BIASING MECHANISM FOR A DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE

• US 20100324497A1
• Filed: 05/27/2010
• Published: 12/23/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/01/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH (Sanofi )
• Original Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH (Sanofi )
• Inventors: PLUMPTRE, David Aubrey
• Granted Patent: US 9,457,150 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/207
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/2407 from the rear
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/2477 comprising means to reduce play of ampoule within ampoule holder, e.g. springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/2488 via rotation, e.g. threads or bayonet
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/2492 via snap connection
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/24 Ampoule syringes, i.e. syringes with needle for use in combination with replaceable ampoules or carpules, e.g. automatic ampoules or carpules A61J1/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31551 including axial movement of dose setting member
• CPC Class Codes: F16F 1/025 characterised by having a particular shape F16F1/04, F16F1/14, F16F1/18, F16F1/32, F16F1/34 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

A method and system for biasing a cartridge in a drug delivery device. An element for biasing a cartridge in a cartridge housing of a drug delivery device is provided. This non-plastic element does not comprise a coil spring. A self retained element for providing a spring bias to a cartridge in a cartridge holder of a drug delivery device comprises a first member having a shape that allows passage of a spindle of the drug delivery device. A portion of the first member is self retained by an internal surface of the drug delivery device. The self retained element biases the cartridge against an inner surface of the cartridge holder. This cartridge could be a removable cartridge.

Claims

1. An element configured for biasing a cartridge in a cartridge housing of a drug delivery device, wherein said element is not a coil spring.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said element is configured to be self retained by an internal surface of said drug delivery device.

3. The invention of claim 1 wherein said element comprises

a first member and

a second member folded over said first member,

said first member having a shape to allow passage of a spindle of said drug delivery device during dose administration of said drug delivery device.

4. The invention of claim 3 wherein a portion of said first member is self retained by an internal surface of said drug delivery device.

5. The invention of claim 3 wherein a portion of said first member is self retained by an internal surface of a dose setting mechanism of said drug delivery device.

6. The invention of claim 1 wherein said element comprises

a first loop

a second loop flexibly coupled to said first loop,

said first and said second loops engaging an inner surface of said drug delivery device for self retention within said drug delivery device.

7. The invention of claim 1 wherein when said element is compressed, said element compresses to a height of approximately 0.5 millimeters.

8. The invention of claim 1 wherein said cartridge housing comprises a distal end, said distal end used for connecting a needle assembly.

9. The invention of claim 8 wherein when the needle assembly is connected or removed from said distal end, said element prevents said cartridge from moving in a proximal direction in said cartridge housing.

10. The invention of claim 1 wherein said element biases said cartridge against an interior cartridge holder surface.

11. The invention of claim 1 wherein said element comprises

a first dimension associated with an uncompressed state when said element is not biasing said cartridge;

and

a second dimension associated with a compressed state when said element is biasing said cartridge,

such that a difference between said first dimension and said second dimension is less than approximately 4 millimeters.

12. The invention of claim 1 wherein said element comprises

an upper wave spring, and

a lower wave spring flexibly coupled to said upper wave spring.

13. The invention of claim 1 wherein said element comprises a non-plastic element.

14. A self retained element for providing a spring bias to a cartridge in a cartridge holder of a drug delivery device, said element comprising:

a first member having a shape to allow passage of a spindle of said drug delivery device, a portion of said first member self retained by an internal surface of said drug delivery device,

wherein said self retained element biases said cartridge against an inner surface of said cartridge holder.

15. The invention of claim 14 wherein said self retained element comprises a first circular spring member flexibly connected to a second circular member.

16. The invention of claim 15 wherein said first circular spring member comprises an outer diameter generally smaller than an outer diameter of said cartridge.

17. The invention of claim 15 wherein said first circular spring member comprises an inner diameter generally greater than an inner diameter of said cartridge.

18. The invention of claim 15 wherein an outer diameter of said first circular spring member is generally equal to an outer diameter of said second circular spring member.

19. The invention of claim 15 wherein said cartridge housing comprises a removable cartridge.

20. The invention of claim 15 wherein said cartridge housing comprises a needle attaching portion, said needle attaching portion allowing for a mounting of a removable needle assembly.

21. The invention of claim 20 wherein when a user connects or disconnects the needle assembly to or from said needle attaching portion of said cartridge housing, said self retained element prevents said cartridge from moving axially relative to said cartridge housing.

22. The invention of claim 20 wherein said needle attaching portion comprises a helical groove.

23. The invention of claim 14 wherein said self retained spring has a first height associated with an unbiased state and a second height associated with a biased state wherein a difference between said first height and said second height is no more than approximately 1 to 3 millimeters.

29. The invention of claim 23 further comprising the step of:

compressing said self retained spring biasing element to a compressed height H2 of less than approximately 3 millimeters.

24. A method of biasing a cartridge in a drug delivery device cartridge holder, said method comprising the steps of:

defining an inner end face and a first inner surface of a cartridge holder housing;

positioning a cartridge along said first inner surface of said cartridge holder housing;

positioning a self retained biasing element in a dose setting mechanism; and

connecting said dose setting mechanism to said cartridge holder housing.

25. The invention of claim 24 further comprising the step of:

utilizing said self retained biasing element to maintain said cartridge against said inner end face of said cartridge holder.

26. The invention of claim 24 further comprising the step of:

utilizing said self retained biasing element to maintain said cartridge against said inner end face of said cartridge holder when a user connects a needle to said cartridge holder.

27. The invention of claim 24 further comprising the step of:

manufacturing said self retained biasing element as a unitary biasing element.

28. The invention of claim 24 further comprising the step of:

positioning said self retained biasing element in said dose setting mechanism by flexibly engaging said self retained biasing element within a housing of said dose setting mechanism.