Drug Delivery Spring Element with Rigid Transverse Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Drug delivery devices require a reliable and easy-to-manufacture spring element that ensures accurate and robust delivery of medical or pharmaceutical products, while being user-friendly and cost-effective, especially for disposable devices.

Innovation Solution

A spring element with multiple windings mechanically coupled by a permanent rigid transverse connection, which prevents radial deformation and facilitates easy manufacturing, is designed to provide consistent spring force and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional spring element without rigid transverse connections is used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the spring force propagation is unreliable and radial deformation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring force propagationVSAvoidspring element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the spring windings with rigid transverse connections to form an integrated structure. The connections permanently couple consecutive windings, creating a unified element that reliably propagates spring force while preventing radial deformation. This merging resolves the contradiction by making the complex connected structure the core solution rather than an add-on.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple rigid transverse connections are added to couple windings, then radial deformation is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradial deformation preventionVSAvoidspring element fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element is segmented into discrete windings connected by rigid transverse connections. This segmentation allows each winding to be formed and positioned independently, then permanently coupled to adjacent windings. The segmented approach enables controlled complexity where connections are strategically placed only where needed to prevent radial deformation, rather than requiring a completely different manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the end winding is left free without coupling, then the spring element can compress and extend, but the end winding may move radially or slide over other windings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring compression and extensionVSAvoidend winding stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of windings along the spring element. Most windings remain free to compress and extend, maintaining operational flexibility. However, the end winding is locally modified with a rigid transverse connection to prevent radial movement and sliding. This localized intervention preserves overall spring functionality while ensuring end winding stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If the rigid transverse connection is placed at the free end of the spring element, then radial stability is maximized, but mechanical tension on the connection increases and may cause breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradial stabilityVSAvoidconnection durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the rigid transverse connection on the end winding in a location that anticipates and distributes mechanical tensions. Rather than placing the connection at the most vulnerable point where tension concentrates, it is positioned to spread the load across multiple windings. This preliminary structural arrangement prevents connection breakage under operational loads while maintaining radial stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution enables a reliable and long-lasting spring element that ensures accurate dose delivery and easy handling, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and manufacturing costs, making it suitable for user-friendly drug delivery devices.

Implementation Method 1

At least one of the windings is elastically movable with respect to the two windings which are mechanically coupled. This enables reliably propagating the spring force.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2414700B1Spring element for a drug delivery device, use thereof and drug delivery device
Publication Date: 2016.05.04 SANOFI AVENTIS DEUT GMBH
  • EP2414700B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2414700B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A spring element (2) for a drug delivery device is proposed, the spring element (2) comprising multiple windings with two windings being mechanically coupled to each other by a rigid transverse connection. Furthermore, a drug delivery device comprising such a spring element (2) and using such a spring element (2) in a drug delivery device are proposed.