Auto Injector Cassette Index Ring Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing auto injector systems face challenges in maintaining operational stability and reducing material usage in disposable cassettes while ensuring user safety and drug delivery reliability, particularly due to the use of fragile components and complex mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a cassette with a mechanical index ring for improved stability and control, replacing fragile flexible arms, and a clutch mechanism in the auto injector to reduce material usage and enhance compactness, along with a secure cap locking system to prevent misuse and ensure safe drug delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If flexible arms are used on the skin sensor to release it when injector pins move into the cassette, then the skin sensor can be released, but the flexible arms are fragile and reduce reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidstrength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the fragile flexible arms with a spring mechanism that provides reliable mechanical force for releasing the skin sensor. The spring is pre-loaded and engages with the skin sensor assembly to push it distally, providing a more robust and reliable solution compared to flexible arms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism is pre-loaded before use, storing mechanical energy that is released when needed to push the skin sensor distally. This beforehand preparation ensures reliable operation without requiring fragile flexible arms during the critical release moment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of manufacture

If a disposable cassette is used without major electronic parts and spring systems, then production costs and environmental impact are reduced, but mechanical stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction costVSAvoidmechanical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a disposable cassette design that omits expensive electronic parts and complex spring systems, using simpler mechanical components instead. The cassette is designed for single use and then discarded, reducing production costs and environmental impact while maintaining adequate mechanical stability through careful mechanical design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes major electronic parts and complex spring systems from the disposable cassette, retaining only the essential mechanical components needed for functionality. This simplification reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the necessary mechanical stability for the cassette's intended purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the skin sensor is kept in a proximal locked position during transport, then user safety is improved, but the sensor must be reliably released during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser safetyVSAvoidsensor release

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The skin sensor is pre-positioned in a proximal locked state during transport and storage, ensuring user safety before use. The locking mechanism is designed to automatically release when the auto injector is properly assembled and the drive mechanism is activated, ensuring both safety during transport and ease of operation during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The skin sensor locking and release mechanism is designed to be self-activating based on the assembly state and operational triggers. When the auto injector is assembled and the drive mechanism moves, the skin sensor automatically releases from its locked position without requiring additional user intervention, combining safety with ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If an index ring with multiple rotational positions is used to control skin sensor movement, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The index ring serves multiple functions: it controls the skin sensor's longitudinal position through different rotational positions, provides visual indication of the current state, and engages with the drive mechanism for automatic release. This multi-functionality achieves precise control without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The index ring includes visual indicators such as colored markings or transparent sections that change appearance based on rotational position, providing intuitive visual feedback to the user about the skin sensor's state. This visual indication system enhances control precision without adding mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS20240307624A1Smart auto injector and cassette system

Publication Date: 2024.09.19 PHILLIPS MEDISIZE LLC

AI summary

The invention relates to a system comprising a cassette and an auto injector for delivery of medicament.