Flexible Impact Portion Dampens Torque Peaks in Injection Device Clutch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind-up injection devices face challenges in smoothly transferring torque during dialing, leading to potential impact and discomfort, and in maintaining a consistent dose delivery.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a drive train with a clutch element featuring a flexible impact portion, such as a compressible portion or a flexible metal element, to dampen torque peaks and enhance the smooth operation of the dial mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a rigid clutch element is used to transmit torque, then torque transmission efficiency is improved, but impact and discomfort occur during dialing
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch element incorporates a flexible impact portion that changes the mechanical parameters of the clutch assembly by introducing flexibility. This flexible portion absorbs impact energy and dampens torque peaks, reducing discomfort while maintaining effective torque transmission through the clutch element.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible impact portion acts as an intermediary element between the clutch element and the expelling mechanism. It mediates the torque transmission by absorbing and dampening impact forces, thereby reducing harmful effects while allowing the clutch element to maintain its primary function of torque transmission.
2Manufacturing precision
If a rigid clutch element is used for dose maintenance, then dosing precision is improved, but torque peaks cause impact
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible impact portion modifies the mechanical parameters of the clutch element by introducing compliance. This allows the clutch element to maintain precise dosing through the ratchet mechanism while the flexible portion absorbs torque peaks and prevents impact during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible impact portion serves as a pre-positioned cushioning element that anticipates and absorbs impact forces before they can affect the dosing mechanism. This beforehand cushioning protects the rigid dosing components from torque peaks while maintaining dosing precision.
3Productivity
If the clutch element directly engages the expelling mechanism, then mechanical efficiency is improved, but impact occurs during engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible impact portion is introduced as an intermediary between the clutch element and the expelling mechanism. This intermediary absorbs impact energy during engagement, allowing the clutch element to maintain direct mechanical engagement for efficiency while the flexible portion mitigates harmful impact forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible impact portion changes the mechanical parameters of the engagement interface by introducing flexibility and compliance. This allows the engagement to occur directly for high efficiency while the flexible portion absorbs impact, effectively decoupling efficiency from impact.
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
This solution effectively reduces torque peaks, minimizes impact between the clutch element and the expelling mechanism, and ensures a smoother and more consistent dose delivery experience.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible impact portion in the area of the clutch element
Implementation Method 2
the drive train is adapted to dampen torque peaks by a flexible impact portion
Implementation Method 3
the flexible impact portion is formed as a compressible portion arranged in an area of an axial bearing
Implementation Method 4
the flexible impact portion, e.g. the compressible portion, may be arranged between the clutch plate and the trigger button
Implementation Method 5
The spring force is configured low in comparison to other spring elements of the device and is configured to minimize impact on clutch holding torque
Implementation Method 6
the flexible metal element may be configured to apply a spring force when the clutch element and the drivable expelling mechanism contact
Data Source
AI summary
A drive train for a wind-up injection device, comprises a torsional energy storage adapted to be loaded or unloaded by a rotatable element, a rotatable user handle coupled with a button, a rotationally drivable expelling mechanism, and a clutch element coupled with the torsional energy storage via the rotatable element and comprising a ratchet for maintaining the rotatable element at one of a number of discrete angular positions, wherein via the rotatable element, the clutch element is adapted to transmit a torque from the user handle to the torsional energy storage or from the torsional energy storage to the expelling mechanism, and wherein the ratchet is switchable from one position to an adjacent position by a torque transmitted from the user handle to the torsional energy storage, and wherein the drive train is adapted to dampen torque peaks by a flexible impact portion in the area of the clutch element.