Leaf Spring Blocking Mechanism for Actuation Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices with locking-stressing mechanisms and spring-actuated output drives, such as high-pressure atomizers and needleless injectors, lack a reliable method to prevent further use after a predetermined number of actuations, posing safety and hygiene concerns.
Innovation Solution
A blocking device with a two-part housing system featuring a movable blocking element and a mechanical counter, where the blocking element is activated by a push-rod mechanism, preventing further rotation of the housing parts once the predetermined number of actuations is reached, utilizing a pre-stressed leaf spring for secure activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical counter is used to track the number of actuations, then the number of uses can be monitored, but there is no reliable blocking mechanism to prevent further use after the limit is reached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical counter and blocking mechanism into a single integrated device. The counter tracks actuations while the blocking element physically prevents further rotation of the screw spindle after the predetermined number of actuations is reached, merging counting and blocking functions into one cohesive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element is pre-positioned within the housing and is designed to automatically engage with the screw spindle at a specific point. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the counter reaches the predetermined value, the blocking mechanism is already in place to immediately prevent further use without requiring additional activation steps.
2Reliability
If a blocking element is introduced to prevent further rotation, then use can be limited, but the device becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is segmented into distinct functional components: a counter mechanism for tracking actuations, a blocking element for preventing rotation, and a housing that integrates these components. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element and counter mechanism are nested within the housing structure. The blocking element is positioned within the housing and interacts with the screw spindle, while the counter is integrated into the same space, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes the overall device footprint and component count.
3Reliability
If the blocking device requires significant force to overcome, then security is improved, but the device may be damaged in the process
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is designed as a single-use, non-resettable system. Once the blocking element engages with the screw spindle and prevents further rotation, the device is intended to be discarded rather than reused. This approach prioritizes security and reliability over durability, accepting that the device will be damaged or rendered inoperable after the predetermined number of actuations.
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 blocking device effectively and securely prevents further use of the device after a set number of actuations, ensuring safety and hygiene by requiring significant force to overcome, which would destroy the device, making it unusable.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a pre-stressed leaf spring for secure activation
Implementation Method 2
The operating spring is tensioned by means of a screw thrust gear by manually rotating the two housing parts relative to each other
Implementation Method 3
a mechanical counter is actuated which comprises a threaded spindle and a slider. The threaded spindle is mounted in the wall of the lower housing part. The slider is moved up or down the spindle by an amount which depends on the number of rotations of the two housing parts relative to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A locking-stressing-mechanism with spring-actuated output drive and a counter with which an apparatus of this kind is fitted, accommodated in a two part housing the two parts of which are mounted to be rotatable relative to each other, can be blocked by means of a pre-stressed leaf spring. The leaf spring is initially accommodated in a recess in the wall of one housing part. As soon as the permitted number of actuations has been reached a push rod pushes the leaf spring out of its resting position. The leaf spring then jumps into a recess in the wall of the other housing part and the two housing parts can no longer be rotated relative to each other. The push rod may be mounted on the pointer of the counter. This blocking device can only be overcome by the application of a force which is sufficient to destroy the device. The device is suitable for blocking a high pressure atomiser or a needleless injector with which a fluid is atomised to form an aerosol or a fluid is injected into a biological tissue.