a fixing component and a detection component. The fixing component can fix the auto-injector and keep the needle in an activated state, so that the detection component can accurately measure the protrusion length of the needle. Specifically, the fixing component includes a base 21 and two support arms 22. The two support arms 22 are spaced apart on the base 21 along a second direction. The base 21 can abut against the end of the protective cover. Each support arm 22 is detachably connected to a pressing block 1. The two pressing blocks 1 can move closer to each other along the second direction to fix the outer shell. Therefore, the base 21 and the two pressing blocks 1 work together to ensure that the needle always protrudes from the protective cover and is in an activated state, preventing the protective cover from covering the needle and affecting the subsequent detection process of the detection component. This detection device not only reduces the complexity and cost of measurement work, but also keeps the auto-injector in an activated state for measurement, improving the accuracy of measurement. It also effectively solves the problems of high cost and complex operation of existing measurement methods, and has high market application value and promotion prospects. Furthermore, the detection component includes an external detection device for measuring the extension length of the needle. The external detection device is independently set up from the fixing component, which can measure the extension length of the needle of the autoinjector fixed by the fixing component alone, reducing production costs and making it easy to maintain, thus reducing operating costs and maintenance difficulty.

[0034] The two pressure blocks 1 can approach each other to fix the outer shell, thus the detection device can be adapted to automatic injectors of different diameters, increasing the versatility and practicality of the detection device, reducing the number of detection devices that need to be prepared, and lowering production costs.

[0035] It is understood that the autoinjector mentioned in this utility model is a two-step design, including a housing, a protective cover, and a needle. The needle protrudes from one end of the housing, and the protective cover is slidably disposed on the housing, so that the needle protrudes from the protective cover in the activated state or is located inside the protective cover in the initial state. Specifically, the housing and the protective cover can be connected by a spring. When the needle of the autoinjector is in the initial state, the protective cover completely covers the needle, that is, the needle is located inside the protective cover, and the spring remains unchanged and is not compressed. When the needle of the autoinjector is in the activated state, the protective cover slides relative to the housing, causing the needle to protrude, that is, the needle protrudes from the protective cover, and the spring is compressed. Under normal circumstances, when the autoinjector has finished its work, the spring's return to its original state pushes the protective cover, causing the protective cover to cover the needle again. When the autoinjector with the needle in the activated state is placed on the fixing component, the base 21 can abut against the end of the protective cover to prevent the protective cover from sliding away from the outer shell due to the spring force. The two pressing blocks 1 can fix the outer shell to prevent the outer shell from sliding away from the protective cover due to the spring force. At this time, the spring will always remain in a compressed state, so the relative position of the protective cover and the outer shell remains fixed. Neither the protective cover nor the outer shell will move away from each other due to the spring's return force. Therefore, the protective cover will not cover the needle, so that the needle remains in the activated state.

[0036] Furthermore, the base 21 is recessed with a detection groove 211 for accommodating the needle. This not only provides clearance for the needle but also protects it from damage by other components during testing. At least one side of the detection groove 211 is open to the outside and faces the detection component. The detection component is opposite to the side of the detection groove 211 that is open to the outside, allowing for accurate measurement of the needle's extension length. The width of the detection groove 211 should be smaller than the outer diameter of the automatic injector's protective cover to ensure that the protective cover can be placed on the base 21. Preferably, the base 21 can be manufactured using 3D printing technology, and the material used is PLA (polylactic acid), reducing manufacturing costs and improving cost-effectiveness. The detection component can be measured using a microscope after imaging or directly and accurately measured with calipers, which not only improves measurement accuracy but also makes the measurement process more convenient and efficient.

[0037] In addition, the detection device also includes a connecting rod. The support arm 22 is provided with a guide hole 221. The connecting rod passes through the guide hole 221 and can be connected to the pressing block 1. The connecting rod can also move in the second direction within the guide hole 221. The two support arms 22 are fixedly mounted on the base 21. The two connecting rods can move in the second direction within the guide hole 221 and thus approach each other.

[0038] To improve the fixing stability of the pressing blocks 1, an arc-shaped part 12 is provided on the side of the two pressing blocks 1 that are close to each other. The arc-shaped part 12 is adapted to the side wall of the shell, so that the two pressing blocks 1 can form a surface contact when fixing the shell. This not only avoids the indentation or surface scratch caused by point contact, but also maximizes the contact area with the shell and improves the fixing stability.

[0039] Furthermore, positioning holes are provided on opposite sides of the outer casing, and a protrusion 11 is provided on the side of the two pressing blocks 1 that are close to each other. The protrusion 11 can pass through the positioning hole and abut against the inner wall of the positioning hole. The guide hole 221 extends along the first direction, and the connecting rod can slide in the guide hole 221 along the first direction, driving the pressing block 1 to move in the first direction, thereby adapting to automatic injectors of different lengths. It is worth noting that the shape of the positioning hole and the protrusion 11 are adapted so that the protrusion 11 can just pass through the positioning hole and abut against the inner wall of the positioning hole. Preferably, the positioning hole is also an elongated hole extending along the first direction. When fixing the outer casing, the protrusion 11 can be inserted into any position within the positioning hole, and then the pressing block 1 can be moved within the positioning hole until the protrusion 11 of the pressing block 1 abuts against the lower inner wall of the positioning hole. Once the protrusion 11 on the pressing block 1 extends into the positioning hole and abuts against the lower inner wall of the positioning hole, the outer casing will not move away from the protective cover, further ensuring the stability of the fixation. This also makes operation more convenient. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other in the vertical plane.

[0040] Understandably, two-step auto-injectors generally have an observation window on their casing to observe the liquid level of the liquid to be injected. This observation window can also serve as a positioning hole to cooperate with the protrusion 11 of the pressure block 1, reducing development costs and improving the market applicability of the detection device.

[0041] A limiting member is fitted onto the connecting rod, and the limiting member is threadedly connected to the connecting rod. The connecting rod can move in a second direction by rotating along its own axis. The threaded transmission enables the connecting rod to move in the second direction within the guide hole 221, improving movement accuracy and reducing cost. Correspondingly, the pressing block 1 and the connecting rod are detachably connected. A connecting hole 13 is provided on the side of the two pressing blocks 1 that is far apart from each other. The connecting rod can be inserted into the connecting hole 13 to connect with the pressing block 1, and the connecting rod can rotate within the connecting hole 13. When the connecting rod rotates, it can rotate relative to the pressing block 1, preventing the pressing block 1 from rotating with the connecting rod, thus preventing the protrusion 11 from smoothly passing through the positioning hole.

[0042] Furthermore, to limit the position of the connecting rod on the support arm 22, a receiving groove 222 is provided on the side of the two guide holes 221 that are close to each other, for accommodating the limiting member, and the outer wall of the limiting member can be tightly fitted with the inner wall of the receiving groove 222 to limit the rotation of the limiting member. Specifically, the limiting member may include a limiting plane, which can fit with the inner wall of the receiving groove 222 to prevent the limiting member from rotating if it uses an arc-shaped surface to fit with the inner wall of the receiving groove 222, thereby avoiding the risk that the rotation of the limiting member will cause the connecting rod to move in the second direction during the testing process. In addition, the outer diameter of the limiting member should also be adapted to the groove width of the receiving groove 222.

[0043] In addition, the limiting member is also provided with an anti-movement component to restrict the position of the limiting member within the receiving groove 222 along the first direction, preventing the limiting member from moving along the first direction and thus limiting the position of the connecting rod. Preferably, the anti-movement component can be a friction layer, which can be coated with a high-friction coefficient material on the outer wall of the limiting member to increase friction. When the outer wall of the limiting member is in close contact with the inner wall of the receiving groove 222, the friction layer can generate a large friction force, preventing the limiting member from moving along the first direction within the receiving groove 222. Preferably, the friction layer can be a rubber coating. Of course, the friction layer can also be coated on the inner wall of the receiving groove 222, which is not limited here.

[0044] In addition, to prevent the protective cover from shifting when it comes into contact with the base 21, a positioning groove 213 is recessed on the base 21. The positioning groove 213 communicates with the detection groove 211, and the end of the protective cover can be placed within the positioning groove 213. When the protective cover comes into contact with the base 21, the needle is placed within the detection groove 211. If the protective cover moves on the base 21 at this time, it will cause the needle to move within the detection groove 211, increasing the risk of the needle touching the side wall of the detection groove 211 and causing damage. Therefore, the positioning groove 213 is recessed on the base 21 to limit the end of the protective cover and prevent it from shifting when it comes into contact with the base 21. Preferably, when the end of the protective cover is placed within the positioning groove 213, the needle is positioned exactly in the middle of the detection groove 211.

[0045] The bottom of the detection groove 211 is provided with a through hole 212. This through hole 212 can serve as a backup channel, allowing staff to clean or disinfect the needle. It also serves as a drainage channel, ensuring the injected medication can pass smoothly. Preferably, when the needle is placed in the detection groove 211, it is directly aligned with the through hole 212.

[0046] The working process of this detection device is as follows:

[0047] The operator first places the autoinjector in its initial state on the base 21 with the protective cover facing down, and abuts the protective cover against the base 21. The position of the two positioning holes on the outer shell is aligned with the direction of the two support arms 22. Then, the autoinjector is activated, causing the protective cover to slide relative to the outer shell and exposing the needle. The two pressing blocks 1 are first installed on the two connecting rods at their respective ends that are close to each other. Then, the two connecting rods are rotated, causing the two pressing blocks 1 to move along the second direction and move closer to each other until the protrusions 11 on the two pressing blocks 1 extend into the positioning holes. The operator then overcomes the friction between the limiting member and the receiving groove 222 and moves the connecting rods along the first direction, causing the protrusions 11 on the pressing blocks 1 to abut against the lower inner wall of the positioning holes. At this point, the autoinjector is fixed, and the detection component can measure the extension length of the needle.

[0048] Alternatively, when the autoinjector needs to be fixed after it is activated, the operator first mates the two independent pressure blocks 1 with the outer shell of the autoinjector, inserts the protrusion 11 into the positioning hole, and then rotates the two connecting rods to move them along the second direction and bring them closer to each other until the connecting rods are inserted into the connecting hole 13 on the pressure block 1. The operator then overcomes the friction between the limiting member and the receiving groove 222 and moves the connecting rods along the first direction so that the protrusion 11 on the pressure block 1 abuts against the lower inner wall of the positioning hole. At this time, the autoinjector is fixed and the detection component can measure the extension length of the needle.

[0049] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A detection device for an automatic injector, the automatic injector comprising a housing, a protective cover and a needle, the needle protruding from one end of the housing, the protective cover being slidably disposed on the housing to selectively place the needle in a fired state protruding from the protective cover or an initial state located inside the protective cover, characterized in that, The detection device includes: The fixing assembly includes a base (21) and two support arms (22). The two support arms (22) are spaced apart on the base (21) along a second direction. The base (21) can abut against the end of the protective cover. Each support arm (22) is connected to a pressing block (1). The two pressing blocks (1) can move closer to each other along the second direction to fix the outer shell and place the needle in the excitation state. The detection assembly includes an external detection device for measuring the protrusion length of the needle.

2. The detection device of claim 1, wherein, The base (21) is provided with a detection groove (211) for accommodating the needle, and at least one side of the detection groove (211) is connected to the outside and faces the detection component.

3. The detection device of claim 1, wherein, The detection device also includes a connecting rod. The support arm (22) is provided with a guide hole (221). The connecting rod passes through the guide hole (221) and can be connected to the pressing block (1). The connecting rod can move in the second direction within the guide hole (221).

4. The detection device of claim 1, wherein, An arc-shaped portion (12) is provided on one side of the two pressing blocks (1) that are close to each other, and the arc-shaped portion (12) is adapted to the side wall of the outer shell.

5. The detection device of claim 3, wherein, The outer shell is provided with positioning holes on opposite sides. The guide hole (221) extends along the first direction. The connecting rod can slide in the guide hole (221) along the first direction. The two pressing blocks (1) are provided with protrusions (11) on the side that are close to each other. The protrusions (11) can pass through the positioning hole and abut against the inner wall of the positioning hole.

6. The detection device of claim 3, wherein, A limiting member is also fitted onto the connecting rod, and the limiting member is threadedly connected to the connecting rod. The connecting rod can move in the second direction by rotating along its own axis.

7. The detection device of claim 6, wherein, A receiving groove (222) is provided on one side of the two guide holes (221) that are close to each other, for accommodating the limiting member, and the outer wall of the limiting member can be tightly attached to the inner wall of the receiving groove (222) to restrict the rotation of the limiting member.

8. The detection device of claim 2, wherein, The base (21) is also recessed with a positioning groove (213), which is connected to the detection groove (211), and the end of the protective cover can be placed in the positioning groove (213).

9. The detection device of claim 2, wherein, The bottom of the detection groove (211) is provided with a through hole (212).

10. The detection device of claim 1, wherein, The detection components include a microscope and / or a vernier caliper.

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