Drug Delivery Drive Mechanism with Unidirectional Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices lack a versatile and efficient drive mechanism that allows for easy handling, refilling, and precise dosing of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly for peptides, proteins, and other high-molecular-weight substances like insulin and exendin-4 derivatives.
Innovation Solution
A drive mechanism comprising a body with a distal and proximal end, featuring a rotatable first output member and a movable second output member, coupled through a unidirectional rotational system with a removable part that enables precise dosing and easy refilling, utilizing a pinion and pawl mechanism for unidirectional rotation and a clutch for dose setting and delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a drive mechanism with rotatable and movable output members is used, then dosing precision and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a rotatable first output member for dose setting, a movable second output member for drug delivery, and a removable part for refilling. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with high precision while keeping the overall structure manageable and modular.
2Ease of operation
If a removable part is provided for refilling, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removable part serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective cap when not in use, provides a interface for refilling the drug reservoir, and couples with the drive mechanism to enable dose setting and delivery. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation while minimizing the need for additional separate components.
3Reliability
If unidirectional rotational coupling is implemented, then reliability and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A unidirectional coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the rotatable first output member and the movable second output member. This intermediary component allows rotation in only one direction, preventing accidental overdose while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through its straightforward mechanical design.
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
Facilitates safe, easy, and precise administration of drugs like insulin and exendin-4 derivatives, allowing for repeated use and easy handling, ensuring correct dosing and preventing accidental overdose by restricting rotation in one direction.
Implementation Method 1
A part which is removable from and attachable to the body is provided so that the first output member is unidirectionally rotationally coupled with the drive feature when the part is attached to the body
Implementation Method 2
A drive feature, which may comprise input members, is provided to generate a rotation of the first output member
Data Source
AI summary
A first output member is rotatable around an axis relatively to the body. A second output member is movable relatively to the body along the axis. The first output member and the second output member are rotationally coupled. A drive feature is provided to generate a rotation of the first output member. A part which is removable from and attachable to the body is provided so that the first output member is unidirectionally rotationally coupled with the drive feature when the part is attached to the body.