Support Element for Elongated Medicament Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
The bulk handling of elongated components for medicament delivery devices is challenging due to entanglement and deformation issues when using automatic feeders and sorters, as their elongated shapes tend to tangle and get deformed under the weight of other components.
Innovation Solution
A support element is integrated with the components to connect and support elongated members, reducing entanglement and deformation risks, which can be detached using techniques like blade cutting or melting, with thinner areas facilitating the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elongated components with elongated members are used for functional purposes, then the component performs its intended function (e.g., needle shield protection, plunger rod support), but the components tend to entangle and deform when handled in bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The component is divided into functional segments (elongated members) and a non-functional segment (support element). The support element acts as a temporary separator that prevents entanglement during bulk handling, then can be removed before assembly. This segmentation allows the functional parts to maintain their elongated shape while the non-functional part provides bulk handling benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element serves as an intermediary structure that mediates between the elongated members. It physically separates and supports the members during bulk storage and handling, preventing them from tangling with each other. The intermediary is designed to be detachable, allowing it to fulfill its protective role temporarily and then be removed for final assembly.
2Productivity
If components are handled in bulk using automatic feeders and sorters, then high volume assembly is achieved, but the elongated members get tangled and deformed under weight
Solution Approach 1:
The support element provides preliminary protection against entanglement and deformation before the components enter the bulk handling and assembly process. By pre-establishing this protective structure, the components are prepared in advance to withstand the rigors of automatic feeding and sorting without compromising their integrity or precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element acts as a cushioning structure that absorbs and distributes the mechanical stresses encountered during bulk handling. It provides beforehand protection against the damaging effects of stacking weight and movement, preventing deformation of the delicate elongated members before they reach the assembly station.
3Ease of operation
If support elements are integrated with components, then entanglement and deformation are reduced, but additional manufacturing steps for integration and detachment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is designed with varying material thickness parameters - thinner at the detachment areas and thicker in the support areas. This parameter variation allows the same structure to serve dual purposes: providing robust support where needed and enabling easy detachment where required. The thickness parameter change creates natural weak points for separation without compromising overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the support element have different properties - some areas are designed with lesser material thickness for easy detachment while other areas maintain full thickness for structural support. This local differentiation of quality allows the support element to optimize its function in different locations, providing support where needed and facilitating removal where appropriate.
Data Source
AI summary
A support element for a component that has at least two elongated members directed generally in a common direction and having free ends, wherein the support element is arranged to connect and support the at least two elongated members.