Subcutaneous delivery mechanism for drug delivery device
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11160922-B2
Publication Date
2021-11-02
Expiration Date
Abstract
A subcutaneous delivery mechanism for a drug delivery device (1), comprising a needle (10), a needle holder (12) holding the needle (10), and a needle actuation mechanism (20) configured to actuate in translation the needle holder (12) to move the needle (10) from a retracted position to an extended delivery position. The needle actuation mechanism (20) comprises a first lever (30) pivotally mounted on a first support member (33) and a rotary actuator (22) rotatably mounted on a second support member (43). The first lever (30) is configured to engage the rotary actuator (22). The needle actuation mechanism (20) also comprises a second lever (40) pivotally mounted on the second support member (43) or around a circumferential outer rim (24) of the rotary actuator (22). The first and second levers (30, 40) are coupled to each other such that rotation of the first lever (30) causes rotation of the second lever (40). The second lever (40) is coupled to the needle holder (12) in order to move the needle (10) from the retracted position to the extended delivery position upon rotation of the second lever (40).
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a subcutaneous delivery mechanism for a drug delivery device. The mechanism comprises a housing, a needle holder movably mounted in the housing, and a needle fixed to the needle holder, and the needle actuation mechanism moves the needle holder between a retracted position and an extended delivery position relative to the housing.
The needle actuation mechanism includes a first lever pivotally mounted relative to the housing and a rotary actuator rotatably mounted relative to the housing. The rotary actuator engages a distal portion of the first lever to cause the first lever to rotate, and a second lever pivotally mounted relative to the housing is coupled to the first lever so that rotation of the first lever causes rotation of the second lever in an opposite rotation direction.
An engagement end of the second lever engages the needle holder to move the needle between the retracted position and extended delivery position upon rotation of the first lever. Embodiments described include parallel or coaxial axes, axially extending slot and protuberance interfaces, and integration into a patch pump drug delivery device with a disposable delivery unit and a cartridge/pump, including continuous actuation after extension and operation/feedback for retraction.
Claims Coverage
The provided claims set identifies one independent claim, supported by dependent claims that refine geometric relationships, coupling features, and device integration. The inventive coverage centers on a lever-and-rotary-actuator linkage that translates rotary motion into needle-holder movement between retracted and extended delivery positions, including opposite rotation via a coupled second lever and engagement-end driven translation.
Lever-driven needle-holder translation with opposite lever rotation
A needle actuation mechanism moves a needle holder between a retracted position and an extended delivery position relative to the housing using a first lever engaged by a rotary actuator, coupled to a second lever such that rotation of the first lever causes opposite rotation of the second lever, with an engagement end of the second lever engaging the needle holder to move the needle between the positions.
Movably mounted needle holder and fixed needle in a housing
A subcutaneous delivery mechanism includes a housing, a needle holder movably mounted in the housing, and a needle fixed to the needle holder.
Parallel axes between first lever and second lever
The axis of rotation of the first lever is parallel to the axis of rotation of the second lever.
Coaxial alignment between second lever and rotary actuator
The axis of rotation of the second lever is aligned coaxially with the axis of rotation of the rotary actuator.
Needle-holder coupling via engagement end and coupling portion
The second lever has a pivot portion mounted on a second support member and an arm connected to an engagement end that couples to a coupling portion of the needle holder.
Slot/protuberance coupling interface between lever engagement ends
The coupling interface includes either an axially extending slot on the second lever for receiving the first lever engagement end, or an axially extending protuberance on the second lever received in a slot on the first lever engagement end.
Drug delivery device with cartridge-based delivery unit including the mechanism
A drug delivery device includes a delivery unit configured to receive a drug cartridge containing a drug for administration to a patient, and the device includes the subcutaneous delivery mechanism.
The claim coverage defines a housing-mounted needle actuation mechanism that uses a rotary actuator to rotate a first lever, which via opposite rotation coupling to a second lever drives an engagement end that moves a needle-fixed, movably mounted needle holder between retracted and extended delivery positions. Dependent claims further constrain rotational-axis geometry, define slot/protuberance coupling interface features, and integrate the mechanism into a drug delivery device with a cartridge-based delivery unit.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
Integration into a patch pump drug delivery device with a disposable delivery unit and a cartridge/pump, including continuous actuation after extension and operation/feedback for retraction.
Administration of a drug to a patient using a drug delivery device that includes a delivery unit configured to receive a drug cartridge and the subcutaneous delivery mechanism.
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