Rack and Pinion Dose Delivery Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dose delivery devices, such as syringes, often struggle with accurately loading, priming, and delivering precise doses of liquid drug products, especially at low volumes, due to human error and the difficulty in confirming the correct dose visually.
Innovation Solution
The development of fluid delivery devices equipped with features like a barrel with a longitudinal axis, a plunger rod with a rack and pinion mechanism, and optional components such as a visualization device, stopper, and ratchet mechanism, which allow for precise control over the movement of the plunger rod and confirmation of the dose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rack and pinion mechanism is added to control plunger movement, then manufacturing precision of dose delivery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual plunger manipulation with an automated rack and pinion mechanical system. The pinion gear engages with the rack on the plunger rod, converting rotational motion of the dial to precise linear motion of the plunger. This mechanical substitution eliminates human error in dose preparation while maintaining controlled complexity through standardized mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service operation where the user simply rotates the dial to the desired dose, and the rack and pinion mechanism automatically performs the precise plunger movement. The mechanical system serves itself by converting the user's simple rotational input into the complex precise linear motion required for accurate dosing, reducing the skill level needed for operation.
2Measurement precision
If visualization devices are added to confirm dose, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual indicators such as color-coded dose markings or transparent/ translucent barrel sections that allow users to visually confirm the correct dose. These visualization elements provide immediate feedback on plunger position and dose accuracy without requiring complex electronic or optical systems, maintaining simplicity while improving measurement confirmation.
Solution Approach 2:
The visualization devices provide immediate visual feedback to the user about the current plunger position and delivered dose. This feedback mechanism allows users to confirm accurate dosing in real-time, reducing measurement errors while using simple visual cues rather than complex sensing systems.
3Reliability
If priming mechanisms are added to remove air bubbles, then reliability of dose delivery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a priming mechanism that allows users to perform preliminary action to remove air bubbles from the needle and tubing before actual dose delivery. This may include a separate priming button or mode that activates a small-volume dispensing cycle to clear air pockets, ensuring reliable subsequent dosing without requiring complex continuous air-removal systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The priming mechanism extracts or removes air bubbles from the fluid path through a dedicated priming operation. By separating the air-removal function into a distinct priming phase, the system achieves reliable bubble-free dosing without requiring complex integrated air-management systems throughout the entire device.
4Productivity
If precise control mechanisms are added to plunger movement, then productivity of dose preparation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual, time-consuming plunger manipulation with an automated rack and pinion mechanism. Users simply rotate the dial to the desired dose, and the mechanical system automatically performs the precise plunger movement, significantly reducing dose preparation time and increasing throughput while using standardized mechanical components to control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack and pinion mechanism enables self-service operation where the device automatically performs the complex plunger movement task. The user's simple dial rotation is converted by the mechanical system into precise, rapid plunger movement, eliminating the need for skilled manual manipulation and increasing overall productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These devices enhance the precision and accuracy of dose delivery by reducing human error, allowing for precise control over the plunger movement, and providing mechanisms to confirm the correct dose, thereby ensuring consistent and accurate delivery of drug products.
Implementation Method 1
The plunger rod may include a rack having a plurality of teeth. The device may further include a pinion having a plurality of teeth configured to engage with the plurality of teeth of the rack, and rotation of the pinion against the rack may move at least a part of the plunger rod along the longitudinal axis of the barrel.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are delivery devices for delivering a volume of a drug product, placebo product, or other product including a fluid. The devices may include a barrel having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end region, and a distal end region. The proximal end region may include an opening, and the barrel may be configured to receive a drug therein. A plunger rod may be disposed at least partially inside the barrel and protruding from the opening. The plunger rod may include a rack having a plurality of teeth. The device may further include a pinion having a plurality of teeth configured to engage with the plurality of teeth of the rack, and rotation of the pinion against the rack may move at least a part of the plunger rod along the longitudinal axis of the barrel.