Auto Injector Cap Removal Clutch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto injector systems face challenges in ensuring mechanical stability and user safety due to the use of fragile components, such as flexible arms and pins, which can lead to instability and increased risk of needle exposure during medicament delivery.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a mechanical stable index ring and a clutch mechanism in the cassette and auto injector system, respectively, replaces fragile components, providing improved control over the skin sensor and plunger rod movement, enhancing stability and safety by allowing for controlled longitudinal and rotational positions, and reducing material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible arms and pins are used in the auto injector system, then the device can achieve basic functionality for medicament delivery, but the mechanical stability and reliability of the system deteriorates due to fragile components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes fragile flexible arms and pins from the system entirely. Instead, it uses a cap removal mechanism where the cap is directly coupled to the plunger rod through a clutch mechanism, eliminating the need for fragile intermediate components while maintaining the required functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: the cap, the clutch mechanism, and the plunger rod. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the clutch acting as a controlled coupling element that engages and disengages to enable cap removal and plunger movement without requiring fragile flexible arms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a secure cap removal mechanism is implemented to prevent needle exposure, then user safety improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is pre-coupled to the plunger rod before the injection process begins. The clutch mechanism is pre-configured to engage with the cap, so that when the plunger rod moves, the cap is automatically removed in a controlled manner. This preliminary setup ensures that the needle remains protected until the exact moment when cap removal is intended, preventing accidental needle exposure without requiring complex real-time control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism serves as an intermediary element between the plunger rod and the cap. It provides a controlled coupling that allows the cap to be removed only when the clutch engages, creating a safe intermediate step that prevents direct or accidental needle exposure while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
3Loss of substance
If material usage is minimized in the disposable cassette, then production costs and environmental impact are reduced, but the mechanical stability of the cassette deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cap serves multiple functions: it protects the needle, couples to the plunger rod for controlled removal, and acts as a mechanical interface for the clutch mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, minimizing material usage while maintaining mechanical stability through efficient design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cassette is designed with localized reinforcement at critical points where mechanical stability is needed, such as the cap-plunger rod interface and the clutch engagement areas. The rest of the cassette structure uses minimal material, achieving overall stability without excessive material consumption by concentrating strength only where required.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system comprising a cassette and an auto injector for delivery of medicament. The system comprises an improved cap removal mechanism.