Drug Delivery Cartridge Holder Guide Track Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drug delivery devices lack user comfort during the connection and disconnection of cartridge holders, often requiring complex movements and unclear indication of secure attachment, which can lead to user confusion and errors.

Innovation Solution

A drug delivery device with a cartridge holder featuring guide tracks and interaction members that facilitate a familiar screw-like rotational movement for connection and a distinct angular end stop for secure attachment, ensuring easy and reliable assembly without the need for reverse rotation during disconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex connection mechanism is used for the cartridge holder, then the secure attachment is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidease of connection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional bayonet coupling mechanism by having the cartridge holder perform a screw-like rotation during axial insertion, rather than requiring rotational movement for connection. This inversion makes the connection process more intuitive and easier to operate while maintaining secure attachment through the angular end stop that prevents over-rotation and ensures proper engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates tactile feedback through the angular end stop in the guide track, which provides a distinct sensation when the cartridge holder reaches the correct rotational position. This feedback mechanism guides the user through the connection process and confirms secure attachment without requiring complex indicators or multiple steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If a traditional bayonet coupling is used, then the connection speed is improved, but the user comfort deteriorates due to unfamiliar movement patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection speedVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional bayonet coupling mechanism by having the cartridge holder perform a screw-like rotation during axial insertion, rather than requiring rotational movement for connection. This inversion makes the connection process more intuitive and easier to operate while maintaining secure attachment through the angular end stop that prevents over-rotation and ensures proper engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If no distinct end stop is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of secure attachment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidsecure attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates tactile feedback through the angular end stop in the guide track, which provides a distinct sensation when the cartridge holder reaches the correct rotational position. This feedback mechanism guides the user through the connection process and confirms secure attachment without requiring complex indicators or multiple steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2907538B1Drug delivery device and cartridge holder for a drug delivery device

Publication Date: 2021.11.10 SANOFI AVENTIS DEUT GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4A~4B

AI summary

A drug delivery device is provided comprising a cartridge holder (2) comprising at least one guide track (12), and a body (3) comprising at least one interaction member (13) adapted and arranged to mechanically cooperate with the at least one guide track. The guide track (12) comprises a first section (12A) and a second section (12B), wherein the path which is defined by the first section (12A) encloses an angle with the longitudinal axis (14) of the device, wherein the angle which is enclosed by the path defined by the first section (12A) with the longitudinal axis (14) is smaller than the angle which is enclosed by the path defined by the second section (12B) with the longitudinal axis (14), wherein, for connecting the cartridge holder (2) to the body (3), the interaction member (13) is configured to mechanically cooperate with the first section (12A) such that the cartridge holder (2) is axially moved and rotated with respect to the body (3), and the interaction member (13) is configured to mechanically cooperate with the second section (12B) such that the cartridge holder (2) is rotated with respect to the body (3), whereby an axial movement of the cartridge holder (2) with respect to the body (3) is prevented. Furthermore, a cartridge holder for a drug delivery device is provided.