Autoinjector Cap Switch Assembly Orthogonal Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autoinjectors face challenges in user comfort and efficiency due to the need for high forces to activate electronic components, which can lead to discomfort during medicament administration, and the complexity of power systems that require substantial space and may not provide power for extended durations.
Innovation Solution
A drug delivery device with a cap that includes a sliding activation ring and a resilient member to engage a switch assembly, allowing power to be provided to electronic components without requiring high activation forces, and a compact design that converts axial motion into orthogonal movement to activate the switch assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional switch assemblies are used to power electronic components, then the device can provide power to electronic components, but high activation forces are required which cause user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient member acts as an intermediary between the cap and the switch assembly. When the cap is removed, the resilient member translates the removal motion into switch actuation while absorbing force peaks through its elastic deformation, thereby reducing the activation force required and improving user comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The switch assembly is oriented with its actuation direction perpendicular to the cap removal direction. This dimensional transformation allows the linear cap removal motion to be converted into orthogonal switch actuation, enabling power provision without requiring high forces in the removal direction
2Power
If portable power devices such as batteries are used, then power can be provided to the delivery devices, but the devices have limited life and occupy substantial space
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is extracted from the main housing and relocated to the removable cap. This allows the power source to be integrated into a smaller volume within the cap structure, reduces the overall device footprint, and enables the cap to serve dual purposes as both protective cover and power supply unit
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 solution enhances user comfort by reducing the force needed to activate the device and ensures continuous power supply to electronic components, improving the overall efficiency and usability of the autoinjector.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member to engage the switch assembly, allowing power to be provided to electronic components without requiring high activation forces, and a compact design that converts axial motion into orthogonal movement to activate the switch assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A drug delivery device includes a housing, a drug delivery assembly disposed within the housing along a longitudinal axis, and a cap defining a shell. At least one electronic component, a power source, and a switch assembly are at least partially disposed in and coupled to the cap. The switch assembly is movable along a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the drug delivery assembly to cause the power source to provide power to the electronic component. The device further includes an activation mechanism at least partially disposed in the cap. Upon urging the cap along the longitudinal axis in a direction away from the housing, the activation mechanism engages the switch assembly and causes the switch assembly to move, thereby causing the power source to provide power to the at least one electronic component.