Movable Needle Mounting Surface for Medical Injector Reconstitution Sequence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reconstitution devices often result in improper mixing and wasteful discharge due to the inadvertent mounting of needles before reconstitution is complete, as they lack a mechanism to ensure the proper sequence of needle mounting after the preparation of medicaments.

Innovation Solution

A medical injector design where the needle mounting surface is initially positioned within the body and only becomes accessible after reconstitution is initiated, preventing needle mounting until the medicament is prepared, thus ensuring proper sequence and preventing venting of the reservoir during mixing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the needle mounting surface is always accessible, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to improper needle mounting before reconstitution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of needle mountingVSAvoidproper reconstitution sequence
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The needle mounting surface is made movable relative to the body, transitioning from a retracted position (preventing needle mounting) to an extended position (allowing needle mounting) after reconstitution is complete. This dynamic positioning ensures proper sequence while maintaining operational ease when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed so that the needle mounting surface is automatically extended after reconstitution is complete, preparing the system for the next step (needle mounting) without requiring manual intervention. This preliminary action ensures proper sequencing and prevents improper needle mounting before reconstitution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the reservoir is vented during mixing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to wasteful discharge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of mixingVSAvoidwasteful discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The needle mounting surface is retracted before reconstitution begins, creating a physical barrier that prevents needle mounting and subsequent venting during mixing. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the potential harmful effect of wasteful discharge before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The movable needle mounting surface acts as an intermediary mechanism that controls the connection between the needle and the reservoir. By extending only after reconstitution, it mediates the timing of venting to occur only when appropriate, preventing premature discharge while maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the needle mounting surface is extended before reconstitution, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to improper mixing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of needle mountingVSAvoidproper mixing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The needle mounting surface dynamically changes position based on the reconstitution state. It remains retracted during the mixing process to ensure proper mixing precision, then extends after reconstitution is complete to allow needle mounting. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between operational ease and mixing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs the preliminary action of extending the needle mounting surface only after reconstitution is complete, ensuring that mixing precision is maintained during the critical mixing phase. This timing ensures that needle mounting occurs only when the medicament is properly prepared.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2328637B1Needle mounting feature for ensuring proper reconstitution sequence
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 BECTON DICKINSON & CO
  • EP2328637B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2328637B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2328637B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A medical injector is provided herein having a body and a needle mounting surface movable relative to the body, the needle mounting surface having features for mounting a needle thereto. In an initial state, the needle mounting surface is disposed within the body with no need!e mounted thereto. With relative movement between the body and the needle mounting surface, the needle mounting surface is urged out of the body. Advantageously, a medical injector is provided which ensures proper sequence in preparation of the device, particularly with respect to the step of allowing mounting of a medical needle to the device subsequent to preparation of the medicament to be administered.