Medicament Delivery Sub-Assembly With Automatic Needle Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medicament delivery devices, particularly those with cartridges, require users to manually attach medicament delivery members like needles or nozzles, which can be difficult for those without formal medical training.
Innovation Solution
A sub-assembly for medicament delivery devices featuring a tubular cap, adapter, delivery member assembly, and guard, with a rotation mechanism that automatically attaches the delivery member by relative rotation between the fastener and counter fastener, facilitated by a screw thread or bayonet connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cartridge is used to store medicament, then the medicament can be kept fully sealed for long periods, but the user must manually attach delivery members which is difficult for users without formal medical training
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs the attachment operation automatically without requiring user skill. When the tubular cap is moved axially, the rotation mechanism automatically rotates the adapter to attach the delivery member hub to the housing, eliminating the need for manual attachment by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the tubular cap and the delivery member hub. It translates the axial movement of the cap into rotational movement of the hub, facilitating the attachment process without requiring direct manual manipulation by the user.
2Device complexity
If manual attachment of delivery members is required, then the device structure can be simpler, but the operation becomes difficult for users without formal medical training
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses dynamic movement transformation where axial movement of the tubular cap is converted into rotational movement of the delivery member hub through the rotation mechanism. This dynamic conversion enables automatic attachment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism transforms movement from one dimension (axial direction of the cap) to another dimension (rotational direction of the hub). This dimensional transformation allows the attachment function to be achieved automatically through simple linear movement of the cap.
3Ease of operation
If automated attachment is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism is integrated into the existing structure by combining the adapter with the tubular cap assembly. The adapter serves dual purposes as both a structural component and the element that transmits movement, reducing the need for separate dedicated rotation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter performs multiple functions: it connects the tubular cap to the delivery member hub, transmits axial movement, and enables rotational movement of the hub. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed for automated attachment.
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
Enables easy and automated attachment of medicament delivery members, simplifying the process for users without medical training and ensuring secure attachment to the device.
Implementation Method 1
The rotation mechanism comprises a screw thread and a protrusion positioned within the screw thread; one of the screw thread and the protrusion extends from the body of the adapter; the other one of the screw thread and the protrusion extends from a body of the tubular cap towards the body of the adapter
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4B
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A sub-assembly of a medicament delivery device, the sub-assembly comprising: a tubular cap (3; 3'; 3''), an adapter (2; 2'; 2''), a delivery member assembly (1), and a delivery member guard (4); wherein a rotation mechanism is arranged between the tubular cap (3; 3'; 5 3'') and the adapter (2; 2'; 2''); and wherein the rotation mechanism is configured so that a rotation of the adapter (2; 2'; 2'') about the longitudinal axis (L) relative to the tubular cap (3; 3'; 3'') is triggered when the delivery member guard (4) moves from the distal position to the proximal position.