Injection Device Locking Mechanism for Syringe Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing injection devices face challenges in maintaining syringe sterility and preventing accidental ejection of syringe contents due to weak return springs and mechanical failures, leading to potential damage and exposure risks.

Innovation Solution

An injection device with a locking mechanism that prevents syringe movement during cap removal and includes a resilient locking system to secure the syringe in place, ensuring the syringe remains stationary during cap removal and preventing accidental activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the return spring is made weak to allow syringe retraction, then the syringe can be retracted by the return spring, but the syringe may be accidentally activated or damaged during boot removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesyringe retractionVSAvoidsyringe stability during boot removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is engaged before boot removal to prevent syringe movement. The locking component is positioned to engage with the syringe carrier or housing structure prior to the boot being removed, ensuring the syringe remains stable throughout the boot removal process and preventing accidental activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the syringe and the housing during boot removal. It provides a temporary constraint that prevents direct movement of the syringe while allowing the boot to be removed, thereby mediating between the need for syringe stability and the operation of removing the boot.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the syringe is made moveable to allow extension, then the syringe can be extended for injection, but the syringe may be accidentally activated by mechanical failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesyringe extensionVSAvoidprevention of accidental activation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is engaged before syringe extension to prevent accidental activation. The locking component is positioned to engage with the syringe carrier or housing structure prior to the syringe being extended, ensuring the syringe remains stable and cannot be accidentally activated during the extension process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism provides dynamic control over syringe movement. It allows the syringe to be extended when needed by disengaging the locking component, while automatically engaging to prevent accidental activation during storage and handling. This dynamic engagement and disengagement provides reliable control over syringe extension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the cap is made removable to allow access, then the cap can be removed for needle access, but the syringe may move during cap removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecap removalVSAvoidsyringe stability during cap removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is engaged before cap removal to prevent syringe movement. The locking component is positioned to engage with the syringe carrier or housing structure prior to the cap being removed, ensuring the syringe remains stable throughout the cap removal process and preventing accidental activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 locking mechanism effectively maintains syringe sterility and prevents accidental ejection, reducing the risk of damage and exposure, while allowing safe and controlled removal of the cap and needle shield.

Implementation Method 1

Each locking component comprises a resilient member which abuts the housing and maintains the locking mechanism in its engaged position when no pressure is applied to its respective button.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2175916B1Injection device
Publication Date: 2015.09.09 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
  • EP2175916B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP2175916B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP2175916B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

An injection device comprises a locking-mechanism in the form of two buttons (17) located on the front end of the injection device. In an engaged position, the locking mechanism prevents removal of a cap (111) from the injection device and, in a disengaged position, prevents movement of a syringe carrier (127) holding a syringe but permits removal of the cap from the housing. This assists in preventing damage to the syringe prior to actuation of the injection device.