Cam-Driven Medicament Injector Simplifies Assembly and Needle Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injectors for medicaments are complex, costly, and prone to failure due to numerous parts, which complicates assembly and increases the risk of malfunction, while also failing to provide reliable and user-friendly self-administration options.
Innovation Solution
A simplified injector design featuring a cam mechanism within an outer sleeve and inner sleeve, allowing for a reduced number of parts, easy assembly, and providing audible and tactile feedback during operation, along with needle shielding before, during, and after use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If present injectors use multiple parts including electronics and speakers, then the device can provide additional functions, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary complex components (electronics, speakers, multiple mechanical parts) from the injector system, retaining only the essential elements needed for medicament delivery. This extraction of non-essential components reduces the part count from over 26 to a minimal set, simplifying assembly while maintaining core functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified injector design makes each remaining component serve multiple functions. For example, the outer sheath provides both structural support and needle shielding, the plunger rod simultaneously drives the seal and provides tactile feedback, and the cam mechanism integrates depth control with audible feedback. This multi-functionality compensates for the reduced number of parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If present injectors contain more than twenty-six parts, then the device can provide comprehensive functionality, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates expensive components such as electronics, speakers, and complex mechanical assemblies, reducing the bill of materials. The remaining components are simple, inexpensive parts that can be manufactured using conventional processes, significantly lowering production costs while maintaining essential injection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The injector is designed as a disposable device with simple, low-cost components that can be manufactured economically. The single-use nature allows for cost-effective materials and construction methods, eliminating the need for expensive durable materials and complex assembly mechanisms required in reusable devices.
3Manufacturing precision
If present injectors use complex assembly, then the device can achieve precise functionality, but the assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The injector is divided into a small number of discrete segments (outer sheath, inner sheath, plunger rod, seal, cam mechanism) that can be independently manufactured and then easily assembled. Each segment has clearly defined interfaces and functions, allowing for simple snap-fit or interference-fit assembly without requiring precision alignment or specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into single components to reduce the total number of assembly steps. For example, the outer sheath integrates needle shielding, structural support, and user grip features; the plunger rod combines drive mechanism and tactile feedback provision. This merging reduces the number of parts to assemble while maintaining functional precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If present injectors have numerous parts, then the device can provide comprehensive features, but the reliability decreases due to increased failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes failure-prone components such as electronics, batteries, motors, and complex mechanical linkages that can malfunction. The remaining simple mechanical components (plunger rod, seal, cam, sheaths) have fewer moving parts and potential failure modes, significantly improving reliability while retaining essential injection features through clever mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The injector is designed to be self-actuating through a simple cam mechanism that automatically controls the injection sequence. The user simply pushes the plunger rod, and the cam mechanism automatically sequences the needle extension, medicament delivery, and needle retraction without requiring electronic control or complex mechanical coordination, reducing failure risk.
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 injector offers a cost-effective, reliable, and user-friendly solution for medicament delivery with enhanced safety features, including needle protection and customizable depth control, suitable for both medical professionals and self-administration.
Implementation Method 1
a cam disposed within the outer sleeve... the cam rotates from a first position to a second position thereby restricting the inner sleeve from axially translating with respect to the outer sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to injectors that are configured to inject and deliver medicaments and other fluids from a syringe into a target site.