Rotating Needle-Cover Mechanism for Medicament Injection Completion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medicament delivery devices require multiple actions and lack confirmation of injection completion, increasing the risk of human error and complexity in self-administration.
Innovation Solution
A drive mechanism with a rotator and needle cover that rotates to release a plunger rod, providing audible, tactile, and visual confirmation of injection completion through a guide rod mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotator and needle cover mechanism is used to release the plunger rod, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a rotator for initiating rotation, a needle cover that rotates to release the plunger rod, and a plunger rod spring positioned within a cavity. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger rod spring is pre-positioned within the cavity defined by the rotator, and the needle cover is pre-configured to engage the rotator's outer surface. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the user rotates the needle cover, the plunger rod is automatically released without requiring additional actions, thereby improving ease of operation
2Reliability
If multiple actions are required for injection, then the reliability of dose delivery is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the rotation action and plunger rod release action into a single integrated mechanism. By combining the needle cover rotation with the plunger rod release function, the device reduces multiple separate actions into one unified operation, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable dose delivery through the engineered engagement between components
Solution Approach 2:
The needle cover serves multiple functions: it protects the needle, engages with the rotator to initiate rotation, and simultaneously controls the plunger rod release. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate actions required while ensuring reliable dose delivery through the coordinated action of its various functions
3Reliability
If confirmation of injection completion is provided, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism incorporates an end of injection indication mechanism that provides feedback to the user when injection is complete. This feedback system uses the existing mechanical components (rotator, needle cover, plunger rod spring) to generate audible, tactile, or visual signals without adding complex separate indication systems, thereby improving reliability while minimizing increases in device complexity
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
Simplifies the injection process, reduces human error, and ensures intuitive use with clear confirmation of dose delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a plunger rod spring positioned within a cavity defined by the rotator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A drive mechanism for a delivery device comprising, a rotator comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, the rotator configured to rotate from a first position to a second position; a needle cover comprising an inner surface that engages the outer surface of the rotation. An end of injection device is positioned at least partially within a plunger rod spring, the end of the injection indication device providing a signal to a user of the drive mechanism that an injection has been completed.