Modular Administration Device Cartridge Connection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable administration devices for medications in liquid form, such as insulin or heparin, face complexities in cartridge handling and connection mechanisms, which can be cumbersome and risk non-sterile conditions, especially when replacing cartridges.
Innovation Solution
A modular administration device with a reusable base unit and an exchangeable cartridge that uses a rotational movement to simplify the connection between the base unit and cartridge, allowing for easy detachment and reattachment without resetting the drive mechanism, and incorporates a hydraulic system for fluid ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a threaded rod with a nut is used to advance the stopper in the cartridge, then the stopper can be advanced linearly, but the connection between the base unit and cartridge becomes complicated and requires complex pressure-resistant connections
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the drive mechanism (base unit) from the medication reservoir (cartridge), allowing the cartridge to be replaced independently without resetting the drive mechanism. The threaded rod is contained within the base unit while the cartridge contains only the reservoir and stopper, enabling simple detachment and reattachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex threaded rod connection mechanism is extracted from the cartridge and placed entirely in the base unit. The cartridge is simplified to contain only the medication reservoir and stopper, which can be advanced by a simpler mechanism driven by the base unit's threaded rod through a drive shaft connection.
2Ease of manufacture
If the cartridge is made of glass to contain the medication, then it is easy to manufacture, but it is easy to damage and requires skilled handling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a disposable plastic cartridge that is discarded after use rather than reused. This eliminates the need for durable glass construction while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. The plastic cartridge is designed for single-use, ensuring reliability by eliminating the risk of damage from repeated handling and sterilization.
3Reliability
If the cartridge is designed to be easily replaceable, then user safety and sterility are improved, but the connection mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a reusable base unit containing the drive mechanism and a disposable cartridge containing the medication reservoir. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be pre-sterilized and replaced without exposing the sterile field to complex connection mechanisms, improving sterility while keeping the connection simple.
Solution Approach 2:
A drive shaft serves as an intermediary element that transmits the driving force from the base unit's threaded rod to the cartridge's stopper through a simple magnetic or mechanical coupling. This intermediary allows easy cartridge replacement without requiring complex direct connections between the base unit and cartridge.
4Volume of moving object
If the feed element surrounds the gearbox to save space, then the device is more compact, but the connection between the feed element and stopper becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft is nested within the cartridge structure, with the stopper positioned to receive the drive shaft's linear motion. The magnetic coupling between the drive shaft and stopper allows compact arrangement while simplifying the connection mechanism, as the magnetic field penetrates through the cartridge wall to transmit force without mechanical connection.
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
This design simplifies cartridge handling and connection, ensures sterility, and provides a stable and space-efficient solution for medication delivery, reducing the risk of accidental medication expulsion and improving user safety.
Implementation Method 1
The stopper in the cartridge is advanced by a suitable drive, e.g., a spring drive or an electric motor
Implementation Method 2
The threaded rod is advanced by turning the nut. The threaded rod acts as a piston rod for the plug
Implementation Method 3
a hydraulic system for fluid ejection
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular administration appliance provided with a reusable base unit (100) comprising a drive device (140, 150) and a replaceable cartridge (200) that is detachably connected to the base unit and comprises a product container (250). A rotary movement is transmitted between the base unit and the cartridge. To this end, the base unit comprises a driving element (160) which can be displaced in a rotary movement about a rotational axis by means of the drive device, and the cartridge comprises a rotatable transmission element (233) which is embodied in such a way that a rotation of the transmission element causes the ejection of the medicament to be administered. In a preferred form of embodiment, the transmission element at least partially surrounds the drive device.