Foldable Piston Rod for Compact Injection Device Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prefilled injection devices occupy significant storage space due to their length and volume, especially when refrigeration is required, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for compactness and symmetry for efficient storage and use.
Innovation Solution
A piston rod design with bendable legs that can be folded over a container, featuring coupling means for a reliable and rigid shaft in the unfolded position, allowing for compact storage and easy assembly, while maintaining a symmetrical shape for efficient packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the piston rod is provided separated from the container or with a hinge to fold it along the container, then the overall length of the device is reduced, but the device occupies large volume in width and length, and the outer shape is not symmetrical
Solution Approach 1:
The piston rod is divided into multiple legs (first leg, second leg, third leg) that can be folded independently along the container. Each leg is separated and can be positioned to minimize the overall volume occupied by the device while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The legs of the piston rod are designed to fold along and nest against the container body. The first leg folds along the longitudinal axis, the second leg folds along the lateral axis, and the third leg folds to complete the compact configuration, creating a nested arrangement that minimizes external dimensions.
2Volume of moving object
If the piston rod is made compact for storage, then storage space is reduced, but the device becomes more complex and harder to manufacture industrially
Solution Approach 1:
The piston rod is segmented into multiple legs with standardized folding mechanisms. This segmentation allows each leg to be manufactured independently using standard industrial processes, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving compact storage configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston rod incorporates dynamic folding capabilities where legs can be folded and unfolded through simple mechanical actions. This dynamic design allows the same structure to serve both compact storage and easy deployment functions without requiring complex mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the piston rod is made compact for storage, then storage efficiency is improved, but the reliability and continuous injection capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The piston rod is divided into multiple legs that can be folded for storage but maintain their structural integrity during use. The segmented design allows the legs to be positioned compactly while ensuring that when deployed, they form a stable, reliable structure capable of continuous injection without compromising functionality.
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 design significantly reduces the overall length and volume of the injection device, enabling more efficient storage and use without altering the typical administration process, and ensures reliable operation by preventing sliding of the piston rod during use.
Implementation Method 1
each leg comprising a bendable part and extending substantially proximally from a junction element at which a distal end of each of the first and second legs meet, each leg being capable of being folded at the location of its bendable part
Data Source
AI summary
A piston rod for an injection device, including first and second legs, each leg being foldable on itself and including a proximal region. The piston rod is capable of transitioning from a folded position to an unfolded position, and includes a mechanism for coupling the proximal regions of the legs when the piston rod is in the unfolded position. The invention also relates to a kit which includes the piston rod.