Computerized Injector Pivot Mount Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computerized injectors for medication administration lack efficient mechanisms for ensuring proper cartridge alignment, needle assembly, and user interaction, particularly under low-battery conditions, and do not effectively manage priming functions or variable injection durations.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled injector with a pivot mount element, mechanical latch, and a motor-driven piston, featuring a manually operable pivot mount element opener for low-battery conditions, a biasing element for automatic opening, and a user interface for priming and dosage control, including an RFID communication system for cartridge information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical latch is used to lock the pivot mount element, then the reliability of cartridge alignment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical latch is designed to automatically engage and lock the pivot mount element when the cartridge is inserted, without requiring manual intervention. The system self-locks through the interaction between the latch element and the cartridge structure, improving reliability while minimizing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic locking mechanisms with a simple mechanical latch system that uses spring-loaded elements and geometric interlocking. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable cartridge alignment through purely mechanical means
2Reliability
If a manually operable pivot mount element opener is provided for low-battery conditions, then the reliability of operation under low-battery conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A manual opener mechanism is pre-positioned within the device that can be activated when battery power is insufficient. This preliminary preparation ensures that the pivot mount element can still be opened manually even when the motor-driven system fails due to low battery, improving operational reliability without requiring a completely separate backup system
Solution Approach 2:
The manual opener mechanism is localized to specific regions of the device where it is only needed - specifically for opening the pivot mount element during low-battery conditions. This localized approach minimizes the addition of complexity to the overall system while providing targeted reliability improvement
3Extent of automation
If a computer-controlled motor is used to drive the piston and operate the latch, then the automation level is improved, but the loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computer-controlled motor operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously - activating the piston for injection at specific intervals and engaging the latch only when needed during cartridge changes. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining full automation of the injection process and latch control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the high-energy injection function from the low-energy latch control function, with the motor providing power only when necessary for piston-driven injection. The latch mechanism is designed to maintain its locked state without continuous power, extracting the energy-intensive operations from the automated system and reducing overall energy loss
4Measurement precision
If RFID communication system is added for cartridge information, then the measurement precision of cartridge identification is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An RFID communication system serves as an intermediary between the injector and the cartridge, enabling precise identification and tracking of cartridge information without requiring direct physical contact or complex mechanical interfaces. The RFID tags and readers provide automated data exchange that improves identification precision while adding minimal structural complexity to the overall system
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
Ensures reliable medicament administration by ensuring proper cartridge alignment, automatic needle assembly, efficient priming, and customizable injection durations, while maintaining operation even under low battery conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element operative to open the pivot mount element except when the pivot mount element is locked in the closed operative orientation by the mechanical latch
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-controlled injector for use with a medicament cartridge and including a housing having a medicament cartridge receiving volume and a medicament cartridge insertion and removal opening communicating with the medicament cartridge receiving volume; a pivot mount element mounted onto the housing for selectably enabling access to the medicament cartridge receiving volume via the opening; a mechanical latch selectably locking the pivot mount element in a closed operative orientation; and an injection drive mechanism including a computer-controlled motor for driving a piston, forming part of the medicament cartridge, for injecting a medicament, the computer-controlled motor also being operative for operating the mechanical latch.