Medication Delivery Device Mechanical Locking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medication delivery devices with rechargeable batteries and data transfer capabilities often prevent users from administering medication when plugged into an electrical cable to avoid electric shock, but this design hinders inspection and needle changes.
Innovation Solution
A medication delivery device with a mechanical locking system that prevents dose delivery when an electrical plug is inserted, using a lock element within the device to halt operation by abutting with the plug, allowing for safe charging and data transfer without interfering with external appearance or functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the device is equipped with a feature that prevents medication delivery when plugged into an electrical cable, then electric shock risk is reduced, but the ability to inspect medication contents and change needles is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional zones: a charging port area and a medication delivery area. The mechanical lock separates these functions spatially, allowing the device to be charged without preventing access to the medication compartment for inspection and needle changes.
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical lock element acts as an intermediary between the charging port and the medication delivery mechanism. This lock prevents the dose delivery assembly from operating when the device is connected to power, but it does not block access to other parts of the device for inspection or maintenance.
2Reliability
If a mechanical locking system is added to prevent medication delivery when plugged in, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical lock is integrated with the existing dose delivery assembly, combining the locking function with the existing mechanical structure. This merging approach avoids adding separate, independent locking mechanisms that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical lock is automatically engaged when the device is connected to power through the charging port, and automatically disengaged when disconnected. This self-service functionality eliminates the need for user intervention or complex control systems.
3Ease of operation
If the locking system uses a visible external mechanism, then ease of operation is improved, but the external appearance of the device is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical lock is nested within the internal structure of the device, specifically within the plug receiving hollow. This nesting allows the locking mechanism to function while remaining hidden from external view, preserving the device's aesthetic appearance.
Data Source
AI summary
A medication delivery device having a lock element. The device is connectable to an electrical plug of a conduit. The device includes an external housing with an opening that ports to a plug receiving hollow within an interior volume. An electrical circuit connected to at least one of a rechargeable battery and a memory controller includes a connection element within the plug receiving hollow. The lock element travels within the plug receiving hollow when a dose delivery assembly of the device operates for forcing medication from the device. The lock element is sized and positioned to have its travel halted by abutment with the plug, when the plug is within the plug receiving hollow and electrically interfacing with the connection element, to thereby halt the dose delivery assembly from further operating for forcing medication from the device.