Autoinjector Dose Cassette Ejection With Spring-Latch Release

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic autoinjectors require multiple manual steps and have slower needle insertion processes, leading to increased pain perception and user discomfort during medicament delivery.

Innovation Solution

A motor-driven autoinjector device with a hollow drive shaft and lead screw mechanism that automates needle cap removal, rapid needle insertion, medicament delivery, and dose cassette ejection, reducing manual steps and improving user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a motor-driven mechanism is used for needle insertion, then the insertion speed is reduced, but the control precision is improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle insertion speedVSAvoidperception of pain

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates needle insertion from medicament delivery by using a spring-loaded mechanism for rapid insertion and a motor-driven lead screw for controlled medicament dispensing. This segmentation allows the insertion phase to be fast and painful-minimizing while the delivery phase maintains precision control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The needle insertion mechanism uses a pre-compressed spring that is released to rapidly insert the needle before medicament delivery begins. This preliminary action completes the insertion process quickly to minimize pain perception, while subsequent motor control handles the precision-required medicament delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If electronic autoinjectors are made reusable, then economic costs are reduced, but the number of manual loading steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeconomic costVSAvoidnumber of manual steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically performs dose cassette ejection after medicament delivery is complete. The motor-driven mechanism retrieves and ejects the used cassette without user intervention, making the reusable device function as conveniently as disposable versions while maintaining economic benefits of reuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual loading and ejection operations are replaced with an automated motor-driven mechanism that uses a lead screw and spool assembly to retrieve and eject dose cassettes automatically, reducing the number of manual steps required for reusable device operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If manual loading steps are required for reusable autoinjectors, then device complexity is reduced, but user convenience is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The motor-driven lead screw mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls plunger movement for medicament delivery, retrieves used dose cassettes, and ejects them automatically. This multi-functionality maintains relatively simple device structure while significantly improving user convenience by eliminating manual loading and ejection steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 significantly reduces the number of manual steps, enhances the speed of needle insertion, and lowers pain perception by automating key processes, making the medicament delivery more efficient and comfortable for users.

Implementation Method 1

A motor having a hollow drive shaft is configured to rotate the hollow drive shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A lead screw nut operably connected to the hollow drive shaft is configured to rotate upon rotation of the hollow drive shaft. A lead screw operably connected to the lead screw nut is configured to move within the lead screw nut

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS11992662B2Systems and methods for automatically ejecting a dose cassette of an autoinjector

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 SHL MEDICAL AG

AI summary

An autoinjection housing device includes a housing for receiving a dose cassette, a base latch configured to hold the dose cassette within the housing, and a back plate operably connected to a spring. The back plate is configured to move proximally within the housing upon receipt of the dose cassette into the housing, and the proximal movement of the back plate compresses the spring. The autoinjection housing device further includes an actuator operably connected to the base latch. The actuator is configured to move the base latch and the dose cassette proximally within the housing after the dose cassette is secured in the housing. The base latch is configured to move radially outwards upon said proximal movement of the base latch within the housing. The radial movement of the base latch is configured to cause the dose cassette to become unsecured within the housing. In response to the dose cassette becoming unsecured, the spring decompresses, causing the back plate to move distally and push the dose cassette out of a distal end of the housing.