Injection Device Sleeve with Deformable Bridge Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection device sleeves fail to securely prevent the container from being withdrawn once installed, as they can be easily pulled out by overcoming the resistance of inner radial projections, compromising safety systems intended to prevent needlestick injuries.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve with inner radial and longitudinal projections connected by a deformable bridge that deflects radially outwardly during installation and inwardly when a proximal force is applied, reinforcing the locking mechanism to prevent container removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inner radial projections are used to prevent proximal movement of the flange, then the container is secured against accidental movement, but the container can still be easily withdrawn by pulling with sufficient force to overcome the resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve incorporates a deformable bridge that allows the longitudinal leg to dynamically change its radial position. During installation, the bridge deflects outwardly to allow flange passage; during withdrawal attempts, it deflects inwardly to increase locking resistance. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between easy installation and strong fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable bridge changes the radial position parameter of the longitudinal leg based on applied forces. When a proximal force is applied during withdrawal attempts, the bridge deforms to move the longitudinal leg inwardly, increasing the friction and mechanical interference with the flange, thereby significantly increasing resistance to withdrawal force.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sleeve structure is simplified for easy manufacture, then production costs decrease, but the ability to prevent container withdrawal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is segmented into functional components: the deformable bridge and the longitudinal leg with inner radial and longitudinal projections. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the bridge provides flexibility while the projections provide locking - enabling reliable container retention through a relatively simple manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable bridge acts as a flexible element that can be manufactured as a thin, elastic structure. This flexible component enables the sleeve to adapt its shape during installation and withdrawal attempts, providing reliable container retention without requiring complex rigid mechanisms or multiple parts.
3Ease of operation
If inner radial projections deflect outwardly during installation, then the flange can pass through easily, but the same structure allows easy withdrawal by deflecting the projections radially outwardly
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable bridge creates a dynamic system where the longitudinal leg's radial position depends on the direction of applied force. During installation, outward deflection allows easy flange passage; during withdrawal attempts, inward deflection creates strong resistance. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between ease of installation and prevention of removal.
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 sleeve securely fixes the container in place, preventing withdrawal and ensuring the safety system remains intact, enhancing safety against needlestick injuries by proportionally reinforcing the locking mechanism with increasing force attempts.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable bridge, capable of being deformed with respect to said outer body to allow radial deflection of said longitudinal leg outwardly when a distal pressure is exerted on said inner radial projection, and inwardly when a proximal pressure is exerted on said inner radial projection
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a sleeve for an injection device comprising a container having an outer flange, said sleeve being provided with one inner radial projection intended to prevent the proximal movement of said outer flange with respect to said sleeve once said container is received within said sleeve, said sleeve being further provided with one inner longitudinal projection extending distally from said inner radial projection and intended to limit the radial movement of said outer flange, said inner radial projection and inner longitudinal projection being provided on a longitudinal leg connected to said sleeve by a deformable bridge allowing radial deflection of said longitudinal leg outwardly when a distal pressure is exerted on said inner radial projection, and inwardly when a proximal pressure is exerted on said inner radial projection. The invention also pertains to an injection device comprising such a sleeve.