Bi-Stable Clutch Plate for Secure Auto-Injector Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto-injectors lack a robust and user-friendly mechanism for securely holding the spring force during cartridge insertion and injection, leading to potential unintentional release and complicating the reset process.
Innovation Solution
The use of a bi-stable clutch plate with a flexible ring part and retention arms that engage with the housing surface to maintain a stable position during injection, preventing unintended release and facilitating easy cartridge installation and reset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional clutch mechanism is used to hold spring force during injection, then the device can deliver medicament, but the mechanism is prone to unintentional release and lacks user-friendliness
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch plate is designed as a bi-stable dynamic component that can switch between two stable positions (engaged and disengaged states). This dynamic特性 allows the mechanism to automatically maintain spring force during injection while enabling easy reset when triggered, resolving the contradiction between reliable force holding and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch plate utilizes changes in its physical state (bending direction) to switch between functional modes. By changing the parameter of the plate's curvature through user actuation, the system transitions from a locked state (holding spring force) to an unlocked state (allowing reset), achieving both reliability and ease of operation
2Device complexity
If the clutch plate automatically switches between positions, then the mechanism is simple, but unintentional release occurs during use
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-stable clutch plate is designed with inherent stability in both positions, creating a preliminary barrier against unintended switching. The plate requires a deliberate user actuation force to transition between states, preventing automatic or accidental changes while maintaining mechanical simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism is designed to be self-locking in both stable positions without requiring additional locking components. The plate's own elastic properties provide the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for complex external locking systems while ensuring reliable prevention of unintentional release
3Reliability
If the clutch plate occupies more space to provide stable positions, then the gripping capability is improved, but the auto injector compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch plate is integrated within the existing housing structure, nesting the bi-stable mechanism within the available internal volume. The plate utilizes the housing's structural features as reference points for its stable positions, achieving reliable gripping capability without adding external bulk to the device
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch plate is designed as a thin, flexible component that can bend between two stable positions. This thin-film approach allows the mechanism to occupy minimal space while providing sufficient structural integrity for reliable gripping during injection, maintaining device compactness
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 bi-stable clutch plate ensures secure holding of spring force during injection, allowing for easy and safe cartridge installation, reuse, and reset, while preventing unintentional reset, thus enhancing user-friendliness and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a bi-stable clutch plate comprising a flexible ring part from where one or more retention arms extend, the flexible ring part being movable between: a first stable position where the one or more retention arms protrudes outwardly and engages with an inside surface of the housing
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1E
Figure 2
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an auto injector with a bi-stable clutch plate.