Injection Device Cap with Segmented Remover Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing injection devices face challenges in safely removing needle protection caps without compromising the sterility of the injection needle during assembly, as existing methods can exert forces that risk moving the cap relative to the product container, potentially jeopardizing needle sterility.

Innovation Solution

An injection device design featuring a cap with engagement elements that securely remove the needle protection cap from the product container by transferring movement through a sleeve-shaped remover element, ensuring the cap is securely taken along during removal, thus preventing accidental displacement during assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If claw-shaped metal elements are used to engage with the needle guard cap during assembly, then the needle guard cap can be securely held, but force is exerted on the needle guard cap that may cause it to move relative to the product container, potentially compromising needle sterility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure holding of needle guard capVSAvoidrisk of needle sterility compromise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The removal element is segmented into a cap portion and a sleeve portion that can move relative to each other. The engagement elements are integrated into the sleeve portion, allowing them to engage the needle guard cap without exerting force during assembly, while still providing secure engagement during removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement elements are positioned to engage with the needle guard cap before the product container is inserted into the injection device. This preliminary engagement ensures that the needle guard cap is securely held during assembly without requiring force that could displace it relative to the product container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the cap is removed from the injection device, then the needle protection cap should be removed from the product container, but the movement transfer mechanism may compromise the secure engagement during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval of needle protection capVSAvoidsterility maintenance during assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeve-shaped removal element is designed to be movable relative to the cap along the longitudinal axis. During assembly, the engagement elements remain stationary relative to the product container. During removal, the sleeve moves distally, transferring movement to the engagement elements and subsequently to the needle guard cap, enabling reliable removal while maintaining sterility during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement elements act as intermediaries between the removal element and the needle guard cap. They are positioned on the removal element to engage with the needle guard cap, transferring the removal movement from the cap to the needle guard cap without directly connecting the cap to the needle guard cap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If engagement elements are integrated into the cap, then the needle guard cap can be removed when the cap is removed, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrated removal functionVSAvoidcap structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement elements are merged with the sleeve-shaped removal element, which itself is integrated into the cap. This combines the functions of the cap, removal element, and engagement mechanism into a single integrated component, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the removal function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The removal element serves multiple functions: it acts as part of the cap structure, provides the removal mechanism through its movable sleeve, and incorporates engagement elements to grip the needle guard cap. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3490644B2Outer cap with needle cap remover element and method to assemble an injection device

Publication Date: 2024.11.13 YPSOMED AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to an injection device comprising a product container (10) having an injection needle (11), a needle protection cap (17) which is detachably secured to the product container (10), surrounds the injection needle (11) and seals same in a sterile manner in relation to the environment, and a cap (20) that is connected to the needle protection cap (17), via a remover element (25) having an engaging element (26), in such a way that the removal of the cap (20) from the injection device brings about the removal of the needle protection cap (17) from the product container (10), wherein the engaging element (26) is in an engaging position in relation to the needle protection cap (17), wherein, in the engaging position, a section of the needle protection cap (17) is arranged distally in line with the engaging element (26), characterised in that the cap (20) and the engaging element (26) are coupled in such a way that the cap (20) is or can be moved relative to the engaging element (26) during the removal from the injection device.