Medical Delivery System Coding Mechanism for Misuse Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medication delivery systems lack a robust and intuitive coding mechanism to ensure that only predetermined containers with specific medicament types and concentrations can be attached to the dosing assembly, leading to potential misuse and mechanical failures.

Innovation Solution

A medical delivery system featuring two independent and redundant coding mechanisms with diverse geometries that require a concurrent axial and rotational movement for fastening, ensuring that only compatible containers can be coupled with the dosing assembly, providing an intuitive and secure attachment process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single coding mechanism is used to distinguish between different medicament containers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing misuse decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of misuseVSAvoidcoding mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coding mechanism is divided into two independent parts: a first coding mechanism with protrusions and grooves, and a second coding mechanism with different geometric patterns. Both mechanisms must match simultaneously for proper attachment, creating a segmented verification system that significantly reduces misuse while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coding mechanisms are designed to perform preliminary verification before the actual attachment is completed. The geometric patterns and protrusion-groove interactions check compatibility in advance, preventing incorrect containers from being attached to the dosing assembly, thereby ensuring reliability before the main function is activated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple independent coding mechanisms are implemented, then the reliability of preventing incorrect attachment increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment accuracyVSAvoidcoding system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Two independent coding mechanisms are merged into a single integrated attachment system. The first coding mechanism with its protrusions and grooves works in conjunction with the second coding mechanism featuring different geometric patterns. Both mechanisms are combined in the same attachment interface, allowing dual verification without requiring separate attachment steps, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If complex coding geometries are used to ensure compatibility, then the reliability of preventing misuse improves, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer-dosing assembly compatibilityVSAvoidfastening operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coding mechanisms utilize asymmetric geometric patterns including specific protrusions, grooves, and non-circular shapes that must align in particular orientations. This asymmetry ensures that only the correct container can be attached to the correct dosing assembly, providing reliable compatibility verification. The asymmetric design is integrated into the fastening motion itself, so while the geometry is complex, the operational sequence remains simple and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Device complexity

If a mechanical coding system is used instead of electronic reading, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of container identification decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoding system structureVSAvoidcontainer identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic reading systems with a purely mechanical coding and verification system. Protrusions, grooves, and geometric patterns physically interact during the attachment process, providing mechanical verification of container compatibility. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for electronics, sensors, and power sources, reducing device complexity while maintaining sufficient identification accuracy through precise geometric matching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2037987B1A medical delivery system comprising a coding mechanism

Publication Date: 2019.09.04 NOVO NORDISK AS

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4

AI summary

A medical delivery system comprising a container (202) for accommodation of a medicament and a dosing assembly (204) adapted to be fastened to the container. The medical delivery system comprises a coding mechanism for ensuring that only a predetermined container can be fastened to a predetermined dosing assembly. A container for use in the medical delivery system. A dosing assembly for use in the medical delivery system.