Adjustable Gripping Attachment Mechanism for Drug Delivery Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic add-on modules for drug delivery devices are typically tailored to fit specific devices, requiring different modules for different dimensions and working principles, limiting their versatility and compatibility.
Innovation Solution
An attachment mechanism with gripping rings and springs that adjust to varying diameters, allowing a single module to securely attach to drug delivery devices with diameters ranging from 14 mm to 18 mm, using a friction fit and enabling cross-platform compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic add-on modules are tailored to fit specific drug delivery devices, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity and lack of versatility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism employs a universal gripping portion with an adjustable inner diameter that can accommodate multiple drug delivery device sizes (14mm to 18mm). The gripping rings can be radially shifted between open and clamping conditions, allowing a single module design to securely attach to different device diameters without requiring multiple specialized modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping rings are designed to be dynamically adjustable between an open condition (for attachment) and a clamping condition (for secure holding). The spring mechanism enables the gripping portion to adapt its inner diameter dynamically, transitioning from a larger open state that accommodates various device sizes to a compressed clamping state that provides secure attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different modules are provided for different drug delivery devices, then compatibility is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single electronic add-on module design with the adjustable gripping mechanism can be manufactured to fit multiple drug delivery device models. The gripping portion's ability to radially shift and adjust its inner diameter eliminates the need to manufacture separate modules for different device sizes, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining broad compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into movable gripping rings that can independently shift radially. This segmentation allows the gripping portion to adapt to different device diameters through coordinated movement of the rings, enabling one module design to serve multiple device types without requiring multiple specialized components.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed inner diameter is used in the attachment mechanism, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different device sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a fixed inner diameter, the gripping rings are designed to dynamically adjust their position radially. The spring mechanism enables automatic adaptation to different device sizes within the 14mm to 18mm range, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving size accommodation through mechanical movement rather than multiple fixed-size components.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner diameter parameter of the gripping portion is made variable through the radial shifting capability of the gripping rings. The spring mechanism allows the inner diameter to change based on the device size being attached, enabling a single component to accommodate multiple sizes without requiring multiple fixed-diameter versions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The mechanism provides a secure and adjustable attachment for electronic modules across different drug delivery devices, facilitating a single module's use with multiple brands and sizes without the need for individual adapters.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring arranged and configured such that it biases the first gripping ring into the clamping condition
Implementation Method 2
providing secure attachment of the module via a friction fit
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is generally directed to an attachment mechanism suitable for attaching for example a module to an object that is essentially cylindrical or polygonal in cross-section, e.g. to a portion of a drug delivery device. Further, the disclosure is directed to an electronic system, which is configured to be, e.g. releasably, attached to the drug delivery device as well as an assembly comprising the the electronic system as well as the drug delivery device. The attachment mechanism may comprise a housing, a gripping portion with at least one gripping ring and an actuator for operating the gripping portion between an open condition and a clamping condition.