Dual Cartridge Injection Device with Twin Springs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dual cartridge injection devices face challenges in simultaneously injecting two medicaments through a single needle due to blockages and high injection force, making it inconvenient and uncomfortable for users, and often requiring multiple injections.

Innovation Solution

A semi-automatic dual cartridge injection device with two independent dose setting and injecting components, driven by springs, allowing a single trigger to activate the injection of both medicaments through a 2-to-1 needle adapter, which connects both cartridges to a single delivery needle, reducing user effort and minimizing skin piercings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If two medicaments are forced to flow from two cartridges through a manifold and out of a single cannula, then simultaneous injection of two medications is achieved, but blockage of the manifold occurs and high injection force is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous injection capabilityVSAvoidmanifold blockage and high injection force
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the injection system into two independent injection pathways, each with its own cartridge, plunger, and needle connection. This segmentation eliminates the manifold blockage problem by allowing each medicament to flow through separate channels to separate needle insertion points, while still enabling simultaneous injection through coordinated plunger actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a coupling mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the two independent injection systems. This coupling allows synchronized actuation of both plungers through a single user action (such as a trigger or button), enabling simultaneous injection without requiring the medicaments to mix through a blocking manifold.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two separate injection devices are used to administer two medications, then each medication can be delivered independently, but the user must perform multiple injections and carry two devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent medication deliveryVSAvoidnumber of user steps and skin piercings
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate injection devices into a single integrated device that maintains independent medication delivery capabilities. Both cartridges are housed in one device with separate dose setting mechanisms, allowing the user to carry and operate one device instead of two, while still delivering medications independently through separate needles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle two different medications simultaneously, with independent dose setting and injection mechanisms for each cartridge. This universal design allows the single device to replace two separate devices while maintaining the ability to deliver different medications with different dosing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a single trigger activates both dose setting and injecting components, then user effort is reduced and operation is simplified, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesingle trigger operationVSAvoidcoordination of two sets of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates self-service mechanisms where the actuation of a single trigger automatically coordinates the dosing and injection processes for both medications. The mechanical or electronic coupling systems automatically manage the complex coordination of two sets of components, eliminating the need for manual intervention in the synchronization process and reducing user effort despite increased internal complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables easy and consistent delivery of two medicaments through a single needle, reducing user effort and discomfort, while allowing for variable or fixed dose combinations, improving therapeutic outcomes by delivering medications to the same injection site.

Implementation Method 1

Each set of components comprises a spring and a plunger. A single trigger is connected to one or more of the dose setting and injecting components, such that when the trigger is activated the spring provides energy to drive the plunger.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring energy: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2536450B1Spring driven injection device with twin cartridges
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 SANOFI AVENTIS DEUT GMBH
  • EP2536450B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2536450B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2536450B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A semi-automatic injection device (12) is disclosed containing two reservoirs (6) of medicament, where a trigger (11) controls the unwinding of two torsional springs (18) to cause simultaneous injection of medicament from each reservoir through a needle adaptor configured with a 2 to 1 needle cannula arrangement.