Disposable Applicator Kit for Subcutaneous Implant Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing kits for assembling disposable applicators for subcutaneous implantation often risk damaging delicate implants during the introduction process, especially when intricate design features are involved, and fail to facilitate safe and ergonomic implant introduction until a late stage of assembly.

Innovation Solution

A kit comprising a main housing part with a handle and a cannula holder, and a second component with a complementary shape and rod, allowing for the introduction of an implant through a funnel-shaped entrance, which can be postponed until just before the applicator is completed, and irreversibly attaching to prevent damage and ensure proper alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the implant is introduced early in the assembly process, then the assembly can be completed efficiently, but the risk of damaging the delicate implant increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidrisk of implant damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cannula holder is pre-assembled with the main housing part, and the opening is left open to receive the implant at the optimal moment. This preliminary preparation allows the implant to be introduced safely when the device is ready but before final assembly, combining efficiency with safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The funnel-shaped entrance acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates safe implant introduction. It guides the implant into the cannula holder without requiring direct contact with potentially damaging surfaces, reducing the risk of damage while enabling efficient assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the opening remains open to allow late-stage implant introduction, then implant safety is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk of implant damageVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into modular components: the main housing part, the cannula holder, and the second housing part. This segmentation allows the opening to remain open during assembly while maintaining structural integrity, as each component can be independently manufactured and assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The funnel-shaped entrance is integrated into the main housing part, combining the housing structure with the implant introduction feature. This merging reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while still enabling safe late-stage implant introduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the cannula holder is designed with a funnel-shaped entrance, then implant introduction safety is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk of implant damageVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The funnel-shaped entrance serves multiple functions: it guides the implant into the cannula holder, protects the implant from damage during assembly, and maintains structural integrity of the cannula holder. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional protective components, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the second component is irreversibly attached to the first component, then implant protection is ensured, but the assembly process becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk of implant damageVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is designed as a disposable device, where the first and second components are irreversibly attached to form a single-use assembly. This approach simplifies the assembly process, as permanent attachment methods (such as ultrasonic welding or adhesive bonding) can be used without concern for disassembly, while ensuring complete implant protection during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS11040184B2Kit for and method of assembling an applicator for inserting an implant

Publication Date: 2021.06.22 MERCK SHARP & DOHME BV

AI summary

The invention pertains to a kit for assembling a disposable applicator for inserting an implant, in particular a rod-like implant containing an active substance, under the skin of a human or animal, the kit comprising a first component, in turn comprising a main housing part providing a handle for grasping and maneuvering the applicator, a cannula, and a cannula holder mounted in the main housing part, the main housing part having an opening which allows introduction of an implant into the proximal end of the cannula or the cannula holder, and, a second component for closing said opening, in turn comprising a second housing part and a rod attached to or forming an integral whole with the second housing part and mountable inside the cannula or the cannula holder.