Autoinjector Modular Platform Using Ram Spacer Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of autoinjectors that can accommodate various medicament types with different dose sizes, audible and visual feedback, and shield lock functions is challenging due to the need for multiple devices, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing autoinjectors with a modular design using a ram spacer member with varying geometry to accommodate cartridges of different fill volumes, allowing for a single device platform with generic parts and customizable features for specific therapy applications, reducing production costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are developed to accommodate different medicament types and therapy areas, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal device platform that can accommodate multiple medicament types and therapy areas through standardized components. The front body assembly, rear body assembly, and cartridge system form a universal platform that can be configured for different applications by selecting appropriate cartridges and adjusting parameters, eliminating the need to develop entirely separate devices for each medicament type.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into modular segments including a front body assembly, a rear body assembly, and interchangeable cartridges. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each module while maintaining overall system compatibility. The cartridges can be selectively assembled with different fill volumes and configurations to suit specific therapy requirements without redesigning the entire device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are developed to accommodate different medicament types and therapy areas, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal device platform enables single-source manufacturing for multiple medicament types. By standardizing the front body assembly, rear body assembly, and key components across different medicament configurations, the patent achieves economies of scale in manufacturing. The same basic platform can be used for insulin, glucagon, or other medicaments by simply changing the cartridge contents and minor parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple device functions into a single unified platform that handles various medicament types, dosing volumes, and therapy areas. This consolidation reduces the total number of unique components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-tested, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single device platform is used with generic parts, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic and adjustable parameters within the generic platform framework. The cartridge design allows for variable fill volumes, and the assembly process can be configured for different medicament types. This dynamic configurability enables the single platform to adapt to specific therapy requirements without requiring custom device development, thereby maintaining both cost efficiency and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
While the overall device platform remains generic and standardized, the patent allows for local customization in specific areas such as cartridge fill volume, medicament formulation, and minor parameter adjustments. This local quality approach enables tailoring of specific device instances for particular medicaments and therapy areas while maintaining the benefits of a standardized manufacturing platform.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing one of a range of autoinjectors having cartridges (600, 600′, 600″) with different preset fill volumes, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a front body assembly (100b, 100c, 100c′, 100c″), b) providing a cartridge (600, 600′, 600″) of given fill volume, c) providing a rear body assembly (100a) comprising a spring-driven drive ram assembly (310, 320) configured to drive the piston of a held cartridge (600, 600′, 600″), d) providing a ram spacer member (400, 400′, 400″), the ram spacer member defining a spacing geometry of length dimension (X1′, X1″, X1′″, XS′, XS″, XS′″, XR′, XR″, XR′″) selected according to the fill volume of the cartridge (600, 600′, 600″), and e) assembling a front body assembly (100b, 100c, 100c′, 100c″), the cartridge (600, 600′, 600″), the ram spacer member (400, 400′, 400″) and the rear body assembly (100a) so that the ram spacer member (400, 400′, 400″) is arranged axially between the drive ram assembly (310, 320) of the rear body assembly (100a) and the piston of a held cartridge (600, 600′, 600″).