Variable Maximum Dose Stop Mechanism for Drug Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices with fixed maximum dose settings pose safety risks, particularly for users with poor vision or dexterity, as they cannot limit the maximum dose, increasing the risk of errors and making it difficult to set doses in low light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A drug delivery device with a variable maximum dose mechanism, featuring a first and second tubular member and a movable maximum stop component, allowing users to set and adjust the maximum dose by engaging and disengaging ratchet teeth, enabling the selection of different maximum doses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed maximum dose stop is implemented in the dose setting mechanism, then the device structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the safety is reduced because users cannot limit the maximum dose and it increases the risk of dose errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the maximum dose stop adjustable rather than fixed. The stop component can be repositioned along the dial sleeve to different dose values, allowing the system to adapt to different safety requirements. This resolves the contradiction by providing both safety through adjustability and reasonable complexity through a controlled adjustment mechanism involving ratchet teeth and a release tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the maximum dose parameter to be modified. The stop component can be set to different positions corresponding to different maximum dose values (e.g., 50 IU, 80 IU). This enables the device to adapt to different user needs and safety requirements, resolving the contradiction between safety and complexity by making the critical parameter adjustable.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed maximum dose stop is used, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the ease of operation is reduced for users with poor vision or dexterity in low light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting the maximum dose stop at appropriate positions before use. The stop can be positioned at safe maximum dose values in advance, and users simply need to rotate the dial to set doses up to this pre-determined limit. This improves ease of operation for users with poor vision or dexterity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a controlled adjustment mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the maximum dose stop is made adjustable, then safety is improved by allowing users to limit the maximum dose, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by creating an adjustable maximum dose stop that can be repositioned to different dose values. The stop component interacts with ratchet teeth on the dial sleeve, allowing discrete positioning at specific dose intervals. This provides adaptability for different user needs while controlling complexity through a mechanical ratchet-based adjustment system rather than a continuous or electronic system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a variable maximum dose mechanism with ratchet teeth is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the dose adjustment into discrete steps using ratchet teeth. The dial sleeve has ratchet teeth at specific intervals corresponding to dose increments, and the stop component engages with these teeth to prevent rotation beyond the set maximum. This segmentation provides adaptability through adjustable limits while reducing manufacturing precision requirements compared to continuous adjustment mechanisms, as the ratchet teeth can be positioned at standard intervals.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A method and system for proving a drug delivery device having a variable maximum dose. The drug delivery device comprising a first tubular member (260) and a second tubular member (300) rotatably coupled to the first tubular member (260). A maximum stop component (286a, b) is operatively coupled to the first tubular member (260) and the second tubular member (300) such that the maximum stop component (286a, b) is movable from a first position to a second position. The first position defines a first maximum dose that may be set by a user of said drug delivery device and the second position defines a second maximum dose that may be set by the user of said drug delivery device.