Drug Delivery Device Blocking Member Prevents Accidental Dose
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices lack adequate safety mechanisms to prevent unintentional dose setting or delivery, posing a risk to users.
Innovation Solution
A drug delivery device with a blocking member that is releasably coupled to the housing, preventing unintentional dose setting by allowing movement only when intentionally decoupled by the user, and automatically recoupling after dose delivery to prevent further operation until reactivated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a blocking member is added to prevent unintentional dose setting, then user safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is integrated into the dose button as a single unitary structure, merging the blocking function with the existing dose setting mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate blocking components while achieving the safety function, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member is designed to be automatically actuated by the user's own dose setting action. When the user pushes the dose button proximally, the blocking member is automatically displaced from its blocking position, allowing the dose setting operation to proceed. This self-actuating mechanism reduces the need for additional control components.
2Ease of manufacture
If the blocking member is integrated in the dose button, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but the coupling and decoupling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member and dose button are formed as a unitary structure through integral forming or injection molding, combining two components into one. This eliminates assembly steps, reduces part count, and simplifies manufacturing while the internal geometry of the integrated piece handles the coupling/decoupling function through its own structural features.
3Reliability
If the blocking member prevents movement in the proximal direction, then unintentional dose setting is prevented, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member transitions from a static blocking state to a dynamic state during intentional operation. The blocking feature is designed to be displaced when sufficient force is applied in the proximal direction, allowing the system to switch between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic behavior maintains safety for unintentional contact while enabling intentional dose setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member is pre-positioned in a blocking configuration that prevents proximal movement of the dose button. This preliminary blocking action is automatically removed when the user initiates a dose setting operation by pushing the button proximally, allowing the dose setting movement to proceed without requiring separate unlocking steps.
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
Enhances user safety by preventing accidental dose setting or delivery and reducing manufacturing costs through integrated design, while providing a user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient member or the resiliently mounted member may be configured such that a resilient force provided by the resilient member or the resiliently mounted member may move the blocking member in the radial outward direction with respect to the housing for coupling the blocking member to the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly for a drug delivery device (1) is provided comprising a housing (2) having a distal end and a proximal end, a dose button (4) configured to be moved with respect to the housing (2) for setting and delivering a dose of a drug from the device (1), and a blocking member (3). The blocking member (3) is adapted and arranged to be releasably coupled to the housing (2) such that, when the blocking member (3) is coupled to the housing (2), movement of the dose button (4) with respect to the housing (2) is prevented. Furthermore, a drug delivery device is provided.