Medicament Delivery Device Locking Ring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medicament delivery devices lack user friendliness and reliability, as the actuator returns to its initial position upon release, making it difficult for users to determine the remaining dose and ensuring accurate delivery.
Innovation Solution
A medicament delivery device with a locking ring that allows unidirectional rotational movement, preventing the actuator from returning to its distal end position unless the complete dose is injected, combined with a drive mechanism and biasing elements for reliable dose setting and delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuator is allowed to return to its distal end position upon release, then the device structure is simple, but the user cannot determine the remaining dose accurately and health safety is endangered
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring transitions from a static locking state to a dynamic unlocked state through rotational movement, allowing the actuator to be held in position during injection and then released to return to the initial position. This dynamic state change enables dose tracking while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the locking ring for positional control, the release button for state transition, and the threaded connection for mechanical engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the actuator returns to initial position after partial injection, then the device structure is simple, but user friendliness is reduced due to uncertainty in remaining dose
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring provides visual feedback through dose indicators that show the remaining dose amount. As the actuator moves proximally during injection, the locking ring rotates to reveal different portions of the dose indicators, giving the user real-time feedback on injection progress without requiring complex electronic displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The dose indicators are pre-positioned on the locking ring to correspond with specific actuator positions. Before injection begins, the user can see the total dose amount, and during injection, the remaining dose is automatically displayed based on the actuator's position, eliminating the need for manual calculation or estimation.
3Reliability
If the locking ring prevents axial movement of the actuator, then dose delivery reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection between the locking ring and actuator serves as a mechanical intermediary that converts rotational movement of the locking ring into axial movement constraints on the actuator. This simple mechanical relationship provides reliable position control without requiring complex electronic sensors or actuators.
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
Enhances user safety and reliability by ensuring the intended dose is delivered accurately, with visible dose indicators and automatic dose memory, allowing for variable dose settings and easy container replacement.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator is biased by a first biasing element towards said distal end position
Implementation Method 2
the locking ring is in threaded connection with an outer surface of the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a medicament delivery device (100) having a a drive mechanism arranged to drive a plunger rod (12). A release button (4) is movable between an active and an inactive state, wherein the release button (4) in the active state allows the actuator (3) to move axially towards a proximal end position and wherein the release button (4) in the inactive state allows the actuator (3) can move axially towards the proximal end position or towards the distal end position.