Autoinjector Needle Shield Remover with Integrated Push Back Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autoinjectors face challenges in removing needle shields due to difficulty in accurate placement and firm grip, leading to excess force or slippage, and the absence of a push back pin can hinder proper positioning of retainer legs relative to the rigid needle shield.

Innovation Solution

A cap assembly with a retainer and cap remover, including a push back element with a tab and extension member made of medical-grade plastic, which is removably held in the retainer to facilitate easy removal of the needle shield and ensure proper positioning of retainer legs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate push back pin is used to position retainer legs, then proper positioning can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and the pin may be lost or unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent count

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The push back element is integrated into the retainer assembly, combining the positioning function with the existing retainer structure. The retainer includes a body with a cavity that receives the push back element, eliminating the need for a separate push back pin while maintaining the positioning function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer assembly is designed to be self-contained, with the push back element already positioned within the retainer body. This allows the retainer to perform its own positioning function without requiring external tools or separate components that could be lost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the removable shield cavity is made visible, then user guidance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser guidanceVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The push back element includes a tab that extends beyond the retainer body, providing a visible and tactile indicator for users. This tab can be made of a different color or material to clearly indicate where users should apply pressure, improving usability without requiring complex additional structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Productivity

If excess force is applied to remove the needle shield, then the shield can be removed, but slippage and inability to remove the shield occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshield removal speedVSAvoidgrip reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer legs are pre-positioned to engage with the needle shield flange before removal begins. The push back element ensures the retainer legs are firmly seated against the flange, creating a secure grip that prevents slippage during the removal process and eliminates the need for excessive force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20230414874A1Rigid Needle Shield Remover with Connection Confirmation Feature for Autoinjector

Publication Date: 2023.12.28 BECTON DICKINSON & CO

AI summary

Provided herein is a subassembly for a drug delivery device, including a housing, a displaceable needle cover having a distal end having a flange, the needle cover being received within the housing and configured to have a pre-use position in which the needle cover extends from the housing and a use position in which the needle cover is at least partially displaced into the housing. Displacement of the needle cover into the housing actuates the drug delivery device. The subassembly further includes a cap assembly including a push back element operatively received within the retainer, wherein the push back element is configured to push the retainer in a proximal direction.