Piston Rod Blocking Mechanism for Disposable Reservoir Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection apparatuses face challenges in maintaining reliability and cost-effectiveness for dose administration, particularly in semi-disposable designs where parts are prone to damage and require frequent replacement, and there is a need to prevent re-use and re-filling by users.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing apparatus comprising a detachable reservoir module with a piston rod and a dosing and activating module, where the piston rod is secured by a blocking mechanism that prevents reverse movement and re-use, allowing for a disposable reservoir module design that reduces costs and ensures secure dosing and delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a semi-disposable reservoir module with piston rod is used, then cost-effectiveness is improved by reducing replacement frequency, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of damage and inability to prevent re-use
Solution Approach 1:
The injection apparatus is divided into two separate modules: a reusable dosing and activating module, and a disposable reservoir module. This segmentation allows the expensive, precision components to be reused while only the consumable reservoir is discarded, improving cost-effectiveness while maintaining reliability of the dosing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir module is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after single use. This eliminates the risk of damage accumulation and ensures that only new, undamaged components are used, maintaining reliability while reducing long-term costs compared to replacing entire apparatuses.
2Ease of manufacture
If the reservoir module is designed as disposable, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for blocking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking function is extracted as a separate, dedicated mechanism within the reservoir module rather than being integrated into the main dosing apparatus. This simplifies the overall system architecture by isolating the anti-reuse function to the disposable component, reducing complexity in the reusable portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking mechanism is designed to automatically prevent re-use through its own structural features (such as the return block and blocking element) without requiring external intervention or complex control systems. The mechanism self-activates based on the insertion and usage cycle, minimizing added complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the piston rod is made moveable for dosing, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability worsens due to potential reverse movement and re-use
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is designed to preemptively prevent reverse movement of the piston rod before re-use can occur. The return block and blocking element are positioned to automatically engage and lock the piston rod in its retracted position after delivery, creating a preliminary barrier against unauthorized re-use.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston rod is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow easy forward movement during dosing operation, while the blocking mechanism introduces asymmetric resistance to reverse movement. This creates ease of operation in the intended direction while preventing operation in the opposite direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A product dispensing apparatus including a reservoir module, a dosing module and a dose setting member. The reservoir module includes a front casing section, a block, a first connector, a piston, and a piston rod moveable in a dispensing movement and against the dispensing movement, and including a return block engageable with the block, wherein engagement between the block and the return block prevents the piston rod from moving against the dispensing movement. The dosing module includes a rear casing section, including a second connector which is engageable with the first connector to form a detachable connection between the reservoir module and the dosing module, and a dosing and drive device. The dose setting member engages the piston rod such that it is moveable together with and in the same direction as the piston rod during the dispensing movement and is moveable relative to the piston rod against the dispensing movement.