Cartridge Holder Locking Structure for Accurate Drug Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices face issues with underdosing or overdosing due to slight mobility of the cartridge relative to the dose setting and delivery mechanism, leading to inaccurate drug administration.
Innovation Solution
A drug delivery device with a cartridge holder featuring a coupling housing portion and a moveable fixing member that secures the cartridge against axial displacement, ensuring precise dose delivery by locking the cartridge in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cartridge is not connected with the dose setting and delivery mechanism, then the cartridge may be axially disposable with respect to the dose setting and delivery mechanism, but even a slight mobility of the cartridge may cause underdosing or overdosing of the drug
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member is designed to be moveable between a first position (allowing cartridge insertion) and a second position (securing the cartridge). This dynamic structure allows the system to transition from a state of accessibility to a state of secure fixation, resolving the contradiction between ease of cartridge replacement and prevention of cartridge mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member changes its radial position parameter to secure the cartridge. By moving radially inwardly from the first position to the second position, the fixing member alters the spatial configuration to prevent cartridge displacement, thereby ensuring dose accuracy while maintaining the ability to replace cartridges when needed.
2Reliability
If a fixing member is added to secure the cartridge, then the risk of underdosing or overdosing is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member is integrated with the cartridge holder as a single component rather than being a separate assembly. This merging of functions allows the cartridge holder to provide both structural support and securing mechanisms, reducing the overall number of parts while maintaining reliable cartridge fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member is designed to be actuated by the normal operation of the device (e.g., during cartridge insertion or device assembly), eliminating the need for separate manual securing actions. The structure automatically transitions to the secured state through its own design features, reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cartridge holder (2), which has a distal end and a proximal end, comprises a coupling housing portion (14) in which a cartridge can be inserted at least partly. The coupling housing portion (14) is configured to be coupled to a part of a drug delivery device. The cartridge holder (2) further comprises a fixing member (21) which is connected with the coupling housing portion (14). The fixing member (21) is moveable radially inwardly to a position in which the fixing member (21) is suitable for securing the cartridge against distal displacement of the cartridge.