Auto Injector Cassette Rigid Needle Shield Removal Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing auto injectors require manual removal of the rigid needle shield, which can lead to accidental needle exposure and increased risk of needle stick injuries, especially for patients with reduced dexterity. Additionally, the need for a separate rigid needle shield remover tool adds cost and complexity.

Innovation Solution

An auto injector design that incorporates a rigid needle shield remover mechanism with pivotally attached arms, allowing for automatic separation of the rigid needle shield from the syringe compartment without manual intervention, thus preventing accidental needle exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual removal of rigid needle shield is used, then user can remove the shield, but risk of accidental needle exposure and needle stick injuries increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual removal operationVSAvoidneedle exposure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid needle shield is removed in advance by the drive module before the syringe is inserted into the patient's body. The drive module moves the rigid needle shield remover to a position between the rigid needle shield and the syringe compartment, and upon further movement, the rigid needle shield is separated from the syringe compartment. This preliminary removal action eliminates the risk of accidental needle exposure during the actual injection procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The auto injector system performs the rigid needle shield removal automatically without requiring manual intervention. The drive module automatically positions and operates the rigid needle shield remover, allowing the system to serve itself by eliminating the harmful manual removal step while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Object-affected harmful factors

If separate rigid needle shield remover tool is used, then rigid needle shield can be removed, but cost and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle stick injury riskVSAvoidseparate tool requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid needle shield remover is integrated into the auto injector system as an internal component rather than a separate external tool. The drive module incorporates the rigid needle shield remover mechanism within the housing, combining the functions of syringe holding, shield removal, and injection delivery into a single unified device. This merging eliminates the need for separate tools, reducing overall system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive module is designed to perform multiple functions: holding the syringe, removing the rigid needle shield, and delivering the medicament. By making the drive module multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated tools for each function, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining effective protection against needle stick injuries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If rigid needle shield is pulled off manually, then shield removal is achieved, but high force required and difficult for patients with reduced dexterity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshield removal safetyVSAvoidpatient dexterity requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical action of pulling off the rigid needle shield is replaced by an automated mechanical system. The drive module uses controlled mechanical movement to position the rigid needle shield remover between the shield and syringe compartment, and then automatically separates the shield. This substitution eliminates the need for patients to exert force manually, making the operation accessible to patients with reduced dexterity while ensuring safe shield removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250127995A1Auto injector with cassette

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 PHILLIPS MEDISIZE LLC

AI summary

A cassette is provided for use in an auto injector for administering a medicament. The cassette includes a syringe compartment containing the medicament, a hollow needle in fluid connection with the syringe compartment, a rigid needle shield connected to the syringe compartment and covering the hollow needle, a stopper movable inside the syringe compartment, a syringe holder extending around at least part of the syringe compartment, a rigid needle shield holder having a first part positioned between the rigid needle shield and the proximal end of the syringe compartment, and a cassette skin sensor. Also disclosed is the auto injector.