Package for Retaining and Dispensing Delivery Shaft Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions face challenges in storing and loading small implants, such as those for glaucoma treatment, which require maintenance under liquid to prevent damage and exposure to air pockets, making them difficult to load into inserter tools effectively.

Innovation Solution

A package comprising a vial and insert with a delivery shaft retaining mechanism that stabilizes and releases the delivery shaft assembly upon coupling with an inserter tool, using a force-receiving body and movable bodies to clamp and release the delivery shaft, ensuring the implant remains hydrated and secure until use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the implant is stored under liquid to prevent damage and air pockets, then the implant reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for vial and insert structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplant conditionVSAvoidpackage structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery shaft assembly is nested within the insert, which is in turn nested within the vial. The delivery shaft (220) fits inside the insert (300), and the entire assembly is contained within the vial (400). This nested structure allows the implant to be stored in liquid while maintaining a compact, organized package that protects the implant without requiring complex external containment systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the delivery shaft is retained securely in the package, then the implant delivery reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for force application during coupling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery shaft retentionVSAvoidloading process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery shaft retaining mechanism transitions from a static retained state to a dynamic released state upon application of force during inserter tool coupling. The mechanism includes movable components (314) that can shift position based on applied force, allowing the delivery shaft to be securely held during storage and transport, then easily released when needed by simply pushing the inserter tool into the adapter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the delivery shaft assembly is designed for precise implant delivery, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplant delivery precisionVSAvoidassembly components
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into distinct functional segments: the implant (230) for therapeutic function, the delivery shaft (220) for precise delivery, the adapter (210) for tool coupling, and the retaining mechanism (310) for secure packaging. Each segment is optimized for its specific function, allowing precise implant delivery while keeping each component relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The package effectively stabilizes and releases the delivery shaft assembly during inserter tool coupling, preventing implant loss and maintaining the implant in an optimal condition for precise delivery.

Implementation Method 1

The delivery shaft retaining mechanism (310) may comprise a 1st body (312) and 2nd body (314) configured to co-operate to clamp at least a part of the delivery shaft (220)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The movement guide (318), slidably coupled to the 2nd body (314), effects movement of the 2nd body (314) from a retain position to a release position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4114305B1Package for retaining and dispensing a delivery shaft assembly for delivery of an implant
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 ISTAR MEDICAL
  • EP4114305B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4114305B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4
  • EP4114305B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6C

AI summary

Provided is a package (100) for holding and dispensing a delivery shaft assembly (200) for delivery of an implant (230), the package (100) comprising a vial (400) and an insert (300) mounted within a vial holding space (410), wherein the insert (300) comprises: - a force receiving body (308) configured to support an adapter (210) of a delivery shaft assembly (200) during coupling to the inserter tool (500), - a delivery shaft retaining mechanism (310) configured to releasably retain the delivery shaft, wherein an application of force by an inserter tool (500) during coupling to the adapter (210) actuates the delivery shaft retaining mechanism (310) to release the retained delivery shaft (220) for withdrawal of the delivery shaft assembly (200) from the insert (300) and vial (400).