Medicament Delivery Device Assembly via Cap-Plunger Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medicament delivery devices require a priming shot to remove air and mix substances before use, and existing assembly methods are not optimized for efficient integration of components like the cap assembly and power unit.
Innovation Solution
A method of assembling a medicament delivery device that involves attaching a cap assembly to a housing, where the cap assembly moves in the distal direction to connect with either the plunger rod or holder, effectively positioning the plunger rod or holder for medicament expulsion, and includes steps for inserting the medicament container and assembling the power unit into the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cap assembly is connected to the plunger rod or holder and moved in the distal direction to attach to the housing, then the assembly process integrates multiple components (cap assembly, power unit, plunger rod/holder) into a functional medicament delivery device, but the assembly process becomes more complex requiring coordinated movement and positioning of multiple parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cap assembly with the power unit assembly in a single integrated operation. The cap assembly is connected to either the plunger rod or holder (which are part of the power unit) and moved together as one coordinated unit to attach to the housing, merging multiple assembly actions into a single process step.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly serves as an intermediary component that connects to the plunger rod or holder during assembly. By attaching to this intermediate element rather than directly to the housing, the method facilitates coordinated positioning and integration of the power unit components with the housing in a streamlined manner.
2Ease of operation
If the cap assembly moves the plunger rod or holder relative to the housing during assembly, then the components are positioned for functional operation (medicament expulsion), but the assembly process requires precise control of relative positioning and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly is connected to the plunger rod or holder before the final attachment to the housing. This preliminary connection establishes the correct relative positioning and functional relationship between components during the assembly process, ensuring they are pre-positioned for proper operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly method utilizes dynamic movement where the cap assembly moves in the distal direction relative to the housing, carrying the plunger rod or holder with it. This dynamic approach allows flexible positioning and adjustment during assembly rather than requiring static, pre-fixed component locations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method of assembling a medicament delivery device. The method includes providing a housing of the medicament delivery device, wherein the housing extends along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The method also includes providing a power unit of the medicament delivery device, wherein the power unit comprises a plunger rod and a holder engaged with the plunger rod. The method also includes assembling the power unit into the housing. The method also includes providing a cap assembly extending along the longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The method also includes connecting the cap assembly to either the plunger rod or the holder. The method also 10 includes moving the cap assembly relative to the housing in the distal direction of the housing until the cap assembly attaches to the proximal end of the housing, wherein during the step of moving the cap assembly relative to the housing, the cap assembly moves the plunger rod relative to the holder.