Fixed Dose Injection Device Resettable Drive Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing injection devices for administering medication lack ease of use and reliability, particularly in setting and dispensing fixed doses, often requiring complex mechanical processes and additional components.

Innovation Solution

An injection device with a drive mechanism featuring a dosing element permanently fixed to a drive member, allowing direct control for setting and dispensing doses through rotational and helical movement, eliminating error-prone mechanical couplings and reducing component count, while providing options for dose cancellation and user-friendly operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanical coupling or decoupling mechanism is used to connect the dosing element and drive member, then the device can reset the drive mechanism for multiple doses, but the device complexity and reliability increase due to additional components and error-prone mechanical processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereset capabilityVSAvoidmechanical coupling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the dosing element and drive member into a single integrated component. The dosing element is permanently fixed to the drive member, eliminating the need for separate coupling mechanisms. This integration allows the drive mechanism to be reset by simply rotating the dosing element relative to the housing, achieving multiple dose administration without complex mechanical couplings or decouplings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional components are added to enable resettable drive mechanism, then the reset functionality is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereset functionalityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By permanently fixing the dosing element to the drive member, the patent reduces the total component count. The integrated design eliminates the need for separate coupling components, sensors, and control mechanisms that would be required in traditional resettable systems. This simplification directly reduces manufacturing complexity and production costs while maintaining the reset functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If a complex mechanical process is used for dose setting and dispensing, then precise dose control is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases due to multiple steps and potential errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedose control precisionVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines dose setting and dispensing functions into a single integrated mechanism. The user sets the dose by rotating the dosing element, which directly controls the drive member's position. To dispense, the user simply pushes the dosing element forward, which actuates the piston rod and delivers the medication. This eliminates complex multi-step processes while maintaining precise dose control through the direct mechanical linkage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If the dosing element and drive member are permanently fixed together, then the device complexity is reduced and reliability improved, but the ability to reset the mechanism for multiple doses is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical component countVSAvoidmultiple dose capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic relationship between the dosing element and housing through rotational movement. While the dosing element is permanently fixed to the drive member, the entire assembly can rotate relative to the housing. This rotational degree of freedom enables the drive mechanism to be reset for multiple doses without requiring complex coupling mechanisms. The dynamic rotation allows the system to return to its initial position after each dose, enabling repeated use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2381984B1Fixed dose injection device with resettable drive mechanism
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 SANOFI AVENTIS DEUT GMBH
  • EP2381984B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2381984B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

An injection device (1) for administering a fixed dose of a medication is provided. The injection device (1) comprises a housing (2) wherein a drive mechanism comprising a drive member (3) is at least partially enclosed and a dosing element (34) which is fixed relative to the drive member (3). Here, a dose can be set by rotating the dosing element (34) relative to the housing (2) in a dose setting direction (s) and the dose can be dispensed by pushing the dosing element (34) towards the housing (2). A dose can be set by rotating a dosing element (34), a dose can be dispensed by pushing the dosing element (34) towards the housing (2) and a dose can be cancelled by rotating the dosing element (34) in a direction opposite to the dose setting direction(s).