Medicament Delivery Cap-Guard Assembly for Easy Cap Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medicament delivery devices are costly due to the use of metal components and require complex assembly processes, making them less affordable and difficult to use for self-administration by patients.
Innovation Solution
A sub-assembly design for medicament delivery devices using plastic components and a cap mechanism with a distally extending arm and protrusion system that allows easy removal of the delivery member cap, accommodating different container sizes and lengths, and reducing assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal components are used in medicament delivery devices, then device strength and reliability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable plastic components for the delivery member guard and cap assembly, eliminating the need for expensive metal parts while maintaining adequate strength for single-use applications. The plastic components are designed to be sufficient for their intended lifespan, reducing manufacturing costs without compromising reliability during the device's operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from metal to plastic, altering the physical and mechanical properties of the components. This substitution reduces cost while the design compensates through optimized geometry and engagement mechanisms to maintain necessary strength and functionality.
2Reliability
If complex assembly processes are used, then device reliability is improved, but assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery member guard is divided into modular segments including the guard body, distally extending arm, and cap assembly. These segmented components can be independently manufactured and then easily assembled through simple engagement features, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining device reliability through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The distally extending arm simultaneously provides structural support, guides cap removal, and engages with the delivery member cap. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the assembly process while ensuring reliable operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cap is firmly engaged with the delivery member guard, then accidental detachment is prevented, but intentional removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism between the cap and delivery member guard is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The distally extending arm and protrusion create an engagement that is stable during normal handling but can be easily disengaged when intentional force is applied in the correct direction, allowing the system to adapt between these two states.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates preliminary action features that guide the user's removal motion. The geometry of the distally extending arm and protrusion is configured to facilitate cap removal in the distal direction, so that once the user initiates removal motion, the mechanism automatically assists in easing the cap off without requiring excessive force.
4Ease of operation
If the protrusion engages with the delivery member cap early, then cap removal is facilitated, but accidental cap detachment may occur during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The design applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the protrusion and distally extending arm such that they do not engage the cap during normal assembly and handling. The engagement only occurs when the cap is intentionally moved in the removal direction, preventing accidental detachment while still facilitating easy removal when intended.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a sub-assembly of a medicament delivery device, wherein the medicament delivery device comprises a medicament container, wherein the medicament container comprises a barrel extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end, a medicament delivery member attached to the proximal end of the barrel, and a delivery member cap that encloses the medicament delivery member. The sub-assembly includes a delivery member guard comprising a body extending along the longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The body is configured to at least partially surround the medicament container. The sub-assembly further includes a cap comprising a distally extending arm extending towards the distal end of the delivery member guard. The cap is removable from the delivery member guard by axially moving the cap relative to the delivery member guard from a distal position to a proximal position. The distally extending arm is configured to be deformed radially outward from the longitudinal axis by the barrel of the medicament container when the cap is in the distal position.