Auto-injector Drive Unit Mediator for Syringe Compatibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical syringe drive units are complex and not suitable for a wide range of syringe bodies, lacking a simple and adaptable design for efficient automated medication dispensing, particularly for use by untrained individuals.
Innovation Solution
A drive unit with a piston rod actuated by a prestressed spring, featuring an elastically deformable two-component spring element and a pusher cap for locking and unlocking, combined with a two-component stopper for enhanced sealing and displacement within the syringe body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a preloaded spring drive unit is used in existing auto-injectors, then automated medication dispensing is achieved, but the system requires specially adapted ampoules or drug chambers that can store active ingredient under overpressure
Solution Approach 1:
A transition piece is introduced as an intermediary component between the drive unit and the syringe body. This transition piece includes a connection element that interfaces with the piston rod and a syringe body connection element that adapts to standard syringe bodies (e.g., Hypak, RTF, Plajex, Zenith designs). This mediator allows the drive unit to work with conventional syringes without requiring specially adapted ampoules or drug chambers, thereby resolving the contradiction between automation and adaptability.
2Productivity
If a preloaded spring drive unit is used, then the piston can be advanced automatically, but a suitably adapted ampoule or drug chamber with overpressure storage capability and special sealing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The transition piece serves as a mediator that decouples the drive unit's overpressure generation capability from the syringe body. The drive unit maintains its preloaded spring mechanism for rapid dispensing, while the transition piece adapts this force to work with standard syringe bodies that lack special overpressure storage design, thus maintaining productivity without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition piece is designed with universal compatibility features that allow it to interface with multiple common syringe body designs (Hypak, RTF, Plajex, Zenith). This multi-functional adapter enables a single drive unit design to work across different syringe platforms, reducing the need for specialized containers while maintaining efficient dispensing performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If common syringe bodies are used with automated drive units, then versatility is improved, but ensuring reliable locking and sealing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The transition piece acts as a reliable intermediary that ensures proper locking and sealing between the drive unit and various syringe body designs. It incorporates a syringe body connection element specifically designed to interface with common syringe bodies, ensuring secure mechanical connection and reliable sealing despite the diversity of syringe body designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition piece incorporates localized sealing and locking features tailored for specific syringe body types. The syringe body connection element is designed with specific geometric features that match common syringe body designs, ensuring reliable local engagement and sealing at the interface between the drive unit and syringe body.
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
Enables efficient, automated dispensing of medical active ingredients with improved safety and usability, allowing for use by untrained individuals and reducing component disposal, while maintaining high sealing and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a drive unit (10) with a piston rod (30) which acts on a plug (18) guided in the syringe body (2) and is provided with a pre-tensioned spring (38)
Implementation Method 2
the locking of which is effected by means of an elastically deformable spring element (50) of the drive unit (10)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4
AI summary
A drive unit (10) for a medical syringe (1) comprising a syringe body (2, 2', 2") designed to hold a medical active ingredient is intended to be of a particularly simple design suitable for use with a variety of syringe bodies, especially common syringe bodies. According to the invention, the drive unit (10) comprises a piston rod (30) acting on a stopper (18, 18', 18") guided in the syringe body (2, 2', 2") and provided with a pre-tensioned coil spring (38), the locking of which is effected by means of an elastically deformable spring element (50) of the drive unit (10).