Injection Device Cap with Rotating Sleeve for Needle Protection Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing injection devices face challenges in safely and easily removing the needle protection cap from the product container, which can lead to accidental needle exposure and increased risk of injury.

Innovation Solution

The injection device incorporates a mechanism with a cap that undergoes a combined axial-rotational movement, featuring a deformable engagement element and locking elements to securely remove the needle protective cap, ensuring safe and efficient detachment from the product container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the needle protection cap is removed by axial movement only, then the removal force is high, but the operation is difficult and safety is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of needle protection cap removalVSAvoidremoval force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from pure axial movement to a combined axial-rotational movement for cap removal. The cap is designed with rotational capability around the longitudinal axis while simultaneously moving axially, allowing the removal force to be distributed across both rotational and axial components, thereby reducing the peak axial force required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dynamic removal mechanism where the cap can rotate during the removal process. The engagement elements are designed to allow rotational movement while maintaining axial connection, creating a dynamic removal action that reduces friction and engagement resistance compared to static axial pull-off.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the engagement elements are made more robust to ensure secure needle protection cap removal, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure needle protection cap removalVSAvoidengagement mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement mechanism is divided into multiple discrete engagement elements distributed around the cap's circumference. Each engagement element independently engages with corresponding features on the needle protection cap, distributing the engagement load and providing redundant engagement points, which enhances reliability without requiring a single complex engagement structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into the cap structure: the cap serves as both the protective cover and the removal mechanism carrier. The engagement elements are integrated into the cap body rather than being separate components, and the cap's rotational and axial movements are combined into a single removal action, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If the cap structure is simplified for easier manufacturing, then the ease of manufacture improves, but the ability to ensure safe removal of the needle protection cap deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecap manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidsafe needle protection cap removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as the protective cover, the removal mechanism carrier, and the interface for engagement with the needle protection cap. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single component, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring reliable removal through its integrated engagement elements and combined axial-rotational movement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3727527B1Injection device with a cap for removing a needle protection cap from a product container, and method for providing such an ejection device
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 YPSOMED AG

AI summary

The invention relates to an injection device comprising a housing (1) for receiving a product container, which has a rigidly connected injection needle, and a cap (2) for removing a needle protection cap from the product container. The cap (2) comprises an engagement element (4) in order to carry out the removal of the needle protection cap from the product container while removing the cap (2) from the injection device, and the cap comprises a rotating sleeve (3), wherein the rotating sleeve (3) has a reverse rotation protection element, and the engagement element (4) or the housing (1) has a reverse rotation protection counterelement in order to allow a rotation of the rotating sleeve (3) in one direction and block the rotation in the opposite direction.