Multi-Dose Pen Injector Actuator with Selectable Travel Limits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pen injectors require users to manage multiple devices for different dosages, leading to complexity and potential user errors due to the need for precise dose setting and storage of multiple pens, resulting in inefficiencies and potential product waste.
Innovation Solution
A multiple dose setting fixed-dose pen injector that allows for the selection of different dosages through a rotating dose knob mechanism, enabling the same device to deliver varying doses without the need for multiple pens, by using a track follower and actuator with distinct travel limitations for different dosage settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate pen injectors are used for different dosages, then dosage options are provided, but device complexity and user management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be rotated to different positions (first and second positions) to select between different dosages, and then pushed to deliver the selected dose. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate injectors, as one actuator replaces what would otherwise require multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple dosage selection capabilities into a single actuator mechanism. By integrating the dosage selection (rotation) and dose delivery (pushing) functions into one component, the system merges what would otherwise be separate devices into a unified injector.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable-dose setting mechanism is implemented, then multiple dosages can be selected, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator's operation is segmented into distinct, simple steps: first rotate to the desired position to select dosage, then push to deliver. This segmentation breaks down the variable-dose selection process into intuitive, sequential actions that reduce operational complexity compared to continuous or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator transitions between fixed states (rotated to first or second position) rather than requiring continuous adjustment. This dynamic design with discrete positions simplifies operation compared to mechanisms requiring precise continuous control, making the dosage selection more intuitive and less error-prone.
3Ease of operation
If fixed-dose setting is used, then simplicity is maintained, but dosage flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator serves multiple dosage functions within a single fixed-dose structure. By incorporating multiple travel limitations (first and second portions of the track) into the actuator, the system maintains the simplicity of fixed-dose devices while gaining the versatility to deliver multiple different dosages from one injector.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An injector for delivering liquid can include a body having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, and a track follower adjacent to the proximal end. A plunger can be disposed at least partially within the body and movable with respect to the body along the longitudinal axis. An actuator can be positioned at the proximal end of the body and operably connected to the plunger. The actuator can include a track having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can limit travel of the actuator along the longitudinal axis to deliver a first predetermined amount of the liquid. The second portion can limit travel of the actuator along the longitudinal axis to deliver a second predetermined amount of the liquid. The actuator can be positionable to selectively control displacement of the plunger pursuant to the first portion or the second portion of the track.