Autoinjector Leadscrew Tip Plunger Deformation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autoinjectors generate waste due to disposable syringes, and direct contact between the leadscrew and plunger can cause deformation, leading to medication leakage during drug delivery.
Innovation Solution
A leadscrew tip with a snap-fit connection and low-friction polymeric material is used to engage the plunger, preventing deformation and minimizing friction, allowing for smooth drug dispensing without direct contact between the leadscrew and plunger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If direct contact between leadscrew and plunger is used, then simple structure is maintained, but plunger deformation occurs leading to medication leakage
Solution Approach 1:
A leadscrew tip is introduced as an intermediary component between the leadscrew and plunger. The leadscrew tip engages with the plunger while allowing rotational movement, preventing direct contact between the leadscrew and plunger that would cause deformation. This mediator component transmits force while accommodating rotational differences, eliminating medication leakage caused by plunger deformation.
2Ease of operation
If disposable syringes are used, then ease of operation is improved, but waste generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leadscrew tip is designed as a reusable, non-disposable component that can be recovered and reused across multiple drug delivery cycles. By making the leadscrew tip permanent rather than disposable, the system reduces waste generation while maintaining ease of operation through the same leadscrew mechanism that drives the plunger for drug delivery.
3Manufacturing precision
If leadscrew tip with snap-fit connection is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leadscrew assembly is segmented into separate components: the leadscrew and the leadscrew tip. The snap-fit connection allows for precise manufacturing of each component independently, with the leadscrew tip featuring protrusions that engage with corresponding features on the leadscrew. This segmentation enables high manufacturing precision while keeping the connection mechanism relatively simple through modular assembly.
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 leadscrew tip ensures accurate and complete drug delivery by preventing plunger deformation and reducing waste by being non-disposable, thus minimizing environmental impact and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The leadscrew tip is constructed from a low-friction polymeric material
Data Source
AI summary
An autoinjector medical device can include a housing and a leadscrew disposed within the housing. The leadscrew can be rotatable and axially translatable within the housing along an axis of the leadscrew. The autoinjector medical device can further include a leadscrew tip coupled to an end of the leadscrew. The leadscrew tip can include a first end with at least one extension extending away from the first end in a direction parallel to a central axis of the leadscrew tip. The end of the leadscrew coupled to the leadscrew tip can be rotatable within and relative to the leadscrew tip.