Deflectable Clip Lock for Autoinjector Cover Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medicament delivery devices face challenges with frequent injections and the administration of viscous drugs, as existing technologies do not adequately address the need for safe and efficient exposure of medicament delivery members.
Innovation Solution
A cover structure for medicament delivery devices that is movable between a retracted and extended position, featuring a lock structure with deflectable clips that prevent accidental exposure of the medicament delivery member until intentionally activated by the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover structure is made movable between retracted and extended positions to allow medicament delivery member exposure, then the device can be activated when needed, but the risk of accidental exposure and injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock structure applies a preliminary restraining force to prevent the cover structure from moving to the retracted position. The deflectable clip engages with the cover structure to create a mechanical barrier that must be actively overcome, ensuring the medicament delivery member remains covered unless the user intentionally actuates the release mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable clip serves as an intermediary element between the cover structure and the housing. It mediates the interaction by providing a controlled release mechanism that requires deliberate user action, thus preventing accidental exposure while allowing intentional activation when needed.
2Reliability
If a lock structure with deflectable clip is added to prevent accidental exposure, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflectable clip is constructed as a flexible, resilient element that can be deflected between engaged and disengaged positions. This flexible component provides the locking and release functionality without requiring complex mechanical assemblies, multiple parts, or sophisticated control systems, thereby maintaining device simplicity while ensuring reliable safety.
3Reliability
If the deflectable clip requires actuation force to transition from neutral to deflected position, then accidental activation is prevented, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflectable clip is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to be deflected with sufficient force to overcome the resilient biasing force. The clip transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic deflected state during intentional actuation, and then returns to its neutral position, providing both safety and operability through controlled dynamic behavior.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures the medicament delivery member is only exposed when intended, preventing accidental injury and ensuring proper use of the device by requiring user action to activate the medicament delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one deflectable clip being arrangeable in a neutral position in which the at least one deflectable clip prevents the cover structure from moving axially... The deflectable clip further being arrangeable in a deflected position, reachable upon acting on the actuating surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to medicament delivery devices such as autoinjectors, and particularly concerns cover structures configured to surround a medicament delivery member at a proximal end of the medicament delivery device.