Single-Use Injector Triggering Mechanism Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle-free single-use injectors are not modular, have many components, and are not designed for safe storage and simple handling.
Innovation Solution
A needle-free single-use injector with a longitudinally displaceable triggering element that causes the piston-actuating plunger to move transversely, using a spring energy storage system where the plunger is preloaded on the housing, allowing for efficient drug delivery with minimal components and easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a needle-free single-use injector uses a traditional ratchet mechanism with multiple components for spring energy storage and triggering, then the device can store mechanical energy and deliver drugs, but the device complexity increases with many components that are difficult to manufacture and handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring energy storage device and the triggering unit into a single integrated component. The spring element is arranged inside the triggering unit, eliminating the need for separate ratchet mechanisms, slide components, and notches found in traditional designs. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining the functionality of energy storage and drug delivery, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the injector uses a traditional ratchet mechanism with slide and notch components, then the device can control piston movement, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to multiple interacting parts
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the spring energy storage device within the triggering unit, the patent eliminates multiple interacting components such as ratchet teeth, slides, and notches that require precise manufacturing tolerances. The single integrated component reduces assembly complexity and manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining operational ease.
3Power
If the injector uses a conventional triggering mechanism with multiple parts, then the device can release spring energy, but the device size increases making storage and handling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the spring element within the triggering unit creates a compact configuration where the energy storage mechanism occupies the same space as the triggering mechanism. This eliminates the need for additional space that would be required for separate ratchet mechanisms and slide components, thereby reducing the overall injector volume while maintaining full spring energy release capability.
4Productivity
If the injector uses a traditional multi-component design, then the device can function as intended, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to complex assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent's integrated design combines the spring energy storage device and triggering unit into a single manufacturable component. This eliminates complex assembly steps involving multiple small parts such as ratchet teeth, slides, and retaining mechanisms. The single integrated component can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit, significantly improving ease of manufacture and assembly while maintaining drug delivery efficiency.
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 solution results in a compact, safe, and user-friendly injector with reduced components, ensuring reliable drug delivery and easy operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring energy storage device (50) which is prestressed in a mounted state and can be released in a triggered state, wherein the spring energy storage device comprises at least one prestressed spring element (50)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a single-use injector comprising a housing (10), arranged in which are at least one mechanical spring energy store (50), at least one piston-cylinder unit (100), which can be effectively filled at least for a certain time, at least one piston-actuating stem (60) and at least one triggering unit (80). The spring energy store comprises at least one pretensioned spring element. The spring-loaded piston-actuating stem has at least one draw rod, which can be moved transversely, at least in certain regions, and by means of a supporting portion supports the tensioned spring energy store on at least one resting surface of the housing. When actuation occurs, the triggering element releases the supporting portion to allow it to move away from the resting surface.