Medication Delivery Device Automatic Cartridge Reset Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medication delivery devices face challenges in easy and unambiguous resetting of the drive mechanism without user contact, potential contamination, and accurate dose delivery when replacing cartridges, especially for users with impaired vision or dexterity.
Innovation Solution
A medication delivery device with a piston rod featuring two threaded sections and a reset element that is rotated and moved proximally without user contact when a new cartridge is attached, ensuring no pressure is applied to the cartridge bung, maintaining the medication's integrity and simplifying the resetting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drive mechanism is reset manually by user contact, then the resetting process can be performed, but the risk of contamination to the drive mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs the resetting operation automatically through self-service mechanisms. When the medication cartridge is inserted, the cartridge itself actuates the reset element via mechanical interaction (cartridge end abutting reset element or cartridge rotation), eliminating the need for manual user contact with the drive mechanism and preventing contamination while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The reset element serves as an intermediary component between the cartridge and the drive mechanism. It receives the actuating force from the cartridge (through direct abutment or rotational interaction) and transmits it to reset the piston rod, thereby mediating the resetting action and protecting the drive mechanism from direct user contact and contamination
2Ease of operation
If pressure is applied to the cartridge bung during resetting, then the piston rod can be moved, but the medication integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The resetting mechanism is segmented into separate functional zones: the reset element interacts with the cartridge end (not the bung), and the piston rod is reset through threaded engagement without requiring pressure on the cartridge bung. This segmentation allows the resetting operation to proceed while preserving medication integrity by isolating the pressure application point from the medication chamber
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical approach of pushing the piston rod directly (which requires bung pressure) is replaced with a threaded engagement system. The piston rod is rotated and advanced through screw threads, allowing movement without direct axial pressure on the cartridge bung, thus maintaining medication integrity while achieving the resetting function
3Reliability
If the reset element is engaged with the piston rod, then the piston rod movement is controlled, but the complexity of the drive mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reset element combines multiple functions into a single component: it engages with the piston rod through threaded engagement to control piston rod movement, interacts with the cartridge to enable automatic resetting, and provides mechanical coupling between the cartridge actuation and the drive mechanism. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable piston rod control
Solution Approach 2:
The reset element is designed as a multi-functional component that serves as both a reset actuator and a piston rod controller. It can be engaged or disengaged from the piston rod as needed, providing universal functionality for both resetting operations and normal drive mechanism operation, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated components
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 solution allows for easy and accurate resetting of the device without direct user interaction with the drive mechanism, reducing contamination risks and ensuring precise dose delivery, even for users with impaired vision or dexterity, while minimizing medication loss during cartridge replacement.
Implementation Method 1
The piston rod comprises two threaded sections, wherein a first threaded section is provided for threaded engagement with a reset element
Implementation Method 2
a second threaded section is provided for threaded engagement with the drive device
Data Source
AI summary
A medication delivery device and/or dosing mechanisms suitable for use in medication delivery devices, in particular in pen-type injectors, preferably having a dose setting system and a drive device enabling the administration of a medicinal product from a single- or multi-dose medication cartridge.