Force containment in an automatic injector

Abstract

A method of connecting a cartridge having a connection feature to an automatic injector is described. The cartridge, while mechanically coupled with a plunger driver, is arranged into a receiving frame of the automatic injector. The cartridge is slid until reaching a distal stop. The connection feature is linked to an interference element of the receiving frame. The connection feature is slid, such that disconnection of the cartridge is inhibited. Forces generated by the plunger driver on the cartridge through the receiving frame are contained, thereby immobilizing the cartridge with respect to the automatic injector.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of connecting a cartridge having a connection feature to an automatic injector, the method comprising:
 arranging said cartridge while mechanically coupled with a plunger driver into a receiving frame of said automatic injector;   sliding said cartridge until reaching a distal stop;   linking said connection feature to an interference element of said receiving frame;   snapping said connection feature, such that disconnection of said cartridge is inhibited; and   containing forces generated by said plunger driver on said cartridge through said receiving frame, thereby immobilizing said cartridge with respect to said automatic injector.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein containing forces generated by said plunger driver on said cartridge through said receiving frame comprises mechanically interfering with an axial translation of said cartridge. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein containing forces generated by said plunger driver on said cartridge through said receiving frame comprises mechanically interfering with a rotational translation of said cartridge. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein containing forces generated by said plunger driver on said cartridge through said receiving frame comprises surrounding a portion of said cartridge from a dorsal side, a ventral side, a proximal side, and a distal side. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said receiving frame has an open top, and arranging said cartridge into the receiving frame of said automatic injector comprising arranging said cartridge through said open top into the receiving frame. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cartridge is mechanically coupled to the plunger driver at a proximal end of the cartridge. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cartridge is interconnected to a needle at a distal end of the cartridge. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the automatic injector comprises a motor.