Drug Cartridge Holder With Coding Features for Correct Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drug delivery devices face risks of incorrect cartridge insertion, damage to glass cartridges, and difficulty in accommodating cartridges of varying dimensions due to the lack of a secure and dedicated connection mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A cartridge assembly with a fixing member that permanently secures the cartridge to a holder, preventing axial and rotational movement, and includes coding features to ensure compatibility with the correct drive mechanism, allowing standard cartridges to be used with different dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a releasable connection mechanism is used between cartridge holder and housing, then cartridge replacement is enabled, but risk of incorrect cartridge insertion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge replacementVSAvoidcorrect cartridge insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge holder includes asymmetric coding features (such as specific geometric patterns, protrusions, or orientations) that are compatible only with corresponding coding features on the correct drive mechanism housing. This asymmetric design allows the cartridge holder to be physically connected to the housing only when the correct cartridge is installed, preventing incorrect cartridge insertion while maintaining ease of replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of manufacture

If standard glass cartridges are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but cartridge damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge manufacturingVSAvoidcartridge protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge holder is designed with protective structural features that cushion and protect the glass cartridge from damage during handling, insertion, and operation. This includes features such as reinforced holding sections, protective coatings, or structural designs that distribute mechanical stresses away from the fragile glass cartridge, preventing breakage while maintaining the simplicity of glass cartridge manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If a fixed cartridge holder design is used, then connection stability is improved, but adaptability to various cartridge dimensions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidcartridge dimension compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge holder incorporates adjustable or flexible elements that allow it to adapt to different cartridge dimensions while maintaining stable connection. This may include adjustable positioning mechanisms, flexible holding structures, or modular components that can be configured to securely hold cartridges of varying lengths, diameters, and shapes, thereby achieving both connection stability and dimensional adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260000835A1Cartridge assembly for a drug delivery device and method for assembling the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 SANOFI SA(FR)

AI summary

A cartridge assembly for a drug delivery device can include: a cartridge holder, a cartridge containing a drug, and a fixing member, wherein the cartridge holder includes an interior cartridge holding section, the cartridge being arranged in the cartridge holding section, wherein the fixing member is axially secured to the cartridge holder and secures the cartridge permanently in the cartridge holder.