Auto-Injectable Plunger and Releaser Mechanism for Compact Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices face challenges in incorporating automated features without increasing mechanical complexity, size, and manufacturing costs, making them cumbersome for users.
Innovation Solution
A drug delivery device with integrated mechanisms for automatically covering a needle, inserting a cannula, and indicating drug delivery completion, utilizing a releaser member and plunger guide to reduce mechanical complexity by combining functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If separate or independently operable mechanisms are incorporated to implement automated features, then automated features are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple automated features (needle covering, cannula insertion, drive mechanism activation, and delivery completion indication) into a single integrated mechanism. The releaser member serves as a common component that coordinates all these functions through one unified action, eliminating the need for separate independently operable mechanisms for each feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The releaser member is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously. It acts as a trigger for the drive mechanism, a guide for the plunger, a coordinator for the guard movement, and an activator for the audible indicator. This multi-functionality allows the device to achieve high automation without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Extent of automation
If separate or independently operable mechanisms are incorporated to implement automated features, then automated features are improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple automated functions into a single integrated mechanism centered around the releaser member, the patent reduces the overall space required. Instead of having separate mechanisms distributed throughout the device, all automated features are coordinated through one compact assembly, thereby reducing device volume while maintaining comprehensive automation.
3Extent of automation
If separate or independently operable mechanisms are incorporated to implement automated features, then automated features are improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The releaser member is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions, which simplifies the manufacturing process. Instead of manufacturing and assembling separate mechanisms for each automated feature, the patent requires the production of one multi-functional component, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity, material usage, and associated costs.
4Extent of automation
If separate or independently operable mechanisms are incorporated to implement automated features, then automated features are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple automated functions into a single user action. The user simply needs to activate the releaser member, which then automatically coordinates all subsequent operations including needle covering, cannula insertion, drug delivery, and completion indication. This integration transforms what would otherwise require multiple separate user actions into one simple operation, thereby improving ease of use.
Data Source
AI summary
A drug delivery device may include a housing having an opening and a drug storage container including a delivery member having an insertion end configured to extend at least partially through the opening during a delivery state. The device may also include a guard moveably positioned adjacent to the opening and a plunger having a generally cylindrical body portion extending along a longitudinal axis of the container and at least one flange extending radially outwardly from the body portion, wherein the plunger is moveable toward the distal end of the container to expel a drug through the delivery member. The device may further include a plunger biasing member configured to urge the plunger toward the distal end of the container and a releaser member defining a guide configured to receive the at least one flange and an indicator configured to generate an audible signal indicating an end of drug delivery.