Spring-Loaded Fluid Dosing Device with Nested Drive Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for administering fluid products, such as medicaments, often face challenges in maintaining dosing accuracy, especially when dealing with high viscosity fluids or large doses, which can lead to inconsistencies in delivery.

Innovation Solution

A device with a preloaded spring mechanism that axially moves a stopper in a carpule, featuring a distribution stop and a holding element to ensure precise dosing, where the spring's force is harnessed to dispense a fixed dose without compromising accuracy, even with high viscosity fluids or large volumes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a spring mechanism is used to administer fluid products, then the dosing accuracy is improved, but the device cannot handle high viscosity fluids or large doses effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosing accuracyVSAvoiddose volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The drive element is designed as a sleeve-shaped structure that can at least partially accommodate the pre-tensioned spring within its hollow interior. This nested configuration allows the spring mechanism to generate sufficient force for large doses and high viscosity fluids while maintaining the precision engineering needed for accurate dosing, as the spring is contained within the drive element's hollow space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Force

If a spring with large force is incorporated into the device, then high viscosity fluids can be administered, but the dosing accuracy may be impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring forceVSAvoiddosing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spring is nested within the hollow drive element, allowing a high-force spring to be incorporated without increasing the overall device footprint. The spring force is transmitted through the drive element's structured wall, which maintains dosing precision through its engineered geometry and connection to the plug positioning mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive element acts as an intermediary component between the spring and the plug. It receives the spring force through its hollow structure and translates it into controlled axial movement of the plug, ensuring that the high force is converted into precise dosing action rather than uncontrolled movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Force

If the drive element is made deformable to accommodate the spring, then the spring force can be utilized, but the dosing precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring forceVSAvoiddosing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The drive element is designed as a hollow sleeve that accommodates the spring within its interior space. The hollow structure provides the necessary flexibility to contain the spring while the engineered wall thickness and material properties ensure sufficient rigidity to maintain dosing precision during actuation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive element employs a hollow shell structure that provides controlled flexibility to accommodate the spring's presence and force generation, while the shell's engineered geometry and material properties maintain the structural integrity needed for precise dosing delivery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 ensures accurate and reliable dispensing of fluid products by utilizing a spring-loaded mechanism that maintains dosing precision, preventing deformation and ensuring consistent delivery of both high viscosity fluids and large doses without compromising accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

The device comprises a pre-tensioned spring (3), which is at least partially accommodated by a drive element (2). The spring (3) is supported at its distal end on the drive element (2) and at its proximal end on the retaining element (4).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3490642B1Device for delivery of a dose of a fluid product
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 YPSOMED AG
  • EP3490642B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3490642B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3490642B1 patent drawingFigure 2d~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for administering a dose of a fluid product, wherein, in a starting state of the device, a holding element (4) of the device is spaced apart in the proximal direction from a proximal end or portion of the housing (1b, 1k) and, moreover, a discharge stop of a drive member (2) of the device is provided, wherein the discharge stop (2b) of the drive member (2) can come into abutting contact with a discharge stop (1d) of the housing (1), and the discharge stop (2b) of the drive member (2) is arranged on the drive member (2) in a position axially offset in the proximal direction with respect to an engagement element (2a) of the drive member (2).