Rotator Sequence Mechanism Prevents Medicament Delivery Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medicament delivery devices often malfunction due to users mistakenly pressing the release button before the delivery member cover, leading to jamming or unexpected behavior, as the sequence-dependent activation mechanism is not clearly defined.
Innovation Solution
A medicament delivery device with a rotator mechanism that requires a specific sequence of pushing the delivery member cover and then the release button to activate, utilizing limiting states and torque interactions between the release button and rotator to prevent accidental triggering, ensuring the device is only activated when the correct order is followed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sequence-dependent activation mechanism is implemented using a rotator, then the reliability of the device is improved by preventing accidental triggering, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The rotator must be rotated to a specific angular position before the release button can be effectively pressed. This preliminary rotation action ensures that the safety mechanism is properly disengaged, preventing accidental triggering while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure
Solution Approach 2:
The rotator acts as an intermediary mechanical component between the delivery member cover and the release button. It translates the linear motion of the cover into rotational motion, creating a sequence-dependent activation mechanism without requiring complex electronic controls
2Reliability
If the rotator is configured to prevent further rotation in the limiting state, then the reliability is improved by avoiding jamming, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users must precisely follow the correct sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The first limiting member is positioned to prevent further rotation of the rotator when the release button is pressed in the incorrect sequence. This preliminary anti-action blocks the activation mechanism before jamming can occur, while the mechanical design provides clear tactile feedback to guide users toward the correct operation sequence
3Reliability
If limiting members are added to control the rotational states of the rotator, then the reliability is improved by ensuring proper activation sequence, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanical elements
Solution Approach 1:
The activation mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones using limiting members positioned at specific angular locations on the rotator. The first limiting member controls the pre-activation state, while the second limiting member controls the activated state, creating reliable sequence control through simple radial positioning rather than complex interlocking mechanisms
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
The device reduces the risk of jamming and accidental medicament delivery by ensuring the user follows the correct sequence of actions, thereby enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a transition into the second rotational relative alignment of the release button and the rotator by a torque applied on the rotator, resulting from e.g. pressing on the delivery member cover (towards the rotator)
Data Source
AI summary
A medicament delivery device (100) is provided, including a release button (110), a delivery member cover (112), and a rotator (114). The device is operable between a first limiting state (S1) wherein the release button is at most partially pushed and where further pushing is possible but not sufficient to cause a triggering of a delivery of a medicament from the device, a second limiting state in which further pushing of the release button is prevented, and a non-limiting state in which pressing the release button to directly or eventually trigger the delivery of the medicament is possible. The release button, delivery member cover and the rotator are so configured an arranged that in the second limiting state, pressing on the delivery member cover does not cause a transition of the device into the non-limiting state. A corresponding rotator is also provided.