Medicament Cassette Shell Automation for Safe Needle Exposure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medicament delivery devices require users to manually load and prepare the cassette, including removing a cap and piercing a needle, which can be cumbersome and increases the risk of injury or contamination.

Innovation Solution

A cassette design with a movable shell and locking mechanism that automatically exposes the medicament delivery member upon insertion into a base unit, eliminating the need for manual cap removal and needle preparation, and ensuring the device is ready for use with a clear ready-to-use indication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the shell is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the guard cannot be automatically exposed and manual cap removal is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic exposure of medicament delivery memberVSAvoidshell movement mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shell is pre-configured in a proximal position that covers and protects the guard and medicament delivery member before use. Upon insertion into the base unit, the shell automatically transitions to a distal position, preliminarily exposing the guard and indicating readiness for medicament delivery without requiring user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shell is designed as a movable component that can transition between proximal and distal positions along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic positioning allows the shell to automatically expose the guard when moved distally, providing a ready-to-use indication while maintaining protection during storage and transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the shell moves distally to expose the guard, then ready-to-use indication is provided, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveready-to-use indicationVSAvoidblocking and locking device mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking device is pre-configured to prevent distal movement of the shell before use. Upon insertion into the base unit, the blocking device automatically transitions to allow shell movement, and the locking device subsequently secures the shell in its distal position, providing a clear ready-to-use indication through guard exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a blocking device that prevents premature movement, a shell that moves to expose the guard, and a locking device that secures the position. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system manageability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If manual cap removal is required, then the device structure is simpler, but the risk of injury or contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser safetyVSAvoidautomatic shell movement mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shell automatically transitions from proximal to distal position upon insertion into the base unit, self-exposing the guard and providing a ready-to-use indication without requiring user manipulation. This eliminates the need for manual cap removal and reduces the risk of user injury or contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking device prevents premature distal movement of the shell before proper insertion into the base unit, thereby preventing accidental exposure of the medicament delivery member. The locking device then secures the shell in the distal position, ensuring controlled and safe operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Streamlines the medicament delivery process by automating the exposure of the medicament delivery member, enhancing user safety by reducing manual handling and preventing accidental exposure to the needle, while maintaining sterility until use.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing device arranged to force the shell towards the distal shell position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiasing device: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS20230166040A1Cassette and medicament delivery device

Publication Date: 2023.06.01 SHL MEDICAL AG

AI summary

A cassette is disclosed for receiving a medicament container, the cassette having a medicament delivery member; a guard for covering the medicament delivery member; a shell movable between a proximal shell position where movement of the guard is prevented by the shell, and a distal shell position where the guard is exposed from the shell; a biasing device arranged to force the shell towards the distal shell position; a blocking device movable from a blocking position where the shell is blocked from moving to the distal shell position, to a releasing position where the shell is released; and a locking device movable from a first position to a second position; wherein the blocking device and the locking device are arranged such that movement of the locking device from the first position to the second position causes the blocking device to move from the blocking position to the releasing position.