Cartridge Insertion Assembly with Self-Service Locking Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery systems face challenges in securely and efficiently inserting and locking cartridges containing substances like insulin, which can lead to issues with administration and potential over-insertion or air bubble formation.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge insertion assembly with a pathway, locking latch, and door mechanism that includes a closure member with inclined ramp members and ribs, which ensures secure locking and priming of the cartridge, preventing over-insertion and reducing initial force required for administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple insertion mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cartridge may not be securely locked and may over-insert
Solution Approach 1:
The locking latch is designed to automatically engage with the cartridge rim when the cartridge is fully inserted, without requiring additional manual locking actions. The latch spring automatically returns the latch to its engaged position, providing self-service locking functionality that ensures reliability while maintaining simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge stopper is positioned in advance within the pathway to prevent over-insertion. The stopper creates a physical barrier that stops the cartridge at the correct insertion depth before the locking mechanism engages, ensuring proper positioning without complex control systems
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is added, then the cartridge locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into independent functional components: a cantilevered latch element, a spring for automatic reset, a defined engagement surface on the cartridge rim, and a stopper for depth control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with simple geometry, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses simple, easily manufactured components that can be produced cost-effectively. The latch is a single-piece cantilevered element, the spring is a standard component, and the engagement surfaces are simple geometric features, all of which can be manufactured economically and replaced if needed
3Speed
If the door closure member directly pushes the cartridge, then the initial force required is high, but the cartridge insertion speed is faster
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member incorporates inclined ramp surfaces that convert the closing motion into a gradual pushing action on the cartridge. The inclined geometry distributes the force over a longer distance and time period, reducing the peak force required while maintaining adequate insertion speed through the mechanical advantage of the ramp angle
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge insertion assembly including apparatus with a pathway formed therein, a cartridge including a cartridge coupling element connectable to an activation mechanism disposed in the apparatus operative to cause a substance contained in the cartridge to be metered out of the cartridge, and a door pivoted to the apparatus that includes a door coupling element arranged with respect to the cartridge such that when the door is in a fully closed position, the door coupling element couples the cartridge coupling element with a coupling element of the activation mechanism.