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Publication Number
US-11471603-B2
Publication Date
2022-10-18
Expiration Date
Abstract
A needle-free injection device including an outer housing and an inner housing configured to receive a needle-free syringe in one end. The inner housing of the device is moveable within the outer housing between a syringe loading position and a firing position. The device also includes an activation button and a housing lock engaged by the activation button to prohibit movement of the inner housing from the syringe loading position to the firing position if the activation button is activated in the syringe loading position.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a needle-free injection device that includes an outer housing and an inner housing. The inner housing is configured to receive a needle-free syringe in one end and is moveable within the outer housing between a syringe loading position and a firing position. An activation button operates the device, and a housing lock is engaged by the activation button to prohibit movement of the inner housing from the syringe loading position to the firing position when the activation button is activated in the syringe loading position.
In the firing position, the activation button triggers a release mechanism that frees stored energy to drive a syringe plunger for injection. The transition toward firing includes a skin-tensioning spring that is compressed during the transition. The architecture is organized so that actuation for release is linked to the position-dependent housing lock, thereby controlling when the stored energy is released for the hammer-driven firing function.
Safety and reliability features are provided using syringe mount interlocking and retention structures. The syringe mount includes an interlocking structure with rotating pawls, tabs, and openings arranged so that the interlocking structure permits proper engagement only in the syringe loading position, and blocks or inhibits improper syringe engagement or movement. The device further includes an eject button with shielding and an optional eject spring to enable ejection of the needle-free syringe in a controlled manner. Additional structural arrangements include non-rotational mounting via orientation channels and visual indicators.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim provides a position-dependent housing lock controlled by an activation button to prevent movement of the inner housing from the syringe loading position to the firing position when the activation button is activated during loading. The dependent features add release of stored energy by an activation mechanism only in the firing position and add syringe mount interlocks, retention constraints, and an eject button/eject spring functionality.
Position-dependent housing lock by activation button
An outer housing; an inner housing configured to receive a needle-free syringe in one end and moveable within the outer housing between a syringe loading position and a firing position; an activation button; and a housing lock engaged by the activation button to prohibit movement of the inner housing from the syringe loading position to the firing position when the activation button is activated in the syringe loading position.
Stored-energy release mechanism for hammer drive
A release mechanism actuated by the activation button to release stored energy to power a hammer in the inner housing, where the activation button can engage the release mechanism only when the housing is in the firing position.
Ball-lock-sleeve lever and hammer release linkage
A release mechanism using a ball lock sleeve linked to a lever and hammer so that lever articulation moves the ball lock sleeve releasing the hammer.
Syringe mount engagement interlock permitting engagement only in loading position
A syringe mount that receives the needle-free syringe and blocks the syringe from engaging the mount unless the inner housing is in the syringe loading position.
Syringe mount retention preventing removal except in loading position
Syringe-mount structure that prevents removing the needle-free syringe from engagement unless the inner housing is in the syringe loading position.
Syringe eject spring for full ejection upon eject-button activation
A syringe eject spring configured to provide enough force to fully eject the needle-free syringe away from the device when the eject button is activated.
Overall claim coverage centers on preventing firing progression by using an activation-button-engaged housing lock tied to the syringe loading position, and enabling the firing release only in the firing position via a stored-energy release mechanism. Dependent features add specific release actuation structures, syringe mount interlocking and retention constraints tied to the loading position, and an eject-button/eject-spring ejection function.
Stated Advantages
Prohibits movement of the inner housing from the syringe loading position to the firing position when the activation button is activated in the syringe loading position.
Permits stored-energy release and hammer-driven firing only when in the firing position.
Blocks improper syringe engagement by allowing engagement only in the syringe loading position.
Prevents syringe removal from engagement unless the inner housing is in the syringe loading position.
Enables controlled syringe ejection using an eject button and optional eject spring.
Documented Applications
Needle-free injection device operation involving syringe loading, firing, and syringe ejection, including safety and reliability interlocks tied to syringe loading and firing positions.
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