Drug Delivery Telescoping Assembly Transport Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drug delivery systems, such as patch injectors, face issues with unintended extension of telescoping assemblies during transport due to vibrations, leading to difficulties in assembly and potential misinterpretation as malfunction, affecting patient adherence and market acceptance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a resistance element, such as an annular ring and lip, or increased friction in the first few threads of an internal screw, to prevent unintended extension during transport, while ensuring the resistance can be overcome by the motor's nominal operative torque during activation, thus securing the assembly for transport and ensuring proper drug delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the telescoping assembly is left unsecured during transport, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the assembly may unintentionally extend due to vibrations, causing assembly difficulties and potential malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the telescoping assembly in a closed, retracted position before transport. A resistance element (such as a detent mechanism, friction element, or mechanical stop) is pre-installed to automatically engage and secure the assembly during transport, preventing unintended extension without requiring additional complex securing structures or steps.
2Reliability
If a resistance element is added to prevent unintended extension, then the assembly stability during transport is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance element is integrated within the existing telescoping assembly structure, nesting the securing function inside the mechanical components already present. For example, a detent ball is housed within a cavity in the telescoping tube, or a friction ring is embedded within the threaded connection, eliminating the need for separate external securing mechanisms and minimizing additional complexity.
3Reliability
If the resistance element provides strong resistance to extension, then the assembly stability during transport is improved, but the ease of operation during activation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance element is designed with dynamic characteristics that adapt to operational conditions. During transport, the resistance element provides strong static resistance to prevent extension. During activation, when the motor applies torque in the intended direction, the resistance element automatically disengages or reduces resistance, allowing smooth operation. This is achieved through mechanisms such as spring-loaded detents that release under directional force, or friction elements that overcome when proper torque is applied.
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 effectively secures the telescoping assembly during transport, preventing unintended extension and ensuring reliable operation, while maintaining ease of activation and fluid delivery, thus enhancing patient safety and market acceptance by ensuring proper device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the annular ring (or a portion of a ring) is forced against the lip to create resistance to motion of the telescoping assembly
Implementation Method 2
at least two components of the assembly are operatively connected by threading
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A method of securing a drug delivery device during transport, the drug delivery device (100), comprising: a first component (202, 204, 206, 208, 210); a second component (202, 204, 206, 208, 210) which is configured to move linearly with respect to the first component (202, 204, 206, 208, 210); and, a resistance element configured to resist linear movement during transport of the first component (202, 204, 206, 208, 210) with respect to the second component (202, 204, 206, 208, 210) in a closed transport configuration but which is adapted to be overcome during nominal operation of the drug delivery system (100).