Rotating Drum Storage for Injection Cannulas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-needle injection devices lack an efficient and convenient method for storing and dispensing multiple cannulas, leading to increased size and reduced capacity, as well as cumbersome handling and disposal processes.
Innovation Solution
A storage assembly with a first chamber for new cannulas and a second chamber for used cannulas, utilizing a transfer drum to dispense and store cannulas, allowing for easy actuation and connection to a drug delivery pen, without the need for over-molded hubs, which increases storage capacity and simplifies manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple cannulas are stored loose in a container, then storage capacity is increased, but convenience of carrying and handling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The storage assembly is divided into multiple individual chambers (first chamber for new cannulas, second chamber for used cannulas), each capable of holding multiple cannulas. This segmentation allows organized storage of numerous cannulas while maintaining compact form factor for easy carrying.
2Reliability
If cannulas are packaged with inner and outer shields, then sterility protection is improved, but the number of packaging steps and disposal complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the inner shield component from the traditional packaging system. The outer shield alone is used to protect cannulas, and the storage assembly provides the necessary protection and organization without requiring the additional inner shielding layer, thereby reducing packaging steps while maintaining sterility.
3Ease of operation
If a transfer mechanism is added to automate cannula dispensing, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage assembly incorporates a rotatable drum mechanism that dynamically transitions between storing new cannulas and collecting used cannulas. The drum rotation provides automated cannula dispensing and waste separation through simple mechanical motion, achieving ease of operation with minimal complexity.
4Reliability
If the storage assembly stores both new and used cannulas separately, then sterility maintenance is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage assembly uses a nested chamber structure where the rotatable drum with multiple cannula slots is positioned within the housing. The first chamber and second chamber are integrated in a compact arrangement, allowing separate storage of new and used cannulas in a space-efficient configuration that maintains sterility without excessive volume.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
A storage assembly is removably connectable to a drug delivery device. A first chamber is disposed in the housing. A plurality of penetrating members are stored in the first chamber. A second chamber is disposed in the housing for storing the plurality of penetrating members after being used in an injection. A transfer drum disposed in the housing transfers one of the penetrating members from the first chamber to an injection position and from the injection position to the second chamber following an injection.