Ratchet mechanism, system and method comprising the same including linkage-driven indexing mechanism

Abstract

Devices, systems, and components including a ratchet rotated, pushed, or advanced by a driving mechanism, a two- linkage driving mechanism, or combination of features or components, comprising: a ratchet having an outer circumferential surface comprising a plurality of ratchet teeth with a spacing between adjacent teeth; a first linkage comprising a fist gear and a second gear; a second linkage comprising a pawl operatively connected to the first linkage, the driving pawl configured to individually contact the ratchet teeth to advance the ratchet gear by an advance increment. A driver operatively connected to the first linkage selectively provides a force to the first linkage, wherein the first linkage transfers the force from the driver to the second linkage to cause a motion of the driving pawl to push on a tooth of the ratchet teeth to advance the ratchet by the advance increment.

Description

RATCHET MECHANISM, SYSTEM AND METHOD COMPRISING THE SAME INCLUDING LINKAGE-DRIVEN INDEXING MECHANISMBackground

[0001] Generally, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the fields of driving mechanisms for medication delivery devices. More specifically, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to medication delivery devices where a stopper or plunger is advanced through a reservoir to dispense medication from the reservoir by use of a driving mechanism including a ratchet.

[0002] In the example of medical applications, a patch pump is an integrated device that facilitates infusion therapy for diabetic patients. A patch pump combines most or all of the fluidic components, including the fluid reservoir, pumping mechanism and mechanism for automatically inserting the cannula, in a single housing which is adhesively attached to an infusion site on the patient’s skin, and does not require the use of a separate infusion or tubing set. A patch pump containing insulin adheres to the skin and delivers the insulin over a period of time via an integrated subcutaneous cannula. Some patch pumps may be configured to include wireless communication with a separate controller device, while others are completely self-contained. Such devices are replaced on a frequent basis, such as every three days, particularly when the insulin reservoir is exhausted.

[0003] As patch pumps are designed to be a self-contained unit that is worn by the diabetic patient, it is preferable to be as small as possible so that it does not interfere withthe activities of the user. Thus, in order to minimize discomfort to the user, it would be preferable to minimize the overall size of the patch pump. Conventional patch pumps or a syringe-type devices typically include a driving mechanism with a single advancing lead screw inside medium or fluid reservoir or chamber to push, advance, or otherwise apply force on the plunger in order to dispense the medium or fluid out of the chamber.

[0004] An example of a patch pump having single advancing lead screw features is disclosed in WO2022 / 261100, published December 15, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. As illustrated in FIGs. 1A - 1C, a wearable disposable patch pump 100 can be configured to include a base 102, outer housing 104, and an insertion mechanism 106. FIG. 1C illustrates a top view, of pump 100 without the outer housing or cover 104, and diagrammatically shows at least some of the various components that can be configured on base 102 of a pump 100 including a pumping mechanism 200 having a motor 202 operatively connected to lead screw 204 by gears including reduction gears 206 and lead screw gear 208 configured to rotate lead screw 204. A plunger assembly 210 is disposed inside barrel 212 such that plunger 210 translates or moves axially with respect to barrel 212 due to rotation of lead screw 204 whereby fluid can be dispensed by rotating the motor 202 forward driving the plunger 210 to move axially with respect to barrel 212 away from proximal end 213 and toward distal end 215 of barrel 212 forcing fluid out of the barrel outlet 107.

[0005] Other mechanisms for advancing a plunger in a barrel described in WO2022 / 261100 include a linkage mechanism, illustrated in FIG. ID, and a collapsible drive mechanism, illustrated in FIG. IE. As showm in FIG. ID, a pumping device 900,which can be deployed for example in a pump 100, can comprise a plunger 910 disposed in barrel 912, such that plunger 910 can be advanced axially toward and away from distal end 915 of barrel 912 by a two linkage mechanism 904 driven through appropriate gearing 920 by a motor (not shown) for example operatively connected at 921. As shown in FIG. IE, a collapsible drive mechanism 1200, which can be deployed for example in a pump 100, can include a linkage mechanism 1304 connected to a plunger 1210 disposed in barrel 1212 and driven by a motor (not shown) for example operatively connected at 1207. The linkage mechanism can comprise a single linkage or a set of two full linkages 1305 and 1306 and two half linkages 1307 and 1208, where distal ends of half linkages 1307 and 1308 can be joined at, or pivotally coupled to, plunger 1210, for example at proximal end 1415 of plunger 1210, for example via a loose pin 1420. Proximal ends of half linkages 1307 and 1308 can be joined at, or pivotally coupled to, distal ends of respective full linkages 1305 and 1306, for example via respective loose pins 1421 and 1422. Full linkages 1305 and 1306 crisscross and can be joined, or pivotally coupled, essentially at the centers thereof, for example by means of a loose pin 1423. Proximal ends of full linkages 1305 and 1306 are joined at, or pivotally coupled to, the driveshaft 1207 at opposing left 1302 and right 1301 hand female screw threads, respectively, for example by means of respective loose pins 1425 and 1424.

[0006] Yet other mechanisms for advancing a plunger in a barrel of a patch pump can include a ratchet. Referring to FIG. 2, components of a conventional ratchet include a ratchet wheel or gear 1 rationally 11 mounted on a spindle 2, a driving pawn 3 springmounted 4 on an movable / driven 55 arm 5, and a spring-mounted 6 locking pawl 7.Typically, the purpose of a ratchet is to allow rotation in one direction 11 and / or to increment rotation resolution finely. When preventing back drive (by a locking pawl 7) or incrementing (by a driving pawl 3), a typical ratchet’s rotation resolution is limited by the number of teeth 8 on the ratchet wheel 1 that interact with driving pawl 3 and locking pawl 7. When designed to prevent back drive, ratchet wheel 1 will be driven into the nearest tooth 8 and be stopped from rotating further. If designed to increment, ratchet wheel 1 will be rotationally incremented one tooth 8 at a time.

[0007] Yet other mechanisms for advancing a plunger in a barrel of a patch pump are described in U. S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 572,707 and U. S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 663,156, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0008] In order to further minimize the size of the patch pump and possibly improve its performance and / or reliability, a number and / or function of its constituent parts, such as those of the driving mechanisms, can be optimized as much as possible without compromising the accuracy and reliability of device or its feature set.

[0009] For example, in a patch pump that uses a ratchet, to get finer rotational resolution more teeth per revolution can be added, either by making the teeth smaller or the diameter of the ratchet wheel / gear bigger. However, when trying to incorporate a ratchet into a device such as a patch pump, this can lead to a design contradiction: a ratchet mechanism needs to have as many increments as possible (large number of teeth), but be as small as possible (smallest ratchet wheel diameter) and retain manufacturability(individual teeth cannot be too small). Accordingly, there is a need to address such contradiction, which may not be solved by known ratchet mechanism designs.Summary of Disclosure

[0010] The matters exemplified in this description are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.Accordingly, those of ordinary’ skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0011] As would be readily appreciated by skilled artisans in the relevant art, while descriptive terms such as “medium,” “medicament,” “stopper,” “plunger,” “arm,” “syringe,” “motor,” “pawl,” “ratchet,” “gear,” “teeth,”, “flange,” “cam,” “dwell,” “wall,” “top,” “side,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “proximal,” “distal,” “container” “reservoir,” “chamber,” “driver,” “offset,” “wheel,” “pin,” “slot,” “axis,” and others are used throughout this specification to facilitate understanding, it is not intended to limit any components that can be used in combinations or individually to implement various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide devices, systems, and components where a ratchet can be rotated / pushed / advanced by a two-linkage driving mechanism.

[0013] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a two-linkage driving mechanism and / or a combination of features and / or components comprising: a ratchet having an outer circumferential surface comprising a plurality of ratchet teeth with a spacing between adjacent of the ratchet teeth; a first linkage comprising a fist gear and a second gear; a second linkage comprising a pawl operatively connected to the first linkage, the driving pawl configured to individually contact the ratchet teeth to advance the ratchet gear by an advance increment; and a driver operatively connected to the first linkage to selectively provide a force to the first linkage, wherein the first linkage transfers the force from the driver to the second linkage to cause a motion of the driving pawl to push on a tooth of the ratchet teeth to advance the ratchet by the advance increment.

[0014] Exemplary implementations of embodiments of the present disclosure provide a combination wherein the first gear comprises an input shaft connected to the driver whereby the force from the driver is provided to the shaft to cause a rotation of the first gear.

[0015] Exemplary implementations of embodiments of the present disclosure provide a combination, wherein the first gear transfers the rotation of the first gear to the second gear.

[0016] Exemplary implementations of embodiments of the present disclosure provide a combination, wherein the first gear can be a first bevel gear and the second gear can be a second bevel gear. For example, the first bevel gear can transfer the rotation 90 degrees to the second bevel gear.

[0017] Exemplary implementations of embodiments of the present disclosure provide a combination, wherein the second gear transfers the force from the driver to the pawl.

[0018] Exemplary implementations of embodiments of the present disclosure provide a combination the second linkage comprises a pin, the pawl comprises a slot, and the motion of the pawl can be constrained by a pin. For example, the pin can be fixed and protrude through the slot, and the pawl is pivotally attached to second gear. For example, rotation of the first gear can cause the motion of the pawl, and the motion of the pawl can be a reciprocating motion.

[0019] Exemplary implementations of tire exemplary embodiments of tire present disclosure provide system components for a drug delivery' device, such as a patch pump, including for example in a pumping mechanism.

[0020] Further exemplar,' implementations of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide combinations of various feature of a drive mechanism including a ratcheting mechanism actuated using, for example a bi-directional, motor paired, for example, with a leadscrew driven syringe pump or a linkage driven syringe pump, for advancing a plunger to dispense the medium or fluid in a drug delivery device.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a system can include a syringe-style drug container, reservoir, or chamber containing a medium or fluid which can be dispensed by advancing a plunger disposed inside the container facing, or in contact with, or proximal to, the medium inside the container, and a ratchet mechanism, for example disposed outside the container, driven by a motor to advance the plunger to dispense the medium or fluid out of the container.

[0022] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, certain space savings and / or a more compact design of various syringe driven pumps can, but is not required to, be achieved by utilizing exemplary implementations of a mechanical drive mechanism that has, for example and without limitation, a parallel axial alignment between a ratchet / lead screw and a motor driver. For example, in such an implementation, a motor may be arrange to take up the length of space adjacent to the syringe pump reservoir.

[0023] In exemplary implementations of embodiments of the present disclosure, in example proposed design embodiment only a ratchet gear can be configured to contribute directly to functional increment tolerancing.

[0024] Further, in exemplary implementations of the embodiments of present disclosure provide a system comprising a two-1 inkage driving mechanism and / or a combination of features and'or components described herein, the system further comprising: a motor operatively connected to a lead screw by the driver and the ratchet to rotate the lead screw; and a plunger disposed inside a barrel such that the plunger moves axially withrespect to the barrel due to rotation of the lead screw, whereby fluid can be dispensed from the barrel by the motor rotating the lead screw to drive the plunger to move axially with respect to the barrel, away from a proximal end and toward a distal end forcing the fluid out of the barrel.

[0025] In further exemplary implementations of the embodiments of present disclosure provide a system, a portion of the lead screw operatively coupled to the ratchet gear can be configured outside of the barrel to operatively connect the lead screw to the motor. Further, for example, and without limitation, the motor, the barrel, the first linkage and the second linkage can be disposed on a surface of a base. Further, for example, and without limitation, an output shaft can be rotationally fixed with respect to the ratchet and the lead screw. Further, for example, and without limitation, a shaft can be rotationally fixed with respect to the second gear. Still further, for example, and without limitation, an axis of the shaft of the second gear can be essentially perpendicular to the surface of the base, and / or an axis the output shaft can be essentially parallel to the surface of the base, and / or an axis of the output shaft can be essentially parallel to the axis of the input shaft, and / or the axis of the shaft of the second gear can be essentially perpendicular to the axis of the input shaft and / or the axis of the output shaft.

[0026] In exemplary implementations of embodiments of the present disclosure providing, conversion of rotational to linear motion can be achieved using a bi-directional motor.

[0027] Exemplary implementations of embodiments of the present disclosure can utilize a single ratchet wheel with gear teeth.

[0028] In exemplary implementations of embodiments of the present disclosure, a leadscrew can be configures as either fused to a ratchet or interfaced as two separate components.Brief Description of Drawings

[0029] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, embodiments of the present disclosure are described as follows.

[0030] FIGs. 1A and IB are examples of perspective views of an exterior of a device according to exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIGs. 1C, ID and IE are examples of perspective views of components of device configurations that can be optionally implemented with various configurations of exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates a conventional ratchet design.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a combination of system components of a device comprising combinations of features according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates another top view of a combination of system components of a device comprising combinations of features according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0035] FIGs. 5 A, 5B, 5C, and 5B are perspective, side, top, and bottom views, respectively, diagrammatically and comparatively illustrating exemplary features and non-limiting implementation of disclosed exemplary embodiments.

[0036] FIGs. 6A and 6B illustrate in more detail examples of various configurations of components, such as in the examples of FIGs. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D, that can be implemented in a device and / or system according to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 7 provide an illustrative listing of mathematical formulas that can facilitate relative configurations of various components in accordance with exemplary and nonlimiting implementations of disclosed exemplary embodiments.

[0038] FIGs. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8B diagrammatically illustrates exemplary features and non-limiting implementation of disclosed exemplary embodiments, as implemented in example configurations in accordance with the mathematical formulations of example of FIG. 7.Detailed Description of Disclosure

[0039] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, devices, components, and methodologies comprising, without limitation, various design of a ratcheting mechanism, for example driven by a back-and-forth rotation of a motor such as a bi-directional motor.

[0040] Referring to FIGs. 3 and 4, which show a conceptual top view, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a patch pump structure 2000 can comprise a mechanism 2010 where a gear module 2006, driven by a motor 2002 connected to a power source 2014, and a ratchet 2008 can be configured to rotate a lead screw 2004 to drive a plunger disposed in a barrel 2012.

[0041] As illustrated in FIG 4, according to exemplary implementations of disclosed embodiments, various components of mechanism 2010 can include various supporting structure(s) 2020 and / or can be configured on a base 3002 of a pump 3000 were a distal end of barrel 2012 may include an endcap 3070 to facilitate connection of barrel 2012 to an insertion mechanism, such as a mechanism 106, for example via port or tube 3072, to dispense medium or fluid out of barrel 2012 by displacement of plunger 2005. Endcap 3070 can also be configured to facilitate connection of barrel 2012 to fill port or inlet 3200, for example via a tube such as tube 3074, to fill barrel 2012 with medium or fluid. In an exemplary implementation, motor 2002 can be controlled by a microprocessor having a memory, such as a microchip mounted on a PCB 300, or other controlling method.

[0042] As further illustrated in a conceptual example diagram of FIG. 4, according to exemplary implementations of disclosed embodiments, components of mechanism 2010 can comprise a gear module 4006 and a ratchet 3008 configured to interact, connect and / or communicate with, and / or be driven by, a gear module 4006 via an interface 2022.

[0043] Referring to FIGs. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D, certain component configurations according to an exemplary embodiments of tire present disclosure can be implements for example and without limitation in a wearable disposable patch pump, such as a pump 100, a pump 2000, or a pump 3000, that utilizes a mechanism 2010, or in any device that utilizes a ratchet to achieve fine rotational resolution. As diagrammatically shown in FIGs 5A, 5B, 5C and 6D in exemplary implementations of disclosed embodiments, a ratchet mechanism 2010, which can be referenced for example and without limitation as a two-linkage mechanism, can comprise an input shaft 5001, which can be configured as a shaft of, or be driven by, a motor, such as a motor 2002, driving a gear, for example a bevel gear 5002, for example by applying a force to shaft 5001 to cause a rotation of a bevel gear 5002, which transfers the rotation, or rotational motion, for example 90 degrees, to a second gear, for example a second bevel gear 5003, which comprise a first linkage in a two-linkage driving mechanism. The bevel gear 5003 can be configured to transfer force to a second linkage 5004 (which may be called, for example and without limitation, a driving pawl).

[0044] For example, as illustrated further in examples of FIGs. 6A and 6B, a second linkage 5004 can comprise a pawl 5025 having a pin slot 5015 and constrained by a pin 5005, where for example pin 5005 is fixed to base 3002 and protrudes through the slot5015. In an exemplary implementation pawl 5025 can be pivotally 5035 attached to second bevel gear 5003, for example such that rotation of bevel gear 5003 results in a reciprocating motion of pawl 5025.

[0045] In exemplary implementations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as second linkage 5004, can be driven for example by a bevel gear 5003, it pushes the ratchet, such as a ratchet gear, 5006 (which can comprise teeth 5036 with a spacing or a distance between teeth 5036) a distance of one tooth 5016, and retracts back to grip the next tooth 5026. The ratchet 5006 can be configured to mechanically interact with, or for example be directly connected to, the output shaft 5007, which can be part of a lead screw 2004, or can be configured to mechanically interact with, for example be rotationally fixed with respect to, lead screw 2004, to rotate lead screw 2004 to drive a plunger disposed in a barrel 2012. Bevel gear 5003 can be configured with, or on, a shaft 5013, for example mounted on a base 3002, where, for example axis of shaft 5013 can be essentially perpendicular to a surface 3012 of base 3002, where the shaft can be removably or permanently attached to, or be formed integrally with, on, or in, base 3002. In exemplary embodiments axis of output shaft 5007 and / or axis of input shaft 5001 can be essentially parallel to surface 3012 of base 3002. In a further exemplary implementation, axis of input shaft 5001 and axis output shaft 5007 can be parallel to each other.

[0046] In a further exemplary implementation of the disclosed exemplary embodiments, while it may not be needed if implemented in an infusion pump, there can also be provided a locking pawl 5008 which can, for example and without limitation, facilitateprevention of the ratchet 5006 from turning backward when the second linkage 5004 is retracting. For example, a locking pawl 5008 can be configured to easily slide up and over the gently sloped edges of the teeth 5036 of ratchet 5006, for example with a spring forcing it (for example with an audible 'click') into the depression between the teeth as it passes the tip of each tooth. When the teeth move in the opposite (backward) direction, however, the pawl 5008 will catch against the steeply sloped edge of the first tooth it encounters, thereby locking it against the tooth and preventing any further motion of ratchet 5006 in that direction.

[0047] According to exemplary non-limiting implementations, output shaft 5007 can be supported by one or more shaft support structures 5017, which can be removably, for example by means of one or more removable screws 5027, or permanently, fixed to a base 3002 of a pump 3000. Alternatively, shaft support structures 5017 can be integrally formed with, or on, base 3002.

[0048] According to exemplary non-limiting implementations, input shaft 5001 can be supported by one or more input shaft support structures 5011, which can be removably, or permanently, fixed to a base 3002 of a pump 3000. Alternatively, input shaft support structures 5011 can be integrally formed with, or on, base 3002.

[0049] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the input shaft 5001 can be rotated clockwise so that the driving pawl 5004 advances the ratchet 5006 one tooth 5016 and then retracts behind the next tooth 5026. Then the input shaft 5001 can change direction to counterclockwise and the driving pawl 5004 again pushes theratchet 5006 one tooth 5036 and retracts back to the original position. In such an exemplary implementation, the ratchet 5006 can be advanced in both drive directions and, for example and without limitation, does not waste time or energy. In yet further exemplary implementation, either hard stops or switches could be used to signal a need for direction change. In an exemplary implementation, mechanism 2010 comprises a locking pawl 5008 configured to interact with teeth 5036 of ratchet 5006.

[0050] Referring to FIGs. 7, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, exemplary implementations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be configured in accordance with the mathematical formulations detailed in the example of FIG. 7, and / or parameters which provide for non-limiting relative configurations of various combinations of various components and features of disclosed exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in the annotated FIGs. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D.

[0051] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, potential, but not required, advantages for various disclosed exemplary implementations of an indexing design can be: (1) to facilitate prevention of dose runaway (continuous rotation of the output shaft) should the motor short and receive direct power (continuous rotation at the input shaft); and / or (2) to facilitate delivery of accurate rotation of an output shaft without using a stepper motor or some other more expensive technology.

[0052] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can facilitate prevention of dose runaway by, for example and without limitation, having hard stops or switches to signal the motor to change direction. According to exemplary implementations, byrequiring a reciprocating motion of the motor and input shaft, dose runaway can be mitigated. If for example, the switch(es) / hard stops fail, in exemplary implementations, the driving pawl can either stall the drive input or break from the bevel gear or pin-slot interface. Either way, a possibility of multiple doses if the motor receives constant power can be reduced.

[0053] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a more precise output rotation can be achieved with potentially very imprecise input rotation by ensuring that the mechanism is driven past full extension every time it is driven in one direction. Such a configuration may allow for very fine dose control with relatively inexpensive components.

[0054] An exemplary advantage of using designs according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can comprise an ability to deliver accurate rotation of the output shaft with a very imprecise input rotation. According to exemplary implementation such an advantage may be achieved because the driving pawl always rotates past full extension. In exemplary implementations, as long as the driving pawl advances past full extension and retracts enough to catch one tooth and not so far as to catch two teeth, the output rotation can be exactly one tooth (for example 360 degrees divided by number of teeth). In further exemplary implementations, the ability for the design to achieve an appropriate retraction distance (1 tooth, <2 teeth} can be determined for example by the distance between the two pins on the first linkage (bevel gear) 5003 and the switch / hard stop. Compared to conventional designs which rely on the precision stopping of a driving pawl 5025 to achieve the right output rotation, exemplary implementation of exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure, may only needs to hit a very wide window to ensure that the output shaft 5007 turns the correct amount. In still further exemplary implementations, many dimensions like the length of the driving pawl 5025, may have no effect on the output rotation accuracy.

[0055] Exemplary implementations of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, may, but are not required to, achieve the following improvements over conventional designs:

[0056] 1. Because the driving linkage is driven past maximum extension every’ time, very few components lead to the dose accuracy stack up (compared to conventional designs, which need to be stopped in precisely the right position}. Of a particular importance is ensuring that the driving pawl always only catches one tooth (which may be much easier to do relative to conventional design).

[0057] 2. The output shaft can be advanced during both the counterclockwise and clockwise rotation of the input shaft so there is no "reset" motion that may be required in other ratchet driving mechanisms.

[0058] 3. There can be some torque reduction provided by the mechanism itself. The magnitude of reduction may depend on the dimensions of some of the parts.

[0059] While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, operativevariations and alternative different lead designs may be employed to change dosing resolution, encoders may be used to have feedback of drive mechanism, indexing drives can be employed to repeatably and fail-safe advance the plunger. Generally, for example, non-circular syringe barrel cross-sections may be employed to optimize space utilization and tailor device size to best suit user comfort. Furthermore, any of the features or elements of any exemplary implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure as describes above and illustrated in the drawing figures can be implemented individually or in any combination(s) as would be readily appreciated by skilled artisans without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] In addition, the included drawing figures further describe non-limiting examples of implementations of certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and aid in the description of technology associated therewith. Any specific or relative dimensions or measurements provided in the drawings other as noted above are exemplary and not intended to limit the scope or content of the inventive design or methodology as understood by artisans skilled in the relevant field of disclosure. The following non-limiting examples of operative variations or alternatives to the disclosed design embodiments are applicable and may further facilitate understanding of exemplary implementations of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0061] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, a pin slot two bar linkage can be replace with a slider crank mechanism (in which case, it could also be optionally turned 90 degrees}. In yet further alternative implementation, linkage mechanism 5004 could alsobe modified so that the driving pawl has the pin and the slot is in the housing, for example in base 3002.

[0062] In another alternative exemplary embodiment, the locking pawl can be removed, since in exemplary implementations there may likely be enough friction that the driving pawl 5004 will not drag the ratchet back when it is retracting.

[0063] In yet another alternative exemplary embodiment, an aspect that can change more readily is the bevel gear 5003 and / or beveled gear 5002, such that, for example, instead of using a bevel gears to make a perpendicular transfer of rotational motion, an exemplary implementation could instead use a hypoid gear, a worm gear, a pulley-belt, sprocketchain, or cylindrical cam-follower. All such alternative configurations can be used in accordance with alternative exemplary embodiments to translate rotational perpendicular motion instead of bevel gears.

[0064] For example, ratchet gear can comprise a round or a circular gear / wheel or a linear rack with teeth, where a pawl is configured to engage the teeth of the ratchet gear. Tire teeth of the ratchet gear can be uniform and / or asymmetrical, with each tooth having a slope on one edge and a steeper slope on the other edge. A pawl is configured to catch against a steeper sloped edge of a tooth, and a driver is configured to causes the pawl to push on the tooth to advance the ratchet gear.

[0065] For example and without limitation, an alternate version comprising a slider crank-style mechanism can be provided, which may allow all rotation axes to be parallel and may thus eliminate the need for bevel gears or any type of 90-degree conversion.According to yet another exemplary implementation, another improvement may be to add a second driving, which may cut the step size in half, as described for example in U. S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 663,156 the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0066] For example and without limitation, each of the motion phases of a CAM driver may be reduced or extended to produce a desired ratchet mechanism motion. A cam surface minimum and maximum outer diameter(s) may be adjusted to increase or decrease stroke length, and other motion curve types (such as sinusoidal, harmonic, or other variations) may be considered during the effective motion phase to change acceleration and actuation forces.

[0067] For example and without limitation, a wide range of materials may be used for some or all of the components used in the designed mechanism.

[0068] For example and without limitation, the shape, size, and number of teeth on the ratchet gear may be changed to satisfy a wide variety of increment sizes.

[0069] Other objects, advantages and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the details provided, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawing figures, disclose exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

Exemplary Non-Limiting Claims:

1. A combination comprising:a ratchet having an outer circumferential surface comprising a plurality of ratchet teeth with a spacing between adjacent of the ratchet teeth;a first linkage comprising a fist gear and a second gear;a second linkage comprising a pawl operatively connected to the first linkage, the driving pawl configured to individually contact the ratchet teeth to advance the ratchet gear by an advance increment; anda driver operatively connected to the first linkage to selectively provide a force to the first linkage,wherein the first linkage transfers the force from the driver to the second linkage to cause a motion of the driving pawl to push on a tooth of the ratchet teeth to advance the ratchet by the advance increment.

2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the first gear comprises an input shaft connected to the driver whereby the force from the driver is provided to the shaft to cause a rotation of the first gear.

3. The combination of claim 2, wherein the first gear transfers the rotation to the second gear.

4. The combination of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first gear is a first bevel gear and the second gear is a second bevel gear.

5. The combination of claim 2, wherein the first gear is a first bevel gear and the second gear is a second bevel gear, and the first bevel gear transfers the rotation 90 degrees to the second bevel gear.

6. The combination of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the second gear transfers the force from the driver to the pawl.

7. The combination of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, whereinthe second linkage comprises a pin,the pawl comprises a slot, andthe motion of the pawl is constrained by a pin.

8. The combination of claim 7, wherein the pin is fixed and protrudes through the slot, and the pawl is pivotally attached to second gear.

9. The combination of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8, wherein rotation of the first gear causes the motion of the pawl, and the motion of the pawl is a reciprocating motion.

10. A system comprising the combination as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, the system further comprising:a motor operatively connected to a lead screw by the driver and the ratchet to rotate the lead screw; anda plunger disposed inside a barrel such that the plunger moves axially with respect to the barrel due to rotation of the lead screw,whereby fluid can be dispensed from the barrel by the motor rotating the lead screw to drive the plunger to move axially with respect to the barrel, away from a proximal end and toward a distal end forcing the fluid out of the barrel.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein a portion of the lead screw operatively coupled to the ratchet gear is configured outside of the barrel to operatively connect the lead screw to the motor.

12. The system of claim 10 or 11, wherein the motor is a bi-directional motor.

13. The system of claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein the driver comprises the motor.

14. The system of claim 10, 11, 12 or 13, whereinthe motor, the barrel, the first linkage and the second linkage are disposed on a surface of a base.

15. The system of claim 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14, further comprising an output shaft rotationally fixed with respect to the ratchet and the lead screw.

16. The system of claim 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15, further comprising a shaft rotationally fixed with respect to the second gear.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein an axis of the shaft is essentially perpendicular to the surface of the base.

18. The system of claim 15, 16, or 17, wherein an axis the output shaft is essentially parallel to the surface of the base.

19. The system of claim 15, 16, 17, or 18, wherein an axis of the output shaft is essentially parallel to the axis of the input shaft.

20. The system of claim 16, 17, 18, or 19, wherein the axis of the shaft is essentially perpendicular to the axis of the input shaft and / or the axis of the output shaft.

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