Multicomponent Cartridge Assembly Latch Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multicomponent cartridge assemblies with pin/receptacle connections are prone to easy separation, leading to handling issues and potential leaks, especially when subjected to forces during filling, storage, or application.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a latch device with mutually corresponding latch tooth arrangements on the cartridge containers, arranged on facing side surfaces, to securely hold the containers together, preventing unwanted separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If pin/receptacle connections are used to join cartridge containers, then the assembly can be easily manufactured and assembled, but the connection is easily separated under applied forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into multiple independent connection elements distributed around the circumference of the cartridge containers. Instead of relying on a single pin/receptacle connection, multiple segmented connection points work together to provide both ease of assembly and reliable, force-resistant connection. This segmentation allows the containers to be easily aligned and joined while distributing mechanical loads across multiple points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple connection elements are merged into a unified connection system that combines the simplicity of pin/receptacle interfaces with enhanced stability. The connection elements are arranged in a pattern that merges their individual holding capacities into a collective mechanical interlock, preventing separation while maintaining easy assembly through the modular nature of the connection points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If simple pin/receptacle connections are used, then the cartridge containers can be quickly assembled, but unwanted separation occurs during handling and storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidconnection integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system uses multiple segmented connection elements arranged circumferentially around the cartridge containers. This segmentation enables quick alignment and assembly through simple insertion motions while the distributed arrangement of connection points provides cumulative holding strength that prevents separation during handling, storage, and application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection elements are arranged in a circumferential pattern around the cartridge containers, adding a rotational dimension to the connection system. This dimensional arrangement allows for easy alignment and insertion from any angular position while the distributed circular pattern of connection points provides omnidirectional stability and resistance to separation forces from various directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS7841481B2Multicomponent cartridge assembly

Publication Date: 2010.11.30 MEDMIX SWITZERLAND AG

AI summary

The multicomponent cartridge assembly has at least two cartridge containers arranged next to one another and which can be connected to one another via upper and lower connection elements so that they can be plugged together. An additional latch device in the form of interengaging teeth is provided in the region of the upper and/or lower connection elements for the secure holding of the two cartridge containers in the plugged-together state.