Medicament Delivery Device Blocking Member Prevents Accidental Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medicament delivery devices, such as auto-injectors, can unintentionally expose the needle and dispense medicament if the device is not properly placed at an injection site, leading to potential stick injuries and medicament wastage.
Innovation Solution
A medicament delivery device with a blocking member that moves between extended and retracted positions to prevent accidental actuation of the needle, combined with a flexible arm and contoured surface mechanism that allows controlled movement of the needle from a pre-use position to an injecting position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the needle actuator can be depressed irrespective of device placement, then the device is easier to operate, but the needle can be unintentionally exposed causing stick injuries and medicament wastage
Solution Approach 1:
A blocking member is introduced as an intermediary component between the actuation member and the needle mechanism. This blocking member must be physically present and properly positioned for the actuation member to function, thereby preventing unintentional activation while maintaining ease of operation when correctly placed. The blocking member acts as a mediator that ensures proper device placement before allowing needle deployment.
2Reliability
If a blocking member is added to prevent accidental actuation, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is designed as a flexible component that can be deflected by the actuation member during proper use. This flexibility allows the blocking member to serve multiple functions: blocking accidental activation, allowing intentional actuation when properly positioned, and potentially returning to its blocking position after use. The flexible design reduces structural complexity compared to rigid locking mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the flexible arm is deflected radially by the contoured surface, then the needle can be moved to injecting position, but the blocking member must be precisely positioned to engage the flexible arm
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member and flexible arm form a dynamic system where the flexible arm can deflect radially when the actuation member is pressed. The blocking member is positioned to engage the flexible arm in its resting position, blocking needle deployment. When the actuation member is pressed, the flexible arm deflects radially to disengage from the blocking member, allowing needle deployment. This dynamic engagement reduces the need for high manufacturing precision while maintaining safe operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A medicament delivery device has an actuation member which is movable relative to a body. The actuation member has a flexible arm comprising an engagement surface. The device has a contoured surface. When the actuation member is in a first position the engagement surface engages the contoured surface. When the actuation member moves to a second position, the flexible arm is deflected radially by the engagement of the engagement surface with the contoured surface. The device further has a blocking member. The blocking member has a proximal portion which engages the flexible arm when the blocking member is in an extended position for preventing the flexible arm from being deflected radially and moving distally. The blocking member is movable relative to the body to disengage the proximal portion from the flexible arm.