Needle-Free Injector Cassette Ejection for Safe Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle-free drug delivery devices face challenges with re-setting mechanism failures and contamination risks during cassette removal, compromising safety and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A needle-free device with a novel spindle retaining element and automatic cassette ejection mechanism, ensuring reliable re-setting and minimizing contact with the injected end, featuring a spindle tip that remains axially offset and a twist-release mechanism for safe cassette disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a re-setting mechanism is used to enable device reuse, then device versatility and productivity are improved, but the risk of re-setting failure and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a disposable cassette that is discarded after single use, eliminating the need for re-setting the entire device. The actuator remains reusable while the cassette (containing the drug package and drive pin) is thrown away, preventing contamination and re-setting failures. This resolves the contradiction by making the disposable part cheap and single-use while keeping the expensive actuator reusable.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into two distinct parts: a reusable actuator and a disposable cassette. The cassette contains all components that come into contact with the drug package (drive pin, drug package holder), while the actuator contains the reusable mechanisms (spring, trigger, housing). This segmentation allows the disposable part to be discarded after one use, eliminating re-setting risks while maintaining device versatility.
2Device complexity
If manual cassette removal is used, then device complexity is reduced, but contamination risk and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically ejects the used cassette from the actuator housing after the drug package is delivered. The spring mechanism propels the drive pin and attached cassette outward, causing automatic separation without requiring the user to manually handle or remove the contaminated cassette. This self-service ejection minimizes contamination risk while adding minimal complexity to the device.
3Productivity
If high velocity is used to penetrate skin, then delivery effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drug package is pre-loaded into the cassette in a solid dose form before use. The cassette is designed with the drug package positioned to be propelled directly against the skin upon activation. This preliminary preparation allows the device to deliver the drug with sufficient velocity for skin penetration using a simple spring mechanism rather than requiring complex high-velocity firing systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns improvements in needle-free devices for delivery of therapeutic and/or prophylactic agents, such as solid dose drugs, including vaccines. The needle-free device disclosed herein comprises novel structural arrangements and modes of actuation and operation, resulting in enhanced functionality and benefits to the user and/or patient.