Expandable Medicament Cap Assembly for Sharps Disposal
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a safe and efficient way to transform medicament delivery device caps into disposal containers, especially in private or non-medical environments, to manage used sharps and ensure safe storage and disposal.
Innovation Solution
A cap assembly for medicament delivery devices that expands from a compact configuration for protection before use to an expanded configuration for storing used devices, featuring a tubular body with a locking mechanism and multiple lids to securely enclose the device, converting it into a sharps container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cap assembly is designed to protect a medicament delivery device before use, then protection reliability is improved, but the capability to store used devices is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly incorporates an expandable tubular body that can dynamically change its configuration from a compressed state (for protection during use) to an expanded state (for storage of used devices). This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to fulfill both protective and storage functions effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it protects the medicament delivery device before use, contains the device during use, and stores the used device afterward. By integrating these functions into a single assembly with transformable geometry, the invention achieves versatility without requiring multiple separate components.
2Volume of stationary object
If the tubular body is made expandable to increase storage volume, then storage capacity is improved, but structural complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable tubular body is designed with a nested structure that allows it to compress into a compact form while maintaining the capability to expand to a larger volume. The nesting principle enables the structure to achieve variable volume without requiring complex mechanical systems, as the tubular body can be folded or collapsed into itself.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the expanded configuration, then containment reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the tubular body is in its expanded configuration, securing the used medicament delivery device without requiring additional user actions. The mechanism utilizes the natural expansion motion to trigger the locking action, thereby achieving reliable containment while minimizing added complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the cap assembly is designed for easy transformation, then ease of operation is improved, but structural complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly employs a dynamic expandable structure that can be easily transformed between compressed and expanded states through simple user actions. The structural design allows the tubular body to flex and expand naturally, making the transformation process intuitive and easy to operate despite the underlying structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a cap assembly (1) for a medicament delivery device (6), the cap assembly comprising a tubular body (4) and a first lid (2), wherein the tubular body (4) comprises a proximal opening (7) for receiving a proximal part of a medicament delivery device, wherein the tubular body (4) is expandable in a longitudinal direction; and wherein the cap assembly is configured to change shape from a first, not expanded, configuration for protecting a medicament delivery member of the medicament delivery device prior to use to a second, expanded, configuration for storing the medicament delivery device (6) after use.