Tubular Needle Cover Segmentation for Pen Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pen needle assemblies have manufacturing costs that can be high due to complex structures and assembly requirements, and there is a need for a design that allows for customization while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A tubular needle cover for a pen needle assembly is designed with a distal sleeve and a proximal cover as two separate components, allowing for simpler manufacturing and customization options. The components are attached via fasteners, enabling axial movement of the proximal cover relative to the distal sleeve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the needle cover is designed as a single integrated component, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the adaptability and customization options are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The needle cover is divided into two separate components: a proximal cover and a distal sleeve. These components can be manufactured independently using different materials and processes, then assembled together using fasteners. This segmentation enables both manufacturing efficiency and customization, as each component can be optimized separately for its specific function while allowing for different material selections and design variations.
2Reliability
If the needle cover uses a complex structure to ensure safety and functionality, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the needle cover into proximal cover and distal sleeve components, each part can be manufactured using simpler, more cost-effective processes while maintaining overall reliability. The separate components reduce the complexity of individual manufacturing steps and allow for standardized production methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximal cover and distal sleeve are combined through fasteners to form the complete needle cover assembly. This merging of separate, easily manufactured components achieves the same safety and functional requirements as a complex integrated design, while reducing manufacturing costs through simpler individual component production.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the needle cover is designed as separate components, then the adaptability and customization are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle cover is segmented into proximal cover and distal sleeve that can be independently designed and manufactured to match different needle specifications. This segmentation enables customization for various needle lengths and injection depths without requiring complete redesign of the entire cover, as only the relevant component needs to be adjusted.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener system serves multiple functions: it connects the proximal cover and distal sleeve, allows for easy assembly and disassembly, and enables customization by permitting different component combinations. This multi-functional approach reduces overall device complexity despite the presence of separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a tubular needle cover of a pen needle assembly, the tubular needle cover comprising: a distal sleeve extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal sleeve comprises a first fastener; a proximal cover comprising a proximal wall extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the proximal cover comprises a second fastener, and wherein the first fastener is attached to the second fastener; and a proximal opening arranged in the proximal wall of the proximal cover, wherein the proximal opening and the distal sleeve are coaxial; and wherein the distal sleeve and the proximal cover are two separate components.