Variable Profile Needle Cover for Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery devices require detachable needles or different container types with integrated needles to accommodate various user groups, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A drug delivery device with a housing and a distal device portion that includes a distal portion, a proximal portion, and an intermediate portion, where the intermediate portion has a radially outer extension that increases with distance from the distal portion, allowing for easier use and reduced parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If detachable needles or different container types with integrated needles are used to accommodate various user groups, then the device can be adapted to different target groups (children and adults), but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The needle cover is designed with a variable cross-sectional profile that serves multiple functions: it protects the needle during storage and transport, provides a bearing surface against the skin during injection, and creates space for finger placement and skin pinching. This single component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components for different user groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle cover features a variable cross-sectional profile where the radial outer extension varies along the longitudinal axis. The distal portion has a smaller radial outer extension to allow skin pinching and finger placement, while the proximal portion has a larger radial outer extension to provide structural support and protection. This local variation in geometry optimizes both needle protection and injection usability without requiring multiple parts.
2Ease of operation
If the needle is hidden within the distal device portion, then direct access to the needle is limited and the field of view to the needle is limited, but the usability for children is enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The needle cover creates a three-dimensional structure with varying radial extension along its length. The distal portion with smaller radial outer extension provides space for finger placement and skin pinching, while the intermediate and proximal portions with larger radial outer extensions provide structural support. This dimensional variation allows the needle to be hidden for safety while maintaining usability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a drug delivery device including a housing extending along a longitudinal axis of the drug delivery device, and a distal device portion. The distal device portion includes a distal portion, a proximal portion and at least one intermediate portion. The distal portion includes a distal opening allowing passage of a needle and a bearing surface. The intermediate portion includes at least one wall portion extending proximally from the distal portion to the proximal portion. In at least one state of the drug delivery device, a first radial outer extension of the distal portion in a region axially adjoining the bearing surface is smaller than a second radial outer extension in the intermediate portion, and an outer face of the intermediate portion is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis in a cross section along the longitudinal axis.