Drug Cartridge Cassette Locking for Accurate Multi-Dose Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug injection devices fail to manage drug cartridges effectively when they contain an amount of drug for multiple injections, leading to issues such as unfinished cartridges being discarded or improperly exchanged, which can result in incorrect dosing.
Innovation Solution
A cassette with a cartridge holder, cassette cap, and locking mechanism that includes a rotation lock unit to manage drug cartridges, ensuring proper insertion, detection of remaining drug amount, and preventing accidental removal, integrated with a drug injection device that controls piston movement based on detected drug levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a drug cartridge contains an amount of drug for multiple injections, then the drug supply duration is extended, but the risk of improper management and incorrect dosing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a detection mechanism that monitors the position of the gasket and the amount of remaining drug in the cartridge. This feedback system provides information to the control unit, which then adjusts the piston movement and injection parameters accordingly, ensuring accurate dosing throughout the multi-injection period
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects the drug remaining amount and manages the injection process without requiring manual intervention. The control unit autonomously determines when to advance the piston, how much drug to inject, and when to replace the cartridge, eliminating human error in dosing management
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental removal of the cartridge, then the reliability of drug delivery is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation lock unit serves as an intermediary mechanism between the cartridge and the device body. It provides a simple rotational engagement feature that secures the cartridge in place without requiring complex locking systems, achieving reliable retention with minimal added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is separated as a distinct rotation lock unit that can operate independently from the main injection mechanism. This modular approach allows the locking feature to be added without complicating the core drug delivery system
3Ease of operation
If the cassette cap is designed to allow easy access to the cartridge holder, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental cartridge removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette cap is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be easily opened and closed for normal operations. However, the rotation lock unit remains engaged during these operations, providing continuous security. The system transitions between open and closed states without compromising cartridge retention
Data Source
AI summary
A cassette including: a cartridge holder including a first end, a second end having a holder opening, and a holder columnar space located between the first end and the second end and capable of accommodating a drug cartridge, drug cartridge including: a cylinder including a first end at which an injection needle is insertable/extractable, a second end at which a cylinder opening is located, and a cylinder columnar space located between the first end and the second end; a drug placed in the cylinder columnar space; and a gasket being placed in the cylinder columnar space; a cassette cap capable of opening and closing the holder opening, the cassette cap including a first end having a cap opening that is opposed to the holder opening, a second end having a piston insertion opening, and a cap columnar space located between the first end and the second end.