Elastic Holding Element for Injection Device Carpule Holder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carpule holders for injection devices face challenges in maintaining dosing accuracy due to play and manufacturing tolerances, which affect the secure attachment and positioning of carpules.

Innovation Solution

A carpule holder with an elastically deformable holding element, featuring a cam and clamping mechanism, that securely attaches to the carpule holder housing to hold the carpule without play, compensating for manufacturing tolerances and ensuring precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional clamping element is used to secure the cartridge, then the cartridge can be attached to the cartridge holder, but axial play and manufacturing tolerances cause positioning inaccuracies that reduce dosing precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecartridge positioning precisionVSAvoiddosing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining element is designed with elastic deformability, allowing it to dynamically adapt to manufacturing tolerances and axial movements. The elastic material enables the element to deform under axial force, maintaining continuous contact and secure positioning of the cartridge despite variations in manufacturing precision, thereby ensuring reliable dosing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the retaining element by using elastic material with specific deformability characteristics. This parameter change allows the element to accommodate axial play and manufacturing tolerances through elastic deformation, transforming a rigid positioning system into one that can absorb dimensional variations while maintaining secure cartridge attachment and precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the retaining element is completely receptacled by the cartridge holder, then the structure becomes more integrated and secure, but the assembly and disassembly of the cartridge becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidcartridge installation and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining element is designed as a separate, detachable component that can be independently assembled and disassembled from the cartridge holder. This segmentation allows the element to be completely receptacled by the cartridge holder for secure integration during operation, while still enabling easy cartridge installation and removal by simply detaching the retaining element, thus resolving the contradiction between attachment security and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If an elastically deformable retaining element is used, then manufacturing tolerances can be compensated for and the cartridge held without play, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidcartridge holder structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic retaining element is designed to automatically compensate for manufacturing tolerances and axial play through its inherent elastic deformability. The element self-adjusts to maintain optimal contact with the cartridge without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms or complex positioning systems, thereby achieving high positioning accuracy while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 ensures the carpule is held without axial play, enhancing dosing accuracy and reliability by providing a secure, form-fitting attachment that maintains the carpule in a defined position within the injection device.

Implementation Method 1

The carpule holder (8) comprises an elastically deformable holding element (9), in particular a retaining element (9), featuring a cam (9b) and a clamping element (9d)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3261691B1Carpule holder for receiving a carpule and for fastening to a drive mechanism and/or to a dosing mechanism and/or to a housing of an injection device
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 YPSOMED AG
  • EP3261691B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3261691B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3261691B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2e

AI summary

The invention relates to a carpule holder (8) for receiving a carpule (10) and for fastening to a drive mechanism and/or to a dosing mechanism and/or to a housing (6) of an injection device, with a holding element (9, 9', 9'') for fastening the carpule (10) to or in the carpule holder (8), wherein the holding element (9, 9', 9'') is designed in such a way that it can be connected to the carpule holder (8) and can be received completely by the carpule holder (8).