Cartridge Assembly Fixing Feature for Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices face risks such as incorrect drug insertion due to similar cartridge designs, easy damage of glass cartridges, and limited compatibility with different cartridge dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge assembly with a fixing feature integrated into the cartridge holder, which securely abuts a cartridge surface to prevent removal, ensuring the cartridge is permanently secured and protected, and allowing for easy dedication to specific drive mechanisms without design changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cartridge holder without a fixing feature is used, then the cartridge can be easily removed and replaced, but the cartridge may be accidentally removed or incorrectly replaced
Solution Approach 1:
A fixing feature is introduced as an intermediary element between the cartridge holder and cartridge. This fixing feature includes a fixing surface that contacts a cartridge surface, creating a mechanical interlock that prevents accidental removal while still allowing controlled replacement when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing feature is integrated into the cartridge holder structure, extracting the security function from a separate component and incorporating it directly into the holder design. This integration ensures the fixing feature is always present and properly positioned to prevent incorrect cartridge insertion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard glass cartridges are used, then they can contain various drugs, but they are easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing feature is positioned to engage with the cartridge before the cartridge is fully inserted into the holder. This prior engagement provides mechanical support and cushioning to the cartridge during insertion, preventing damage that might occur from improper seating or impact forces.
3Reliability
If a cartridge holder designed for one specific dimension is used, then it provides secure retention, but cartridges of various dimensions cannot be connected
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing feature is designed with a universal fixing surface that can accommodate cartridges of different dimensions. The fixing surface is positioned and dimensioned to work with various cartridge sizes while maintaining secure retention, allowing the same cartridge holder design to be used across multiple cartridge types.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge assembly for a drug delivery device is described. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge containing a drug, the cartridge including a dispensing end; a cartridge holder, the cartridge holder defining an interior cartridge holding section, where the cartridge is arranged within the cartridge holding section; and a fixing feature. The fixing feature includes a fixing surface, in particular a radially oriented surface, which is arranged to abut a cartridge surface of the cartridge, in particular a radially oriented surface, to prevent removal of the cartridge from the cartridge holder such that the cartridge is permanently secured in the cartridge holder. The cartridge surface is a proximal surface which faces away from the dispensing end of the cartridge, wherein the cartridge surface is arranged between the dispensing end of the cartridge and the end opposite of the dispensing end, and wherein the fixing feature is integrated into the cartridge holder.