Drug Cartridge Fixation Using a Deformable Arch Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices face issues with holding cartridges relative to the housing, where high holding forces can damage the cartridge, and low holding forces allow movement during storage, leading to dosing inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A deformable member within the housing recess, deformable both elastically and plastically, limits cartridge movement by designing an arch shape that exerts a predictable and adjustable force, ensuring secure holding without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid holding mechanism is used to secure the cartridge, then the cartridge is held firmly in position, but the cartridge may be damaged due to excessive holding force
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanism utilizes elastic deformation of a deformable member, changing its physical state from undeformed to deformed. This parameter change allows the member to exert controlled elastic forces that securely hold the cartridge while preventing excessive force that could damage the cartridge. The elastic deformation region is specifically designed to provide appropriate holding force within safe limits.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a soft or flexible holding mechanism is used to avoid damage, then the cartridge is protected, but the cartridge may move during storage leading to dosing inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable member is designed to undergo elastic deformation within a controlled range. This elastic deformation provides sufficient holding force to prevent cartridge movement during storage, ensuring dosing accuracy. The elastic nature of the deformation ensures the force remains within safe limits to protect the cartridge from damage.
3Manufacturing precision
If the holding force is increased to prevent cartridge movement, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the risk of cartridge damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable member's elastic deformation property allows it to provide controlled holding forces. The elastic region of deformation is specifically engineered to deliver appropriate forces for secure cartridge positioning while maintaining the structural integrity of the cartridge. The reversible nature of elastic deformation ensures forces remain within safe thresholds.
4Reliability
If a complex multi-component holding system is used to achieve precise control, then cartridge retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanism is segmented into a deformable member integrated within the housing structure. This segmentation allows the complex holding function to be achieved through a single specialized component rather than multiple separate mechanisms. The deformable member is positioned to engage with the cartridge in a controlled manner, providing reliable retention while minimizing overall device complexity.
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 deformable member provides reliable and precise cartridge retention, accommodating varying cartridge lengths and preventing movement during storage, ensuring accurate dosing and dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable member is deformable from a non-deformed state to a deformed state by a displacement of the distal end. In the deformed state the member is adapted to limit a movement, in particular a proximal movement, of a cartridge present in the recess
Implementation Method 2
The member comprises a first arch between the proximal end and the distal end in the non-deformed state and in the deformed state
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3d
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention concerns a housing (40) for a drug delivery device for administrating a liquid drug from a cartridge (30). The housing (40) comprises a recess (48) for accommodating a proximal portion of the cartridge (30). The housing comprises further a deformable member (41.1, 41.2) arranged inside the recess (48), the deformable member (41.1, 41.2) comprising a proximal end attached to the housing (40) and a distal end (52) movable within the recess (48). The member (41.1, 41.2) is deformable from a non-deformed state to a deformed state by a displacement of the distal end (52), wherein in the deformed state the member (41.1, 41.2) is adapted to limit a movement of a cartridge (30) in the longitudinal direction relative to the housing (40). The member (41.1, 41.2) further comprises an arch (42, 43) and in the deformed state the arch (42, 43) is deformed both elastically and plastically.